Resident Support Worker – Homeless Services

at  YMCA Liverpool

RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will be required to have contact with a variety of people during the course of their work. The context of this contact will vary from formal ‘Key working’ to informal networking and relationship building with the Local Authority and other relevant agencies.
Annual appraisal and regular work review with line managers is an operational requirement, as is attendance at weekly support team meetings.
It is recognised that the organisation is operating in a dynamic environment and as such this job description may be varied in consultation with the post holder to reflect evolving needs of the business and changing nature of the job.

JOB PURPOSE

To assist in the provision of effective, high quality support services to vulnerable, homeless individuals who have complex needs such as offending behaviour, substance misuse problems, mental health issues and who are vulnerable to rough sleeping with the aim of promoting independent living.
To work closely as part of a team with the Director of Homeless Services and Operational Leadership Team in the development of operational planning and service delivery to the highest standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out new service user welcomes,
• Ensure that service users have a full understanding of their rights and responsibilities during their stay.
• Support service users to achieve their goals and targets as defined/ agreed within their support plans.
• Manage, update, and communicate service users risk assessments in line with YMCA Together policy and procedure.
• Ensure service users shape their own support and understand the purpose of the support provided.
• Hold planned key-work sessions each week with service users using a person-centred reflective approach.
• Assess support needs via Outcomes Star assessments, ITEP mapping and plan support around individual need. Regularly review and develop mutually agreed support plans with service users and any other professional involved in the support of those individuals e.g., Social Workers, CPNs, Probation Officers
• Up to date records must be kept on both support planning systems MainStay and DAVE.
• Conduct monthly/quarterly risk assessments of service users keeping all relevant parties informed of updates/changes.
• Support all service users with future tenancy planning ensuing that everyone has the skills to live independently away from a supported housing pathway.
• Motivate and challenge service users so they realise their goals.
• Liaise between service users and external agencies regarding the provision of specialised support when appropriate.
• Encourage involvement and participation among service users in the running and shaping of the service provided by planning and attending regular service user meetings and forums.
• Deal promptly with all complaints and protection from abuse disclosures.
• Demonstrate creativity in overcoming obstacles and a commitment to working with and providing support to vulnerable people.