Housing Support Worker

Central Recruitment is currently recruiting for two permanent Housing Support Workers, to work in the Wandsworth area. The service provides accommodation to individuals to address their drug/alcohol use, using a harm reduction approach. Support is provided to enable people to develop the necessary life skills to move-on and live as independently as possible. The successful candidates will be required to work 35 hours per week, working across Monday – Sunday on a rota basis, covering early (8AM – 3:30PM) and late (2:30PM – 10PM) shifts. This is a permanent role. The annual salary is £29,934 per annum. Please note; you\’ll be working across 5 premises in the Wandsworth borough including high, medium and low support services. The 5 supported housing services accommodate 30 service users forming one housing pathway. In this position, you will responsible for: * Day to day management of the project as part of a team. Working alongside residents, assist in maintaining a high quality positive, safe and secure environment * Provide practical, flexible and personal support to residents in an approachable, caring and person-centred way using Outcomes Star to agree and monitor support and personal goals * Undertake comprehensive assessments of residents\’ strengths and risks, including risk management plans * Engage residents effectively by establishing a trusting working relationship which is person-centred and empowering * Assist in the monitoring, evaluation and processing of all referrals to the service and process admissions and exits to and from the service * Make referrals and link people in with relevant services such as health and community services * Provide harm reduction support and advice with regards to substance use * Work closely with Wandsworth substance use treatment team who will be coming into the service to deliver effective support and treatment to residents, maximising their opportunity to reduce harmful behaviours in relation to substance use. * Ensure residents have access to income and are supported to claim any benefit entitlement where applicable (including housing benefit); monitor rent arrears and collect rent from residents * Participate in the running of a group life skills programme, enabling residents to identify and build their confidence and abilities * Undertake activities with the residents, including preparing breakfast with/for all residents * Assist residents with tenancy sustainment; particularly in adhering to the conditions of their licence agreement * Support people to move through the pathway and/or find accommodation in the community * Prepare rooms for re-letting including preparation/cleaning of rooms * Carry out building checks including room checks, health and safety checks (including fire checks and water temperature testing) and report & record repairs, facilitating contractor access and ensure the communal areas of the project are clean and tidy Please note: this role involve lone working To apply for this role, you must have: * Essential: Minimum 2 years full time experience in the substance support field; working with and supporting vulnerable adults who use substances * An understanding of the needs of drug/alcohol users and knowledge of harm reduction techniques * Knowledge of complex needs, mental health and homeless legislation * Ability to assess clients\’ needs and supervise their support plan from referral to exit * Experience of one to one and group work and of using assessment and support planning tools * Knowledge of the range of community drug services and models of treatment as well as knowledge of brief intervention methods and motivational interviewing * Experience of Adult Safeguarding * Ability to collaborate with and build effective working relationships with other agencies as well as work within a team and to meet targets & deadlines * Experience advocating on behalf of service users * A non-judgemental attitude to drug/alcohol users and those at risk of homelessness * Ability to work equally with the strengths of each individual as well as the risks * Effective communication and organisational skills along with IT skills and the ability to use administrative and case management tools Desirable skills: Naloxone Training; Health & Social Care Level 3 (if you don\’t have this, you\’ll be expected to undertake training to achieve this) Please note; the successful candidate will be expected to undertake training in CIH housing practice level 3 Candidates must confirm their interest by Friday 11th July, with in person interviews scheduled for 22nd and 23rd July and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible. How to apply: If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration