ASSERTIVE OUTREACH WORKER
| Location | Belfast |
| Sector | |
| Job type | Permanent |
| Salary | Negotiable |
| Published | about 1 year ago |
| Contact email | Angela Hughes |
| Job ref | 030822ASSOUTWORK_1659536801 |
Job description
ASSERTIVE OUTREACH WORKERS
BELFAST
37.5 HOURS PER WEEK - BETWEEN 7AM & 2AM - SHIFT BASIS - MON TO FRI
£21,450 PER ANNUM
Main Duties and Tasks
To reduce rough sleeping in Belfast by meaningful engagment with new and entrenched Rough Sleepers many of whom have complex and mulitple needs. The Assertive Outreach Worker will work as part of a team on a shift basis enabling Rough Sleepers to access, appropriate accommodation and support services which will help them to move on from the street.
**DRIVERS LICENSE ESSENTIAL**
Providing the service:
Street Work
- Identify and engage with people who are potentially sleeping rough in order to verify them as Rough Sleepers
- Develop effective relationships with Rough Sleepers both new and entrenched making particular efforts to break down barriers with those who are reluctant to access support and accommodation
- Provide targeted, intensive and personalised outreach support which results in people being able to move on from rough sleeping
- Carry out Outreach shifts/work with other agencies including, Primary Health Care, Drug Outreach Team, Housing Executive ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach.
- Ensure Rough Sleepers have their basic needs met i.e. food, clothing, washing etc
- Effectively communicate within and between teams to ensure follow up work is acted upon
- Assess and respond to requests from emergency services (code 7's) and the public in relation to potential Rough Sleepers or vulnerably housed people who need assistance
- Prevent rough sleeping by engaging with people who have accommodation and a 'street lifestyle' i.e. begging, street drinking etc and liaise with relevant housing support services to ensure their accommodation is sustained
- Engage in Street counts
Providing support
- Work within the 'No Second Night Out' initative to ensure Rough Sleepers do not have to spend a second night on the street
- Identify potential accommodation providers and housing pathways for Rough Sleepers
- Ensure all Rough Sleepers have made a homeless application, points are maximised and areas of choice are realistic
- Be aware of, liaise with and refer to temporary hostels including Crash facilities on a daily basis
- Work within the Welcome Drop In with Rough Sleepers to ensure continuing and effective support
- Work with clients to draft and implement Needs Assessments and Support Plans ensuring clients receive an individual package of holistic support.
- Carry a caseload of Keyworking Clients ensuring regular 1 to 1 meetings to review progress towards goals
- Ensure all clients have identified risks, assessed and a management plan is in place
- Assist clients with benefits entitlements ensuring income maximisation
- Identify barriers preventing clients from accessing support services and advocate on their behalf while raising awareness of their rights.
- Signpost clients to relevant service providers. Where neccessary provide transport and accompany them to appointments
- Identify and work with other agencies to provide a comprehensive wrap-around support service which will include initiating and leading Case Conferences for those that are not having their needs met
- Provide support which will help to reduce the harming effects of the needs clients present with
- Encourage clients to participate in support that will prepare them for independent living
Monitoring the service
- Maintain accurate records including, handovers, contact notes, casefiles etc.
- Co-operate with the monitoring framework in order to enable external evaluation of the service
- Work to meet any KPIs set
- Prepare reports for the Service Manager as required
General
- Keep abreast of relevant developments in the sector including training and other opportunities relevant to the post
- Ensure all vulnerable adults and children at risk are safeguarded appropriately
- Actively participate in supervision, appraisals and team meetings
- Encourage clients to represent themselves, advocating where appropriate
- Attend meetings as required
- Work with, support and mentor Volunteers to enhance the service
- Cover for other members of the team and services as necessary
- Maintain safe systems of work and a safe environment
- Promote service user involvement
- Adhere to all of The Welcome's policies and procedures
- Undertake any other duties relevant to the post
Person Specification | ||
Criteria | Essential | Desirable |
Previous experience (section 1) |
OR
OR
| · Experience of managing people with challenging behaviour and poor levels of engagement · Experience of alcohol/substance misuse/mental health issues
|
Skills (section 2) | · Ability to develop Needs Assessments and Support Plans and manage a Key Worker case load
· Able to take the lead and work in partnership with other agencies
· Ability to adhere to Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Protection of Vulnerable Adults and other policies · Excellent written/verbal communication, numerical and interpersonal skills · Competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft | · Motivational interviewing skills
· Ability to complete risk assessments and risk management plans · Ability to promote client independence and user involvement · Person Centered working
|
Knowledge (section 3) | · Knowledge of benefits relevant to single homeless people · Understand the need for confidentiality · Understanding and commitment to working within our ethos of High Tolerance, Low Threshold services. · Understanding of issues involved in working with rough sleepers
| · Understanding of Welfare Reform and how it impacts on homeless people · EEA nationals benefit eligibility · Understanding of Assertive Outreach principles · Knowledge of housing options available to rough sleepers · Knowledge of the Housing Executives housing application process · Knowledge of support services relevant to homeless people · Sound knowledge and understanding of working with challenging clients with poor levels of engagement · Understanding of the effects of drug and alcohol dependencies and mental health issues · Knowledge of the causes and consequences of homelessness · Understanding of Harm Reduction principles · Understanding of Pre-tenancy support needs |
Other |
· The post holder will be required to wear identifiable clothing (uniform) whilst working · 2 years driving experience with current clean licence and ability to safely drive a Transporter
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To apply
Please forward your CV to Angela Hughes at Staffline Recruitment by clicking on APPLY. You can also contact Angela on 02890 242824 ext 404
The Staffline Recruitment Specialist Team is a dedicated division within Staffline Recruitment, focused on providing Permanent, Contract & Temporary staffing solutions across; Construction, Engineering, Accountancy & Finance, Financial Services & Insurance, Health & Safety, HR, IT, Sales & Marketing, Senior Manufacturing, Procurement & Supply Chain & Medical, Health & Social Care.
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