Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Company Limited by Guarantee number 1741926 Charity Number 287779 Registered in England as Single Homeless Project
shp Single Homeless Project
Job title: Camden Housing First Specialist Worker
Delegated Authority: Level 5
Team: Camden Housing First
Responsible to: Service Manager
Responsible for: N/A
Job purpose
SHP and Solace have launched a new Housing First project which works with couples who have long term experiences with rough sleeping/homelessness, and there is a known risk of domestic abuse. The model will provide separate but concurrent offers of accommodation and support for both individuals within the couples, in line with the Housing First principles. This role will be a dedicated perpetrator specialist who will work with the team and external organisations to increase understanding of domestic abuse dynamics and perpetrator behaviours, improve risk management and build confidence in practitioners to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviours, whilst acknowledging and responding to the perpetrators’ own challenges and vulnerabilities.
Housing First is an innovative approach, proven to successfully support people with repeat histories of homelessness and who experience multiple disadvantages, into independent and stable accommodation. Based around a set of core principles, which are designed to achieve optimum outcomes, Housing First is about doing things differently; it requires flexibility and creativity from all agencies involved.
Core Principals
People have a right to a home
Flexible support is provided for as long as is needed
Housing and support are separated
Individuals have choice and control
An active engagement approach is used
People are supported to identify their strengths, goals and aspirations
A harm reduction approach is used
This tailored support is designed to test the effectiveness of the model for a cohort of clients for whom other solutions have not been effective. It is essential that the successful candidate has an enhanced level of skill and experience to provide an intensive outreach and wraparound service.
Key accountabilities
Accommodation
To support clients to prepare to move into independent accommodation.
To support clients with the practical aspects of managing and sustaining their accommodation.
To ensure that all relevant benefits are in place.
To work in partnership with the client and LBC to ensure that rent and utilities payments are in place.
Assessment of Need
To work closely with the client to ensure a full and rounded picture of strengths and need is gained.
To implement continuous assessment with clients to ensure they are supported and have access to the resources they need to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.
To ensure that the service is highly personalised and responsive to the specific needs of the client.
Support and Action planning
To work in partnership with clients to translate need into action plans that are outcome focussed, SMART and demonstrate progress.
To monitor and review plans to ensure they remain relevant.
Risk Assessment and Management
To ensure the appropriate management of client related risk, through the production of comprehensive and high-quality risk assessment and risk management plans.
To minimise risk to clients and others by identifying and following up any safeguarding concerns.
Information Management
In line with SHP’s client contact recording policy and procedure to record all client contact appropriately and accurately on the SHP database.
To ensure recording systems are up to date and that key performance and outcome information is correctly recorded.
To share information appropriately with colleagues and others involved with individual clients.
Partnership Working
To work with other professionals involved with the client and to coordinate and share information to ensure the provision of an effective team around the client.
To work in partnership with a full range of services in order that clients’ needs are met.
To take personal responsibility for a professional approach that enhances the reputation of the service both internally and externally.
Social Inclusion
To support individuals towards greater independence within their local community.
Health and Safety
To be aware of the roles and responsibilities under SHP’s Health and Safety Policy and the law around H&S at work.
To take responsibility for the safe working of self and others and to ensure local procedures around Lone working are followed.
Teamwork/ Personal development
To be prepared to work flexibly in line with the service and client need. This may include working weekends and evenings.
To participate in meetings, supervisions, performance reviews and training by being fully prepared ready to share and discuss ideas and offer solutions.
To take personal responsibility for own development and learning.
Under the direction of the line Manager to carry out additional tasks as identified.
Miscellaneous
SHP is at discretion to amend your responsibilities and, in addition to these, you may be required to perform other duties as may be required for the efficient running of the organisation.
To create inclusive working environments and cultures to enable colleagues and clients to feel safe and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Technical and professional know-how needed for position
When completing your application, you will be required to address (using examples) some of the points below
Experience and Knowledge
A good understanding of the core principals of the Housing First model.
Experience of working with clients who experience multi disadvantages.
A proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes with clients with complex needs.
Skills and Abilities
The ability to work flexibly, creatively and in a solution focused way.
To show leadership qualities; skills of a strong negotiator; ability to advocate and be diplomatic.
The ability to work effectively with partner agencies and develop contacts and networks across a wide range of local services to enable effective signposting.
The sensitivity and flexibility to find ways to work with clients who may be mistrustful and have a low level of engagement with services.
To be analytical in approach, respond calmly to crisis and deal promptly, effectively, safely and creatively to complex and challenging situations.
A level of numeracy, literacy and comprehension to input data, the ability to be fully selfservicing in the use of emails and the common computer packages including SHP’s client recording system.
Willingness and ability to work outside standard office hours including evenings and weekends if required.