Outreach Officer

3-year fixed term contract - This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 3 years; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

We are currently recruiting for an Outreach Officer on a 3-year fixed term contract; you will be required to provide a supportive outreach response to rough sleepers. You will be responsible for conducting outreach work across Medway to verify, engage and support rough sleepers. You will have experience in dealing with rough sleepers with multiple needs and able to work with challenging behaviour.

• To follow up individuals sleeping rough and liaise with partner agencies to deliver multi-agency service and interventions, within Medway.
• To be able to adapt working practises to work with vulnerable people both on the streets and within accommodation.
• To carry a case load of clients, ensuring they are effectively supported, and this is followed up with effective casework management including client centred support plans, risk assessments and needs assessments.

The successful applicant will be required to hold a full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle, flexible working will be required as the role, on occasion will call for early morning starts. The successful post holder will be subject to a Standard DBS check.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Donna Payne on donna.payne@medway.gov.uk.

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. The salary you will be offered will be at level A. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

• Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
• Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
• Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

We are seeking an Outreach Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
• Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
• For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
• Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
• We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.