Project Worker – Montfort House

About the role: As a Project Worker at Montfort House you will be responsible for ensuring individualised support packages via needs assessment, appropriate support plans and key working processes which are responsive to the needs of the clients you will be working with. You will support the manager and wider team to develop the service provided at Montfort House as and when the needs of the residents change and to ensure adherence to best practice in relation to working within a psychologically informed environment and contractual requirements from our funders.

Main duties:

• To utilise the Inform and CHAIN databases fully as both an outcome measurement tool and a case management system.
• To provide excellent support, advice and advocacy to residents regarding Housing Benefit, Job Seeker Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Pensions credit etc., including historic debt recovery.
• To negotiate and liaise with both internal and external agencies on behalf of Montfort House residents while ensuring The Passage is always represented in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Employ a detailed knowledge and comply with the terms of relevant legislation, in particular in the areas of housing, homelessness, rough sleeping and health and social care.
• Engage with residents to motivate them to move away from a street lifestyle, utilising different motivational techniques, reflective practice and empathetic attitude.
• To work with other agencies in diverse areas including employment, health, housing, immigration, family relationships, criminal justice system, drug and alcohol services, welfare and other statutory bodies.

General responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the Montfort House Project Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims and values.

Desired experience:

• Demonstrable experience of motivating excluded adults who may not wish to engage with services in a residential or similar setting.
• Experience of working within a team and achieving strong and effective relationships with others to achieve organisational aims and objectives.
• Experience of navigating the welfare benefits system on behalf of vulnerable individuals and experience of appeal procedures.
• Experience of joint working; especially in relation to case conferences and a multi-agency approach to supporting vulnerable people.
• Experience of working with people who have survived extreme trauma, are living with Personality Disorder, diagnosed or otherwise, and or other mental health issues.
• An understanding of harm reduction approaches and their application across a variety of substances and experience of supporting people with substance misuse issues and also dual-diagnosis who may be resistant to accessing treatment.
• Experience of creating Support Plans that are person-centred and that reflect the aspirations and desires of the individual. Experience of creating detailed Risk Assessments.

Desired knowledge:

• Knowledge of homelessness, understanding of the varied needs of people with extensive and long-term histories of homelessness and rough sleeping, those at acute risk of homelessness and/or those who persistently refuse offers of support.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety, and the implications of this in the working environment.
• Knowledge of the requirements of Supporting People and the Housing First philosophy and working practices within a residential setting.
• The ability to handle the pressure and responsibility of helping vulnerable people with very complex needs whilst remaining calm and motivated in a residential setting that can be demanding at times.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to collate and evidence work/outcomes using case management systems.

Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.