To provide support and assistance to homeless people (including known rough sleepers) residing in Emergency Accommodation (Milestone House). To support those people residing in the accommodation to move on to appropriate accommodation, contributing towards Derby's vision to eradicate rough sleeping in the city.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Be part of a team of staff covering shifts at the emergency accommodation provision based at Milestone House.
- Work on a shift pattern that operates over a 7 day period, with 2 shifts operating between 8am and 8pm daily.
- Manage a case load that delivers effective advice, support, motivation and crisis intervention to customers in Milestone House.
- Deliver regular and effective support sessions with customers, reviewing progress to ensure agreed targets are met.
- Complete support plans and dynamic risk assessments for customers and review these in line with local procedure and defined timescales.
- Use personal skills and techniques in building rapport quickly with individuals, including approaches such as Behaviour Change and Motivational Interviewing.
- Safeguard vulnerable customers at all times and ensure that Derby Safeguarding Adult Board procedures are followed where concerns are identified.
- Liaise with the Milestone House Manager, Team Leader and implement an action plan around any identified vulnerabilities, working closely with the MASH team to safeguard those at risk.
- Maintain effective partnerships with key statutory and voluntary agencies.
- Provide advocacy and practical assistance in maximising customers' income, by assisting with benefit claims and checking that the required documentation/evidence is appropriate.
- Assist customers with managing finances, including budgeting, debt issues, bank accounts and liaising with appropriate agencies.
- Develop and improve life and self-management skills for customers.
- Ensure that customers within the Emergency Accommodation understand the terms of their tenure and their rights and responsibilities.
- Maintain accurate records on all aspects of the service using manual and computer systems in line with protocols.
- Ensure compliance with agreed reporting arrangements and provide management with the information it requires to monitor performance and service standards.
- Maintain professional boundaries in line with Derby Homes Policy in all dealings with customers, potential customers and past customers.
- Provide an environment which maintains an appropriate level of cleanliness and tidiness, undertaking practical supportive tasks as needed.
- Develop and maintain a current working knowledge of available resources and services for clients, e.g. accommodation providers, opportunities for recovery, training and work, rehabilitation, local interest groups.
- Employ the model of Person Centred Support to tailor a plan for move on to the next step in the customer accommodation journey.
- Monitor CCTV and capture footage when requested by the Milestone House Manager in accordance with data protection principles.
- Ensure that complainants receive relevant information about the complaint procedure and that the line manager is informed promptly.
- Act as an advocate for customers, which may involve occasional attendance at off-site appointments or interviews.
- Provide early alerts to Management in the event of poor or failing performance, or a suspicion of fraud, corruption or impropriety.
- Act as an ambassador of Derby Homes by displaying a professional and responsible attitude at all times.
- Play a part in ensuring Derby Homes achieves its vision and business objectives.
- Look for ways to exceed customer expectations through a focus on continuous improvement.
- Comply with all health and safety procedures.
- Participate in training as requested.
- Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to the Equalities policies of Derby Homes.
- Comply with all existing and any new personnel policies and practices implemented by Derby Homes.
- Undertake any additional duties commensurate with the grading and level of the post.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Milestone House Officer in Leicester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at 5 Star Recruitment.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from 5 Star Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like 5 Star Recruitment, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at 5 Star Recruitment or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to 5 Star Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to 5 Star Recruitment! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5 Star Recruitment
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
