At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing housing challenges and substance misuse issues with tailored, person-centred assistance.
- Company: Dynamic outreach service dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, travel expenses covered, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Part office-based, part community role with excellent career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social support.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work or related fields, strong communication skills, and empathy.
The Exempt Accommodation Support Service is based at our main hub in Digbeth but provides outreach support across the city. We are looking for project workers to provide flexible, person-centred support to people aged 25 years plus who are precariously accommodated, have a history of homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. It will primarily be supporting people living in exempt accommodation who have support needs relating to substance use, physical health and mental health.
The aims of this service are to provide additional support to improve access and sustainment of suitable accommodation for people engaging in structured drug and alcohol treatment, to reduce the scale of unmet housing need for this group of clients and to build evidence of housing-related need and effective interventions. The service will provide a range of practical support around finances, health and wellbeing, access to volunteering or training opportunities and integration into local communities as well as supporting continued engagement with treatment and tenancy sustainment.
This is a part office-based, part community-based role with a requirement to travel to accommodation providers and outreach sites. Travel expenses will be paid for any journeys undertaken.
Key tasks (selection of):- Provide a person-centred service to individuals, taking a psychologically informed approach, advising and supporting to ensure that clients are given choice and control about how their support is delivered.
- Assist with practical support such as travel issues, settling into accommodation and addressing any immediate accommodation issues.
- Ensure individuals have access to key services, including health care, substance misuse, and wellbeing services.
- Manage an active caseload of clients, keeping effective and up to date records and monitoring outcomes through our CRM database system.
- Support with timely reporting information regarding visits, support plans and session notes.
Housing and Substance Misuse Worker - EANS - Exempt Accommodation Navigator Team employer: SIFA Fireside
As a Housing and Substance Misuse Worker with our Exempt Accommodation Support Service in Digbeth, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while also offering flexible working arrangements to accommodate your needs. Join us in our mission to provide essential support and create lasting change in the community, all while enjoying the benefits of travel expense coverage and a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing and Substance Misuse Worker - EANS - Exempt Accommodation Navigator Team
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at SIFA Fireside.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from SIFA Fireside!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like SIFA Fireside, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at SIFA Fireside or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing and Substance Misuse Worker - EANS - Exempt Accommodation Navigator Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to SIFA Fireside:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SIFA Fireside! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SIFA Fireside
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
