The Housing Support Worker will support individuals who have needs related to maintaining their tenancies. They will assist people to develop the knowledge, abilities, skills and confidence to manage their tenancies independently. They will be a highly motivated individual, with a proven track record and the skills and attributes required to work as part of a team .
The Housing Support Worker will:
Assist in assessment of support needs and development of individual support plans;
Ensure effective delivery of a support programme targeted to peoples’ needs, developed in consultation with the individual;
Support people to develop the skills they require to manage their tenancy;
Signpost individuals to appropriate support services and support them in making contact with these agencies;
Deliver a cohesive support service which will achieve positive outcomes for people experiencing housing related challenges.
The post-holder will work closely with and report to the Team Leader across the range of activities covered by the post.
Develop and maintain positive working links with partners, statutory and support agencies and other teams within New Start Highland.
Ensure all clients receive outstanding support to enable them to progress with their lives
Ensure that excellent outcomes are achieved.
Model the delivery of the Housing Support Worker function to an exemplary standard.
Achieve Housing Support Service targets.
Contributing to needs assessment of individuals;
Consulting with individuals over their support needs, agreeing goals, planning how these will be achieved and meeting regularly with the individual to support them to achieve desired outcomes. This will include reviewing progress of individuals in a planned way and, as required, referring them to other support services:
Delivering a flexible, person-centred service to people experiencing housing related challenges.
Supporting new tenants through the transition of taking up their tenancy – including practical arrangements such as ensuring the tenancy agreement is signed, that utilities are connected and referral to other services if required.
Supporting people to develop constructive relationships and the knowledge and practical skills which will help them maintain their tenancy – including engaging with official agencies, such as benefits agencies and housing services
Working constructively with other agencies, enhancing existing and developing new partnerships in the delivery of support.
Providing advocacy on behalf of clients in dealing with official bodies as required.
Ensuring all New Start values, policies and procedures are adhered to in a consistent manner.
Maintaining suitable systems and procedures that will ensure record keeping is of a high standard in line with The Highland Council, The Care Inspectorate and New Start Highland requirements.
Offering energy advice to clients after training has been undertaken.
Undertaking any other duties appropriate to the post.
Acting within the values and culture of New Start and with the responsibility and professionalism expected.
Ensuring compliance with New Start policies and procedures and relevant Health and Safety regulations. Also contributing to risk assessments and working procedures.
Complying with Health and Social Care Standards and SSSC registration requirements.
Assist in assessment of support needs and development of individual support plans.
Ensure effective delivery of a support program targeted to peoples’ needs, developed in consultation with the individual
Support people to develop the skills they require to manage their tenancy
Signpost individuals to appropriate support services and support them in making contact with these agencies
Deliver a cohesive support service which will achieve positive outcomes for people experiencing housing related challenges.
There will be an opportunity to participate in a contributory pension scheme.
Skills
Essential
Exceptional ability to relate to people.
Awareness of good practice in supporting people.
Clean driving licence and access to a car.
Ability and willingness to work within New Start’s core values and culture.
Commitment and ability to work in a planned and orderly manner.
Ability to take responsibility and demonstrate accountability.
Willingness to undergo further training.
Ability to work on own initiative and to deadlines.
Ability to work well within a team – exchanging ideas and collaborating to achieve positive results.
Ability to liaise well with other agencies whilst representing New Start positively and constructively.
Ability to support others effectively.
Exceptional organisational skills.
Ability to organise and record workload independently whilst working to Team Leader’s guidance.
A flexible approach to working as a team member.
Desirable
Knowledge
Essential
Knowledge of issues leading to homelessness.
Desirable
Knowledge of wider homelessness issues and services.
Knowledge of housing law.
Knowledge of the benefit system.
Evidence of appropriate training, experience and/or qualifications (SVQ2/3 in social care.
Knowledge of agencies providing related services for clients.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office package.
Experience
Essential
Experience in relating effectively with the public.
Desirable
Experience in delivering housing support or a similar discipline.
Approach
Essential
Comfortable interacting with people from all backgrounds.
The ability to deliver outcomes whilst maintaining the integrity and reputation of the organisation.
A clear understanding of the organisation and willingness to live up to its values and aspirations.
A team player.
The ability to maintain good humour under pressure.
Progressive attitude to learning and an ongoing willingness to adapt and change as the organisation evolves.
Desirable
A willingness to go the extra mile for colleagues, customers and stakeholders.