Housing First Belfast Case Worker

The aim of the role is to support and signpost service users into services that will improve their housing, health and wellbeing while improving the service users' quality of life. This is achieved through the provision of engagement and individualised support plans, targeted interventions, signposting and group work. You will work proactively to form strong relationships and gain service users' trust, striving to provide the best possible service levels at all times.

Service user focus

• To provide service user support in a person-led manner, which is both professional and respectful.
• Assess the safety and wellbeing needs of the service user and develop plans which address and reduce identified risks.
• In partnership with service users, assess their needs and develop support plans, which are flexible and respond to the changing needs of the service users.
• Support people to engage with services, to stabilise and to settle into accommodation settings.
• Build effective, appropriate and supportive relationships with service users, developing support plans with the aim of reducing re-offending.
• Be responsible and resilient in the face of challenging behaviour and individuals who may be in crisis; disclose and discuss risks responsibly, operate within existing data sharing frameworks; acknowledge areas of limitation; and liaise with all linked professionals responsibly.
• Develop and implement Resettlement Plans and review progress with Service Users.
• Facilitate individuals to identify and maintain appropriate move-on accommodation providing practical help and support throughout this transition.
• Work with service users and relevant external agencies in order to deliver meaningful and effective key working.
• Support service users to integrate with their communities in line with good neighbourhood principles.
• Advocate on behalf of service users to achieve the best outcomes for them.
• Provide outreach work within the community based on service delivery needs.

Health & Safety

• Ensure that Health and Safety standards are met within the service in accordance with Depaul's Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• Undertake assigned duties regarding the overall health and safety and security of the service and utilise available security systems to manage risk relevant to the service.
• Ensure completion of all relevant wellbeing and health and safety checks.

Administration & Record Keeping

• Carry out service administration tasks such as upkeep of client records, financial transactions, internal and external reports, incident and accident management and other record keeping relevant to the roles.
• Remain vigilant to IT and cyber risks and comply at all times with Depaul's IT Security policies.

Other duties

• Be a contributing team player, taking part in handovers, team meetings, core training, the mentoring of Volunteers and supporting other team members in ensuring all decision making is appropriate and consistent.
• Undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work in line with Depaul Values and ethos.

The above list is not exhaustive; additional areas of responsibility may be added over time and flexibility to cover for other staff roles is required from time to time.

Qualifications & Experience

• A formal Level 3 qualification in a social care field, e.g. diploma in health and social care or equivalent and at least 2 years paid experience working with vulnerable women, desirably experience working with women leaving prison OR at least 3 years paid experience working with vulnerable women, desirably experience working with women leaving prison and 3 formal qualifications at Level 2 to include Math and English, e.g. GCSE's or NVQ.

Skills

• Good working knowledge of risk assessment and risk management processes.
• Good IT skills, including working knowledge of using IT systems to record client information.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to compile and present accurate written and electronic reports.

Knowledge

• Understanding of homelessness and the issues that can lead to homelessness.
• Understanding of what supports can be offered in homeless services to promote positive futures.
• Knowledge/experience of working with needs assessment, key working and support planning for service users, specifically relating to people who have committed offences.
• Knowledge of the statutory and voluntary sector resources available to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
• Understanding the importance of Health and Safety standards in the delivery of services on a day-to-day basis.
• Knowledge of relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and the ability to network/liaise with all relevant bodies.
• Knowledge and willingness to work within the guidelines of Depaul vision mission and values.

Circumstances

• Ability to work on a rota basis (7 day week – Mornings, Evenings & Weekends).
• Access to a car insured for business purposes during working hours, and a valid driving licence.