Support Worker with experience of working with vulnerable adults to join our team in a small, high-quality residential service for homeless people in Surrey. Duties include front line client support and day to day running of the hostel, including office and domestic duties.
TITLE OF POST: Support Worker, part time: 60 hours over a 28 day rota. Evenings and sleepovers only.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We want the post holder to able to demonstrate the following competences to a high level and want to use these to the full in their work. This is more important than having a great deal of direct experience of the job content, and we will be looking for evidence of all the following key competences during the selection process, if you are shortlisted.

• Personal effectiveness
• Organisation and delivery of results
• Proactivity and initiative
• Creativity and innovation
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Analysing and interpreting written and numerical information
• Self development
• Communication
• Managing self and relationships with others
• Team working and co-operation
• Negotiating and influencing
• Customer and client focus & managing diversity
• Building effective external relationships
• Maintaining and using systems
• Using IT

Although we are keeping direct experience/knowledge requirements to a minimum, we do need you to use a CV or covering letter to demonstrate your capabilities in relation to each of the criteria listed in Sections 1 and 2 below (addressing each point in order). Where relevant use your answers to illustrate how your competences have helped you achieve positive results. This will give you the best possible chance of being short listed.

1. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• Helping vulnerable people to identify personal goals and supporting them through a process of change.
• Managing complex and difficult situations in relation to people.
• Liaising with and co-ordinating the work of a number of individuals and/or agencies to achieve effective outcomes.
• Personal experience of homelessness or a sound understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerably housed people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services that are fully responsive to their needs.
• Special Knowledge and Job Requirements
• Ability to maintain enthusiasm for a high level of contact with clients on a day to day basis.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with homeless people.
• Understanding of:
• the tasks involved in the day-to-day running of a hostel.
• the issues involved in monitoring rent payments and dealing effectively with arrears.
• the needs and support requirements of vulnerable clients on low (or no) incomes, including those with mental health and/or substance dependency problems.
• Professional boundary issues.
  2.4 An understanding of and commitment to Diversity & Equality as it applies to a supportive service and in the workplace.

2.5 Familiarity with IT applications and basic keyboard skills.

• Additional Job Requirements

3.1 Willingness and ability to work shifts including evenings, weekends
3.2 Willingness and ability to work outside of shift/rota on occasion.
3.3 Willingness to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements.
3.4 Willingness and ability to work sleep-ins.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From £12,226.00 per year
Expected hours: 11 – 19 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Application question(s):

• What is your geographical location?
• Are you available for shifts finishing at 11pm and for sleepover shifts from 11pm to 8am?

Work Location: In perso

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The main purpose of the job of a Support Worker is to jointly supervise the project in conjunction with other members of the team and to provide support and advice to clients. You will be expected to regularly participate in Team Meetings and other ad hoc groups as agreed with the management and team of the project.

2. FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

2.1 To collect and record weekly rent and service charges, maintain resident rent records and ensure that arrears are managed in line with the project’s policy.

• To keep accurate daily records of petty cash and other hostel/Project monies.
• To keep accurate records and statistics on resident admissions and departures. To maintain a high standard of record keeping in the office and keep all financial and administrative systems in the office in an accurate and up-to-date manner in line with policy.
• To ensure that all written work both for internal and external use is of a high standard.

4. OTHER DUTIES

4.1 To attend shift handover meetings, weekly Team Meetings, team review days and other meetings as agreed with the Project Manager. To chair and take minutes of meetings, as requested.

• To participate in the selection, recruitment and induction of new staff, as requested.
• To attend LHS working parties, ad hoc and in house training sessions, as requested.
• To represent LHS and the Project externally at meetings, open days and events, as requested.

4.6 To carry out specialist duties as agreed with the Project Manager.

4.7 To adhere to LHS’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Health and Safety Policy in all aspects of the work.

• To adhere to LHS’s Code of Conduct.
• To attend and contribute to regular supervision with the Project Manager.
• To attend and contribute to an annual appraisal.
• To carry out any other duties commensurate with the post.