At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterans at risk of homelessness by managing referrals and providing essential services.
- Company: Join Riverside, a leading not-for-profit housing association making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace that values inclusion and community support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Empathy for vulnerable individuals, strong communication skills, and attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 34100 £ per year.
Job Description
Job Title
- Case Work & Referral Officer
- Contract Type
- : Permanent
- Salary
- : depends on location; Catterick is £
- / Hackney is £
- Working Hours
- : 37.5 hours per week
- Working Pattern
- : Monday to Friday 9-5 (Hybrid / expected to work at least 50% at preferred location)
- Location
: Hackney, London and Catterick, Yorkshire.
The difference you will make as Case Work & Referral Officer
In this role you will work in partnership with key stakeholders to achieve the Op FORTITUDE mission to end veteran rough sleeping.
This Government-funded referral service supports veterans who may be rough sleeping or are at risk of homelessness.
The role involves working collaboratively as part of a committed team to deliver an outstanding service by administering the referral gateway for single veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness to access suitable accommodation.
The aim is to put customers first and empower them to achieve their goals and aspirations, while undertaking a range of tasks that contribute to safe and effective service delivery.
About You
- An understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable homeless people with complex needs.
- Ability to work in partnership and communicate with other people to reach positive outcomes.
- Ability to organise tasks and plan accordingly.
- Be a team player with a caring, flexible, resilient, can-do attitude.
- Ability to use initiative and have confidence to make decisions.
- High attention to detail with competent and accurate administrative and IT skills.
Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers.
For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK.
Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
- Working With Us, You’ll Enjoy
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options available
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
- Diversity And Inclusion At Riverside
We are inclusive.
At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms.
We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard.
Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Role profile
To work in partnership with key stakeholders to achieve the Op FORTITUDE mission to end veteran rough sleeping.
This Government-funded referral service supports veterans who may be rough sleeping or are at risk of homelessness.
The role involves working collaboratively as part of a committed team to deliver an outstanding service by administering the referral gateway for single veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness to access suitable accommodation.
The aim is to put customers first and empower them to achieve their goals and aspirations, while undertaking a range of tasks that contribute to safe and effective service delivery.
Role requires you to deliver a referral management service as per contractual requirements by:
- Acting as the first point of contact, dealing with a range of enquiries, answering phone calls and signposting customers as required.
- Demonstrating a full understanding of the eligibility criteria to confirm that referrals meet the criteria for the Pathway.
- Signposting referred customers that have a need for support, but do not meet the eligibility criteria.
- Conducting initial assessment of allocated referrals, and current housing status.
- Identifying root cause of insecurity of current home.
- Identifying best solutions to address root cause.
- Developing a detailed understanding of support available, both veteran and non-veteran specific.
This may include Local Authorities, Op COURAGE for mental health support, grant giving bodies for financial support, local Third Sector Floating Support services to provide ongoing tenancy sustainment support, employment support, and signposting to other relevant agencies to meet their needs.
- Making referrals to the most appropriate organisation from our list of approved providers, to assist the referred veteran to address the underlying cause of homelessness.
- Ensuring 100% compliance with the recording of all referral and case management activity.
- Contributing to and maintaining partnerships across the Op FORTITUDE Pathway.
- Carrying out day-to-day administration and operational duties.
- Assisting in the collation and submission of information returns relating to funding and performance, including capturing information for contractual requirements.
- Delivering the referrals process to meet contractual requirements. This will include:
- Monitoring the Op FORTITUDE referral portal, acknowledging receipt of referrals and responding to all enquiries within agreed timeframes.
- Referring customers to the Pathways Caseworker for support in seeking accommodation.
- Liaising with referring agents.
- Deciding on the outcome and advising all relevant parties accordingly.
- Making a referral to the appropriate accommodation provider with suitable vacancies that meet referral needs.
- Being responsible for the accuracy of data of the referrals and that the referral pathway database is “quality driven” and updated at all times, escalating any issues or concerns when referrals have not met the pathway standards to the Service Manager.
- Respecting customer preferences in relation to choice of location where multiple accommodation options are available.
- Where multiple accommodation choices are available that meet both the level of need, and referral choice, prioritise the unit that has been vacant for the longest period.
- Using IT systems appropriately, including adding updates to the referral portal.
- Support Customers
- You will use psychologically and trauma informed approaches to engage and support veterans to make positive choices by:
- Signposting to the relevant external organization for support.
- Suggest the appropriate Op FORTITUDE Casework & Referral Officer or Specialist supports the customer depending on their needs.
- Maintaining regular contact with veterans on the waiting list and keeping them fully updated with the status of their application.
- Understanding the risk management process, escalating appropriately where you have concerns for the safety of the veteran or others.
- Ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion is always considered.
- Other Information
- Carry out all your duties within Riverside’s Policy and Procedure framework e. g., health & safety, safeguarding, dignity at work, GDPR, cash handling, etc.
- Deliver your role in line with Riverside company values – “Our Riverside Way”.
- Participate in team meetings, attend regular supervisions and reflective practice sessions.
- Undertake regular training and take responsibility for continuous development to enable you to deliver your role safely.
- From time to time, you may be required to undertake additional duties and responsibilities in consultation with your Line Manager.
Person specification
Essential
- An understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable homeless people with complex needs.
- Ability to work in partnership and communicate with other people to reach positive outcomes.
- Ability to organise tasks and plan accordingly.
- Be a team player with a caring, flexible, resilient, can-do attitude.
- Ability to use initiative and have confidence to make decisions.
- High attention to detail with competent and accurate administrative and IT skills.
Desirable
- Understanding of the veteran sector.
- Ability to administer a comprehensive referral service.
- Personal lived experience of serving in the forces or of homelessness.
- Have a good understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and how to identify and raise safeguarding concerns.
About Us
Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes from Irvine to Kent.
We are a leading provider of supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness, and our track record of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods dates back over 90 years.
We have plans to build over 15,000 affordable homes over the next decade.
Our Values and Behaviours
- Creating an Inclusive Environment
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Case Work & Referral Officer employer: Riverside
Riverside is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. As a Trauma-Informed Support Worker at The Stages Academy in Middlesbrough, you will benefit from flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Case Work & Referral Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Riverside.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Riverside.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Riverside.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Riverside. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Case Work & Referral Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Riverside. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Case Work & Referral Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverside
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Riverside. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
