Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Previous Experience

· 6 months experience of working with homeless people or rough sleepers with complex needs.

OR

· 6 months experience working within the fields of addiction or mental health or criminal justice system or a similar environment.

OR

· Relevant experience that would be transferable to the post

· Experience of managing people with challenging behaviour and poor levels of engagement.

· Experience of working people who have alcohol/substance misuse/mental health issues.

Skill

· Ability to develop needs assessments and support plans and manage a key worker case load.

· Able to manage challenging individuals and situations.

· Able to take the lead and work in partnership with other agencies.

· Ability to work in a busy environment be solution and target focused, show good time management skills and demonstrate ability to prioritise and make decisions under pressure.

· Excellent team working skills

· Ability to adhere to Equal opportunities, Health and 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.

· Basic Counselling skills

· Ability to complete risk assessments and risk management plans.

· Ability to promote client independence and user involvement.

· Person centred working.

Knowledge

· 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 housing options available to rough sleepers.

· Knowledge of the Housing application process.

· 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

· Able to work shift hours as required including early mornings and late night shifts where required.

· A Satisfactory Enhanced Access NI Check is required for this post.

· The post holder will be required to wear identifiable clothing (Uniform) whilst working.

· 2 Years driving experience with the ability to safely drive a Transporter.