Outreach Practitioner

Outreach Practitioner

Ilford Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness with outreach and case management.
  • Company: Join Via, a dedicated organisation focused on improving health and wellbeing for vulnerable communities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in health and social care.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and empathy are essential; language skills in Punjabi, Romanian, Lithuanian or Russian are a plus.
  • Other info: Work across multiple service hubs in Redbridge and receive ongoing professional development.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Are you looking for a sense of purpose in your job? Would you like to support people who are or have experienced homelessness and also struggle with alcohol or drug use? Being an outreach worker is varied and rewarding work. It also gives invaluable insight into health and social care systems for anyone looking to go into public health and policy work.

The Role

You will be a professional and motivated individual who is committed to providing assertive outreach and case management to engage or re-engage people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness into wellbeing services and drug and alcohol treatment. You’ll be able to work independently, but also as part of a supportive team. Some key aspects of the role include:

  • To carry out triage and comprehensive substance misuse assessments, risk assessments and develop person-centred care plans and risk management plans.
  • To provide evidence-based psychosocial interventions that align to the individual’s needs and goals, drawing upon Via’s Core Model curriculum and other tools and techniques, such as ITEP maps.
  • Conduct street outreach to engage/reengage homeless individuals who are misusing drugs or alcohol.
  • Deliver satellite provisions within local services e.g. hostels and day centres.
  • Provide effective and relevant harm reduction advice and interventions, including needle exchange, advice about synthetic opioids, and suicide prevention.
  • Represent Via by working professionally in collaboration with partner agencies including those in housing, immigration, healthcare, etc.

Strong communication skills, empathy and patience are needed for the post holder to provide care to service users who have diagnosed mental illness, have experienced complex trauma, and who experience difficulties engaging with mainstream services. Language skills in Punjabi, Romanian, Lithuanian or Russian would be desirable but are not essential.

The Service

Via’s Outreach service in Redbridge is collocated with and works alongside Via’s other services in Redbridge. These include the Adult and Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Services, a sexual health service for young people and vulnerable adults, and our smoking cessation service. Whilst focusing on people’s alcohol or drug use, the outreach team work closely with a wide range of other partner agencies who also support people who are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed, to ensure that a wide range of services are able to reach them to reduce inequalities and improve their health and wellbeing.

Via is committed to the ongoing professional development of all our staff. Through joining Via, you will receive a warm welcome, peer support, access to a wide range of training, including trauma informed care, and Via’s ‘Tackling Substance Misuse’ qualification which supports practitioners’ progression through the pay scales. Practitioners have regular supervision and clinical reflective practice, and have opportunities to thrive in a lively and aspirational organisation.

Location

The role covers multiple service hubs across the Borough of Redbridge with the main base being our Via hub in Ilford.

To see the generous range of benefits we offer at Via including 30 days annual leave for all new starters, our health and wellbeing initiatives, financial perks and development opportunities – visit our Benefits Package.

For an informal discussion about the position please contact Zoe Pithers, Team Leader.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 20 July at midnight. All our applications are sifted by humans. Please send us applications that reflect your own knowledge, experience and values and not applications that have been generated by artificial intelligence (AI). We accept applications via using our short application form, and your CV. For guidance on how to complete the application visit our website. Please submit your application as soon as possible as we may close adverts at any time if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Via welcomes enquiries from everyone, and we value diversity in our workplace. Our commitment to promoting diversity and developing a workplace environment where all staff are treated with dignity and respect is central to our recruitment process. We’re a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for our jobs, please confirm in the personal statement part of our application form that you are applying under this scheme.

Appointment to all our posts are subject to satisfactory completion of our safeguarding checks including DBS and we follow safer recruiting principles.

Outreach Practitioner employer: Via Westminster Drug Project

At Via, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our outreach practitioners benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering extensive training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including 30 days of annual leave. Located in the vibrant Borough of Redbridge, our team collaborates closely with various partner agencies, fostering a dynamic environment where employees can thrive while helping those in need.
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Contact Detail:

Via Westminster Drug Project Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Outreach Practitioner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and substance misuse. Understanding these issues will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of outreach work or social care. Attend relevant workshops or community events to connect with others who share your passion, as personal recommendations can often lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase any relevant volunteer experience or training in your discussions. Highlighting your hands-on experience with vulnerable populations can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your practical skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you would approach harm reduction strategies and person-centred care during your interview. Being able to articulate your understanding of these concepts will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Practitioner

Empathy
Strong Communication Skills
Case Management
Substance Misuse Assessment
Risk Assessment
Person-Centred Care Planning
Psychosocial Interventions
Harm Reduction Strategies
Street Outreach Experience
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Understanding of Mental Health Issues
Trauma-Informed Care
Patience
Cultural Competence
Language Skills (Punjabi, Romanian, Lithuanian, or Russian)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Outreach Practitioner position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as conducting assessments and providing psychosocial interventions.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your communication skills, empathy, and any experience working with vulnerable populations or in social care settings.

Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and substance misuse. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Via Westminster Drug Project

✨Show Your Passion for Outreach Work

Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and substance misuse. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate with the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since strong communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups. Highlight instances where you've shown empathy and patience, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Models and Techniques

Research Via's Core Model curriculum and other psychosocial interventions mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these frameworks during your interview will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to conduct assessments or provide harm reduction advice, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.

Outreach Practitioner
Via Westminster Drug Project
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