Homeless Support Worker

Hampshire Social Inclusion Test Valley and Eastleigh provides supported accommodation to adults, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, across two locations.
Our aim is to provide person-centred support to our clients, empowering them to gain the life skills they require to move on to more independent living. We also work with a range of agencies to maximise the support and opportunities for clients.
We also provide community support to individuals who are or have been rough sleeping to access and maintain emergency accommodation.
Although this can be a challenging role, it’s also very rewarding. This is an exciting role, where no two days will be the same, you will take part in various tasks, such as running client activities and life skills projects. If you love working with people and want to make a difference in the lives of those you support, then please apply.
You will be working as part of a team to provide support to our homeless clients. You will love helping others and enjoy supporting individuals to achieve their goals and to become more independent. Your positive attitude towards your work and others will help to contribute to a great working environment. You will have a calm and personable manner and be able to handle potentially difficult situations.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
You will have your own caseload of clients to manage and will work with them on a one to one basis. You will identify their needs by listening to them and put together a client needs assessment and manage risks.
Carrying out housing management duties such as collecting service charges at various locations
Covering Health and Safety duties at various locations
Support to move clients on from accommodation services to suitable accommodation options
You will mediate and or negotiate with existing housing providers to help prevent homelessness
You will help and support individuals by providing advice on housing, welfare benefits, rent deposits and household goods via a variety of schemes.
You will help clients with the practicalities of moving to new accommodation, such as contacting energy suppliers
You will encourage individuals to develop practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, personal health and hygiene
Carrying out drop in sessions at designated locations.
Liaise with colleges, training agencies, employers to help clients to gain access to education, find work or maintain their benefit entitlement
Advise client on appropriate agencies to contact i.e. debt and housing issues
Travel and cover services across a geographical patch as and when required
Any other reasonable duties required in the interest of the organisation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Previous experience in this sector is not essential but you will be able to demonstrate a real passion for wanting to work with vulnerable people in the homeless sector. Our values will be aligned to your own ethics and ideals and you will be committed to changing the life of others for the better.
Clear verbal and written English
Good IT and keyboard skills
Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
Passion for working in a client/customer facing role
Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues
Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies
Flexible approach to what is required from the role
We reserve the right to close our adverts early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.