At a Glance
- Tasks: Support homeless individuals during hospital discharge and connect them with housing services.
- Company: Join FCMS, a passionate social enterprise focused on health and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn £13.82 per hour, enjoy flexible hours, and access career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to improving community health.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups and strong communication skills are essential.
Welcome to FCMS!
Pay: £13.82 per hour
Hours: 15 hours over 2 days a week (likely Tuesday and Thursday) 08.00 - 16.00 with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break
Accountable to: Head of Inclusion Health
Base: Blackpool Victoria Hospital main base
There will be some co-location work to support this role linking with housing teams across Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre.
Overview of Role:
This role will enhance and support the hospital discharge process for people who are homeless and are admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The successful post holder will also support patients who attend the Emergency Department and the co-located Urgent Treatment Centre. This is an integrated care role, working across local health and housing teams and the wider multiple disadvantage partnership.
Main duties of the job:
- Provide timely and expert advice, assessment and support to patients on all pathways.
- Ensure that housing needs are identified, and appropriate support and referrals actioned, especially when there are health concerns or when the person is at risk of rough sleeping and/or known to be vulnerable.
- Support the Acute Trust in transitioning patients from hospital to their next care setting.
Job responsibilities:
- Identification of inpatients who are homeless.
- Supporting people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to have a safe, planned discharge from hospital.
- Liaison between Fylde Coast Housing Teams and the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals Bed Flow Team and Emergency Department.
- Reducing inappropriate and preventable A&E attendances.
- Taking referrals from Northwest Ambulance Service for people identified with housing as a contributory factor to their health and social care needs.
- Ensuring the delivery and raising the awareness of the discharge pathway for people who are homeless.
- Supporting onward referrals and follow-up care including Transfer of Care and raising any safeguarding concerns.
- Working across the Blackpool Multiple Disadvantage partnership.
- Attending the weekly Multiple Disadvantage Partnership meeting.
- Ensure compliance to internal, local and national safeguarding procedures.
Patient Identification:
- Use hospital systems and liaise with ward staff to identify homeless patients.
- Attend wards and multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Help prevent unsafe or early discharges.
Discharge Planning & Housing Support:
- Complete initial needs assessments and share with local housing teams.
- Notify housing teams and out-of-hours services of potential discharges.
- Maintain discharge protocols and follow up post-discharge.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Work closely with BTHFT Safeguarding adults team.
- Build strong links with inpatients, ward staff, housing teams, GP practices, and partners.
- Refer patients to housing providers for accommodation.
Service Development:
- Contribute to service improvement and protocol development.
- Undertake training and awareness sessions to support role delivery.
Activity Monitoring and Reporting:
- Complete patient contact notes in the relevant hospital system.
- Accurately record advice and outcomes of assessment, care planning and interventions.
Working Relationships:
- Patients, their carers and relatives.
- BTHFT Safeguarding Adults team.
- Local authority housing teams.
- Health and Social Care services.
Our key expectations are:
- Self-awareness.
- Adaptability.
- Openness.
- Positivity.
- Generosity of spirit.
- Ability to have fun.
Values:
- Fun.
- Awesome.
- Humble.
- Brave.
- Oompf.
- Go-getting.
Disability Confident Employer:
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
DBS:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemption Order) 1975.
For Driver positions you will also be required to undertake a Driver check.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Person Specification:
Experience:
- Proven experience working with vulnerable groups.
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
- Ability to manage complex cases.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Qualifications:
- Literacy skills.
- A good standard of education.
- Motivational Interviewing.
Personal Qualities:
- Technical and Organisational Skills.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
- Non-judgemental attitude.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Homeless Support Worker in Blackpool employer: FCMS (NW) LTD
At FCMS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable individuals in our community. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for career development and personal growth. Located at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, we offer a range of benefits including an NHS Pension, a Cycle to Work Scheme, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, ensuring that our team feels valued and empowered in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Support Worker in Blackpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of homeless support, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FCMS and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to support vulnerable individuals. Show them you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their amazing team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working with vulnerable groups. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Support Worker in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Homeless Support Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:We want to see your hands-on experience working with vulnerable groups. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, especially in health or social care settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with FCMS.
How to prepare for a job interview at FCMS (NW) LTD
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Homeless Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around hospital discharge processes and housing legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role is all about supporting vulnerable individuals. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding. Highlight how you've helped others in challenging situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Brush Up on Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to demonstrate how you'd handle difficult conversations or liaise with multiple agencies, so think through scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex communications.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare by thinking of specific situations you've faced in previous roles, particularly those involving multi-agency collaboration or crisis management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
