Sustainable Housing Support Officer

Purpose of the Role:

The Street Homelessness Accommodation Team will provide housing support services across supported housing projects including those that have been housed in the Private Rented Sector. PRS Access Officer Support Workers will:

• deliver proactive support to applicants with multiple and complex support needs to help maintain accommodation

• Provide and advice and support service to vulnerable clients focussing tenancy sustainment.

• Support the coordination of all activities in conjunction with all agencies that Support the client while maintaining the Councils standards in relation to customers/internal customers and other stakeholders alike.

• To carry a caseload of customers and lead on ongoing support and direction through the casework management approach.

• Work with internal and external agencies to ensure clients have access to services which meet as many of their needs as possible.

• Ensure client details are entered onto a case management system timely and accurately providing information reports and analysis to the Team Manager as they may find necessary for the proper management of the service.

• manage a caseload and ensure all aspects of support work is carried out in accordance with legislation safeguarding policies and procedures

• contribute to efficient service delivery as an individual and as part of a team in accordance with local policies procedures and legislation (including shift work where required)

Key Accountabilities:

1. Manage a flexible workload as designated by the line manager
2. Work with service users to assess design plan implement Sustainable Housing Support Plans to increase their ability to maintain their tenancy and develop appropriate independent living skills.
3. Establish develop and sustain effective working relationships with service users to encourage a process of change
4. Support customers to maximise income by reducing debt obtaining paid work and entitlement to benefits.
5. Provide appropriate and practical assistance and support to meet the needs and requirements of service users individually and as a team.
6. Deal with daytoday enquiries and emergencies arising from contact with customers or other agencies.
7. Support peer involvement programme so peers are skilled and supported to lead on peer activities and be part of the delivery of project activities.
8. Actively support and promote the inclusion and participation of service users using a range of interventions e.g. group work user participation.
9. Ensure all service users documentation is relevant and update and that data is accurately entered int the various IT systems
10. Collaborate with internal and external partners to improve outcomes for service users
11. Undertake relevant training and contribute to team workshops and other learning opportunities to promote good practice.
12. Be an active and constructive member of the team and assist in planning and implementation of events groups and outcomes that achieve positive outcomes for the service and service users.
13. Comply with a range of statutory requirements and legislation as directed by the line manager.
14. Comply with the Councils data management policies and maintain accurate and up to information using the electronic recording system.
15. Carry out all accountabilities in compliance with the Councils Policies and Procedures.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Specifics Skills Experience Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

1. Ability assess design plan implement Sustainable Housing Support Plans
2. Ability to work independently using own initiative whilst remaining accountable to line management
3. Experience of providing housing support to people who have experienced homelessness across a range of projects including Housing First Dispersed Shared Accommodation and Private Rented Sector.
4. Experience of providing housing support services to people who have experienced homelessness including people with multiple and complex support needs such as rough sleepers people leaving prison/hospital MAPPA
5. Ability to ensure all aspects of casework is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation safeguarding policies and initiatives set
6. Ability to establish develop and sustain effective working relationships with service users and partners.
7. Ability to ensure service users casefiles and documentation is relevant and update and that data is accurately entered int the various IT systems
8. Ability to constantly achieve performance targets and objectives
9. Experience of working collaboratively to develop and deliver Sustainable Housing Support Plans
10. Good knowledge of welfare housing and homelessness policy strategies legislation and case law and its implementation within a statutory homelessness service
11. Good knowledge of Health & Safety Safeguarding Social Care and Equality policy and strategies