Floating Support Worker

The role of Floating Support Worker is a front-line services role reporting to the Scheme Manager within the Communities Department of the Housing, Support and Wellbeing Service (see the organisation's Structure Chart for more information). The post holder will be an active and effective member of the team, working with colleagues and the Scheme Manager to deliver high quality housing related support, guidance and advice to a wide range of vulnerable and socially excluded clients (and sometimes their children). This includes people with mental health problems, support needs related to the use or misuse of alcohol and / drugs, people leading chaotic lives and those with complex needs. She / he will support the values of the organisation and work to ensure they are upheld at all times.

Main Purpose of the Role

Working as part of a highly professional team, the Floating Support Worker will prevent homelessness by supporting clients to change habits and behaviours that hinder the progression of their lives. The work includes empowerment to enable others to take control of their lives and achieve a number of key outcomes, including:

· Independent living skills

· Parenting and childcare skills

· Community links and social inclusion

· Meaningful occupation and pathways to employment

· Social skills and self-management

· Quality of life and aspirations

· Health and wellbeing

· Financial management and economic wellbeing

· Reduction in offending behaviour

· Management of alcohol and substance misuse issues

· Keeping safe.

Delivering service to a high standard is paramount to this role when working with people who have complex and challenging support needs. The postholder is expected to utilise their personal skills in order to persuade, engage and motivate individuals, leading to secure positive outcomes for each client. This enables clients to move / sustain their accommodation, avoid eviction and prevent foreseen homelessness.

This is a varied and demanding hands-on role, requiring a timely and professional approach. It requires appropriate self-initiative thinking and actions to respond to the needs of vulnerable and socially excluded adults. Knowledge of housing (both social and with care) and a keen interest and experience of working with vulnerable, socially excluded adults would be an asset in this role. It is acknowledged that out of office hours shift working is required.

The postholder may be called on to provide cover for other Floating Support Workers within the same or other Schemes as required.

Principle Accountabilities

Key aspects within the role are:

Ø To develop and maintain a trusting, warm but at all times professional relationship with clients, enabling an open and honest dialogue where clients can articulate their support needs, views and concerns.

Ø To offer respectful, person-centred and professional support to clients - signposting them to appropriate organisations such as counselling, advocacy and available therapy/activities.

Ø To maintain personal and professional boundaries with each client; being able to identify and respond appropriately to acceptable and unacceptable conduct.

Ø To maintain confidentiality at all times, in accordance with agreed SHAP policy and procedures.

Ø To encourage clients to identify their personal strengths, abilities and interests and to support them in accessing social, leisure, education and work activities.

Ø To work with the Scheme Manager to ensure that the referral process runs effectively, waiting lists are maintained and clients are allocated support appropriately and promptly.

Ø To ensure all potential clients are interviewed, risk assessed and their support needs clearly identified in line with SHAP policies, procedures, guidance and expectations.

Ø To minimise income loss.

Ø To work in partnership with each client preparing individual clear, effective and appropriate Support Plans with measurable outcomes showing where their needs are met. Furthermore, evaluating the Support Plans to include future personal development, goals and aspirations.

Ø To carry out regular risk assessment, introduce risk management plans and update them as necessary.

Ø To work within agreed risk management guidelines and to assist clients in reducing risks to themselves and others whilst maintaining a positive approach to risk taking. To promptly report all concerns regarding risk to the Scheme Manager, Operations Manager or member of staff On Call.

Ø To hold a dedicated case load of clients as required, acting as the named Floating Support Worker.

Ø To maintain all allocated case files where there is a responsibility to ensure records are current and relevant documentation is complete, in accordance with internal service standards and requirements including those of stakeholders and funders.

Ø To maintain clear and accurate records, in the prescribed format. Documenting work undertaken with and in support of clients; including reviews of their progress; any concerns; any communication or liaison with other agencies and any barriers preventing moving to alternative accommodation.

Ø To deliver objective, non-judgemental, client-orientated support, using a wide range of tools and approaches.

Ø To provide intensive housing management to clients in accordance with the organisation's Intensive Housing Management Policy and Schedule of Tasks.

Ø To contribute to the delivery of agreed and expected outcomes for clients in line with the expectations and requirements of Shap, stakeholders, commissioners and funders.

Ø To promote the active involvement of clients in the Service and organisation.

Ø To deal with disputes between clients and neighbours promptly.

Ø To encourage and support clients to take an active part in activities within their community.

Ø To provide an initial resettlement service to clients taking up tenancies, including practical assistance in acquiring household goods and connection of utilities.

Ø To work with clients helping them budget effectively, including assisting them with applications for welfare benefits, charitable trusts, etc.

Ø To support clients in maintaining their own home, even in periods of instability and liaise with other agencies to ensure this happens.

Ø To be familiar with and inform clients on their rights and responsibilities as set down in their tenancy agreement and to assist is resolving disputes.

Ø To assist clients in maintaining their rent payments and offer strategies for dealing with arrears and other debts as appropriate.

Ø To provide regular verbal and written reports to the Scheme Manager, line manager or senior manager as required.

Ø To attend and participate in relevant meetings e.g. team, scheme, service, organisation and training as requested by the scheme manager. (At times these may be outside of working hours.)

Ø To accept regular support / supervision from the Scheme Manager or other line manager.

Ø To complete all administrative system and staffing paperwork e.g. absence, working hours, expenses, etc.

Ø To adhere to performance standards and operational targets.

Ø To understand and work within Shap policies, procedures, strategy, systems and guidance (and those of partner organisations where relevant).

Ø To maintain professional and effective working relationships with funders, stakeholders, partners, contractors, other housing, health and social care organisations.

Ø To liaise closely with other professionals and organisations that impact upon and can assist with the transition of clients between agencies, schemes, services and alternative accommodation.

Ø To take appropriate action in the event of emergencies, ensuring the Scheme Manager, Operations Manager or member of staff On Call is informed promptly.

Ø To independently protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of self, colleagues, clients (and their children where relevant); via the safeguarding policy across the organisation.

Ø To act on, and be informed of, the organisation's Health and Safety, Risk assessments, Safeguarding & Protection of Vulnerable Adults procedures, and report any safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults concerns without delay.

Ø To promote the organisation's commitment to valuing diversity, social justice, challenging discrimination and offering services in line with its stated values.

Ø To be aware of and keep informed of Shap meetings, updates, profile, vision, strategic and other plans.

Ø To undertake additional reasonable duties (including attending training) as reasonably required and consistent with the general level of responsibility for this role.

Ø To provide cover in the absence of colleagues, within the same or other Schemes as required.

This job description is neither exhaustive nor exclusive and may be reviewed in the future depending upon operational requirements and staffing levels.

Ø Approachable

Ø Trustworthy

Ø Safe

Ø Creative

Ø Positive

Ø Supportive

Ø Determined

Ø Respectful

Ø Dependable

Ø Honest

SHAP is a charity that works to sustain communities, reduce homelessness, increase the health and wellbeing of vulnerable adults and young people and improve the life chances of the next generation. We provide accommodation with support and a range of community services for homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded people.