Job Description:
We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Homelessness Support Worker to join our team. In this role, you will work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing them with the necessary support and resources to improve their quality of life. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting assessments to identify clients' needs and developing personalized support plans.
- Providing emotional and practical support to clients, helping them access housing, healthcare, and employment services.
- Collaborating with local agencies, shelters, and community organizations to coordinate services and resources.
- Advocating for clients' rights and ensuring they receive fair and respectful treatment.
- Maintaining accurate records and documenting clients' progress.
- Assessing the needs of homeless applicants and matching cases to appropriate move-on schemes, whether into supported accommodation, private rented tenancies, MCC in-house accommodation, or social housing through Manchester Move.
- Managing complex needs, including clients with active or recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, past serious offenders, and clients with active mental and physical health conditions.
- Dealing with safeguarding concerns and escalating issues to management and adult safeguarding agencies as necessary.
- Developing strong working relationships quickly with partner accommodation schemes.
- Undertaking lone working responsibilities, making visits to clients staying in homeless B&Bs and hotels throughout Manchester.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a support worker or similar role, preferably within homelessness services.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
- Relevant qualifications in social work or a related field are desirable.
- Valid driving license, access to a car for work purposes, and business insurance on the car.
- Current visa allowing full-time work with at least 6 months remaining (or concrete plans to extend).
- Current enhanced DBS for adults and children.
Positions Available:
- Intensive Support Workers: Working with Homeless Families on a caseload of 20-25. They will work with the family for 3 months and then assess them as high or low risk. The family will then be passed onto Support Workers for the full tenancy length.
- Support Workers: Working with a caseload of 40 families.
Working Hours:
- Monday - Friday, 7 hours per day.
- Hybrid role with office-based work 2 times per week and 1 Duty shift per fortnight.