Sessional Support Worker
Below you will find the full job description and person specification. To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to jobopportunities@emmanuelhouse.org.uk.
Sessional Support Worker – job overview
We are looking for Sessional Support Workers to provide cover for weekday, daytime drop-in sessions to cover annual leave and sickness. As such, sessions will be offered on an ad-hoc basis.
Sessional Support Workers carry out important roles in our services including supporting teams and carrying out support work with beneficiaries. You will work in our open access drop-in provision alongside experienced colleagues who will support you in the role. You will gain experience and knowledge about the needs of people who are homeless, other services, and about the homelessness sector as a whole. Some staff who begin as sessional workers continue into roles with more responsibility and on occasions develop expertise in chosen areas of interest.
What we offer:
• A good induction into your role and training that will enable you to feel you are making a positive contribution.
Opportunity to progress in the homelessness sector.
Fair pay that is reviewed annually.
• A friendly and supportive team and working environment.
Paid annual leave plus bank holidays in proportion to the time you work.
Experience that will enable you to go into full-time contracted work in the sector.
Free refreshments.
Rewarding work experience.
Job Description
Job Title: Sessional Worker
Reports to: Centre Manager
Salary: £13.48 per hour, day rate
Working hours: 9am-2pm, Weekdays
Tenure: Ongoing
Purpose:
Supporting people who are homeless to access our Support Centre.
Main duties:
Welcome beneficiaries with friendliness and kindness.
• Work with colleagues in assessing the needs of beneficiaries.
Support beneficiaries with their support needs and achieving their goals.
• Refer and signpost beneficiaries to partner agencies and help them access support they need.
Work with external agencies such as Housing Solutions to support beneficiaries to secure longer term accommodation.
• Provide basic information, advice, guidance and support to beneficiaries.
Offer emotional support and be supportive of beneficiaries, encouraging them to take the next steps in the interests of their welfare.
• Support beneficiaries in accessing services like meals, showers and clothing.
• Upload data onto the database keeping the day-book and records up to date.
• Communicate well with colleagues and external services including by phone and email.
Develop and maintain professional relationships based on trust and respect with beneficiaries, colleagues, volunteers and staff from external agencies.
Work as part of the team to manage the admission or exclusion of service users.
• Be courteous with all callers and beneficiaries.
Ensure cleaning regimes are followed.
Attend briefing sessions.
Manage the safety of environments where beneficiaries receive services.
General requirements:
Assist in ensuring the premises are maintained to high standards of cleanliness and efficiency.
Undertake training, supervision and be committed to own development.
Undertake any other tasks as deemed appropriate.
Person Specification – knowledge, skills and experience
Essential:
Attitude
Have a commitment to supporting homeless and vulnerable people.
Be a team player.
Be willing to learn.
Be flexible in your approach to supporting vulnerable people.
Be willing to seek advice and support where needed.
Be aware of your own limitations and expectations.
Knowledge
• An understanding of homelessness and how it affects people.
Experience
Proven experience of having been in a paid or voluntary role supporting vulnerable or marginalised adults impacted by mental health, illness and poverty.
Skills
Be able to communicate with a wide range of people.
Good time management and organisational skills.
Ability to work in a team.
• The ability to speak, read and write in the English language.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with beneficiaries.
Ability to maintain a non-judgemental, supportive approach and treat all beneficiaries with respect and understanding.
Ability to observe and maintain professional boundaries, particularly in relation to confidentiality.
• Ability to advocate for the rights of vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour with the support of colleagues.
Ability to take the initiative within a team context.
Ability to implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, the internet, client database and other IT systems.