At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in a hostel, develop tailored support plans, and manage challenging behaviours.
- Company: Join Doncaster City Council's new Homelessness Support Hub, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 4 on 4 off rota, gaining valuable experience while helping others.
- Why this job: Be part of a multi-disciplinary team, creating positive change for those facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Willingness to learn, with knowledge of mental health, addiction, and housing law preferred.
- Other info: This is an ongoing temp contract, perfect for those passionate about social impact.
I am supporting Doncaster City Council in their new Homelessness support Hub within Wharf House Doncaster! This is an ongoing temp contract. This role requires a candidate to work on a 4 on 4 off rolling rota (including weekends and bank holidays). Staff will alternate the 4 on 4 off rota to ensure constant cover.
The role focuses on improving opportunities and well-being for individuals with multiple and complex needs, including substance misuse, rough sleeping, mental health challenges, offending behaviour, and domestic or sexual violence. Through effective engagement, person-centred support planning, and collaborative work within a multi-disciplinary team, the post holder will broker tailored support plans and identify suitable pathways for those entrenched in a cycle of homelessness.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Support individuals in a hostel environment to access services that address their needs.
- Develop, record, and update accurate support plans, tracking progression, activities, and outcomes.
- Organise key worker sessions tailored to individuals' needs, fostering responsibility-taking, reflection, and crisis management.
- Build and sustain effective working relationships with voluntary and statutory services.
- Regularly review barriers to progress and address them collaboratively with individuals.
- Respond assertively to challenging behaviour, offering resilience and liaising with relevant professionals.
- Plan exit strategies for individuals, based on their progress and long-term needs.
- Identify triggers and warning signs, collaborating with individuals to plan preventative actions.
Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
Essential and Desirable
- Willingness and ability to enhance qualifications for development in the role. Training in Safeguarding, Housing Law, Mental Health (PTSD/Personality Disorders), Addiction Recovery, Domestic Abuse, or Risk Management.
- Strong knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018 and principles for handling personal data. Understanding of Housing First models, Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), and legal frameworks related to care and support.
- Experience in casework, support planning, and partnership working. Advanced knowledge of addiction, trauma, or brain injury support.
- Demonstrable ability to identify and manage challenging behaviours in individuals. Mental health training, particularly in PTSD and personality disorders.
- Establish clear, ethical, and professional boundaries with individuals facing homelessness.
- Awareness of services and referral pathways across voluntary, statutory, and independent sectors.
- Focus on problem-solving and delivering effective solutions.
Please apply direct if you are interested.
Homelessness Support Worker employer: Reed
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. Understanding issues like substance misuse, mental health, and domestic violence will help you connect better with potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of homelessness support. Attend local events or workshops related to social work and community support. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations for job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships in similar environments. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also give you practical skills that are highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current policies and frameworks related to homelessness support, such as the Housing First model. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your dedication and readiness to tackle the complexities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Homelessness Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs outlined.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in support work, particularly with vulnerable individuals facing complex needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage challenging behaviours and develop effective support plans.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or training, such as safeguarding, mental health awareness, or knowledge of housing law. This will show that you are well-prepared for the challenges of the role.
Personalise Your Application: Craft a compelling cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Share your motivation for applying and how you can contribute to the team at Doncaster City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Homelessness Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals facing challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your understanding of their needs and your ability to connect with them on a personal level.
✨Know the Legal Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Data Protection Act 2018 and relevant housing laws. During the interview, you might be asked about these topics, so showing that you have a solid understanding will highlight your preparedness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific situations where you've successfully navigated complex issues or challenging behaviours. Employers want to see your ability to think critically and develop effective solutions for individuals in crisis.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
This role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with other professionals or services to achieve positive outcomes for individuals. This will show that you can work well in a team setting and value collective efforts.