Positive Engagement Worker in Croydon, Surrey

Location: Service is located at the heart of Croydon, close to the East Croydon train station. Please be aware that this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday 7.5 hours shifts between 08:00 - 20:30. You may also be required to work outside these hours including bank holidays as per service and resident requirements. We are a 24/7 staffed service.

About the Role: We are recruiting a Positive Engagement Worker to join the team in Croydon in a 27 bed residential property which specialises in forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. The team offers psychologically informed housing and resettlement support that comes with additional help for individuals' specific needs. Our forensic mental health step down services consist of four individual sites which cater for high and medium support for both men and women.

In this role, you will be at the centre of researching, sourcing, and providing various opportunities for our residents. This can include partnering with external employers for employment opportunities, liaising with colleges for courses and upskilling opportunities, or community based projects which residents can get involved in. The role is dynamic and you can put your own ideas forward to bring new ideas to the team to help support our residents have access to wider resources. You will work closely with the rest of the care and support teams to enhance the opportunities available to our residents.

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Plan and deliver various activities which includes within the service and outside in the local community to help gain a sense of community and belonging. This can include days out to museums, community events and other areas of interest by our residents.
• Plan in service events to bring residents together which could include group cooking sessions, games days, sporting events, and religious festivals.
• Keeping support plans up to date using our online portal.
• Carrying out housing management support including welfare benefits support.

About You: We are looking for someone who has a true passion to support those who face challenges with their forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. You will be able to build rapport and trusting relations in a professional setting, and able to build positive outcomes. You will be creative in your approach to find new ways to bring people together to gain a sense of community and belonging through various events and activities both in house and externally. You will have an adaptable and flexible approach to helping others, with an understanding that each individual has different levels and types of support needs.

You will have an understanding and ability to help others overcome their personal barriers, and will be motivated to want to make a difference to people's lives. This is a fulfilling role, and is the perfect fit for someone who has a real passion in helping others. You will have:

• Awareness of external opportunities which are available such as with education, employment and benefits.
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs, ideally in mental health.
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face.
• Ability to motivate, and empower others to achieve their personal goals and overcome barriers.
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs.
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges.
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency.

What we Offer:

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service.
• Employer Pension Contribution.
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card.
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more.
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work.
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling.
• Life Assurance Scheme.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Annual Staff Awards.
• EDI Ambassador programme.

About Social Interest Group (SIG): SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change.

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

Additional Information: Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions.