NB Shortlisting will be undertaken on the basis of the enclosed person specification, so please address all criteria listed in the person specification when completing your CV.

FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Street Outreach Support Worker
Reports To: Deputy Manager
Purpose & Objectives:
To aim to end street homelessness in the city of Derry/Londonderry by providing a high quality, responsive and cost-effective street outreach service that meets the needs of people who are sleeping rough and those engaged in associated street culture within the areas.
To act in a professional, proactive capacity that will contribute to the strategic objectives of the organisation in enhancing the well-being of its service users through a network of support.
Location: Based at 23 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry; working within and around the city centre area
Salary £24,696 per annum
Hours of Work 37.5 hours per week (full time) shift rota basis
Probationary Period 6 months
Annual Leave 5 working weeks, exclusive of bank and customary holidays
Sickness Scheme 3 working weeks contractual pay in any 12 month rolling period under current terms and conditions of employment
Pension Company pension available, further details available on request

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / TRAINING:

• Minimum of three GCSE’s at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language
• A relevant recognised qualification in health and social care or related field (minimum NVQ level II or equivalent)
• A current driving licence (2 years +) and have access to a car
• First Aid Certificate (Desirable)
• Health and Safety Certificate (Desirable)

EXPERIENCE:

• At least two years recent experience of working with rough sleepers/outreach work in the field of additions/mental health or working with vulnerable homeless people with addictions/mental health
• Ability to work with challenging behaviour
• The post holder must be able to demonstrate a good attendance/performance work record
• Ability to deliver concise recording systems and reports
• Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of the support needs of individuals with alcohol misuse issues
• Knowledge of Adults at Risk, protection from abuse policies and procedures (Desirable)
• Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with young people/Homelessness (Desirable)

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Competent in the use of IT software
• Flexible, approachable and can work under pressure
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to take managerial direction.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise workloads to deliver within agreed deadlines

1. Develop, build and maintain effective relationships with people who are homeless and those engaged in associated street culture within the area. These relationships will be either through referral or on a direct street engagement basis.
2. Assess on an individual basis the risk and needs of each service user.
3. Ensure a plan of support is developed for each individual presenting in crisis.
4. Develop effective liaison with other agencies ensuring appropriate pathways are established and agreed with accommodation providers, benefit agencies, Day Shelter Services, drug and alcohol services/workers, etc to ensure best outcome for the service user.
5. Assist statutory agencies in profiling the population of people who are sleeping/drinking on the streets.
6. Contribute to effective team working and ensure professional joint working relationships with managers and staff from other agencies.
7. Assist in the collection of statistical information on the work of First Housing Night Support Service to reach deadlines as directed by the Deputy Manager.
8. To participate in recording and reporting systems regarding daily events in view of clear communication requirements.
9. To work alongside other relevant agencies such as City Centre Initiative, Social Workers, General Practitioners, Policing Services, Housing Services in the delivery of support services to the client.
10. To carry out appropriate procedures and protocol that deal with high-risk behaviours, decision making and conflict situations.
11. To maintain written case management files under support structure systems.
12. To carry out enhanced monitoring and evaluation of vulnerable individuals who have been identified as ‘at risk’, and ensure that such adults are reported to the appropriate agencies as a vulnerable person/s.
13. To carry out regular health and safety checks as part of daily working activities. Notifying line management of any areas of concern.
14. To carry out observation and vigilance skills regarding any sudden health deterioration of service users.
15. Liaise with relevant bodies to enable partnership working that focuses on the health and future support needs of service users.
16. To use databases and other electronic management systems focused on service provision improvements and quality outcomes, which will include secure remote access to third party systems such as that of the NIHE.
17. To actively carry out audits of street activity and rough sleeping as directed by the Funder Housing Executive, and Supporting People
18. Any other duties appropriate to the post.