Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Previous experience

(section 1)

• 6 months experience working in a homelessness environment

OR

• 6 months experience working with people with complex needs

OR

• Relevant experience or skills that would be transferable to the post

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

· Experience of alcohol/substance misuse/mental health issues

· Current clean driving licence and ability to safely drive 9 seater mini bus

Skills/ Abilities

(section 2)

· 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 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 & 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 Centered working

Education / 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 homeless people

· Understanding of Welfare Reform and how it impacts on homeless people

· EEA nationals benefit eligibility

· Understanding of Assertive Support Principles

· Knowledge of housing options available to vunerably housed clients

· 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

· Knowledge of health and safety in relation to buildings and kitchens

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated, and committed to delivering service excellence
• Commitment to personal and professional development
• Can develop an approach to practice based on critical thinking, reflection and feedback
• Have the capacity and self-confidence to innovate
• Non-judgemental, with ability to empathise with clients
• Honest, trustworthy and respectful
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Flexible, energetic, positive and calming disposition
• Resilient and self-caring
• Commitment to reducing the numbers of people vulnerably housed

Other

• Able to work shift hours as required including early mornings, evening and weekends.
• A satisfactory Enhanced Access NI check is required for this post

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