Project Worker, Housing First, South East
Description
Project Worker, Housing First, South East
Location: Kilkenny
Contract: Full Time, 1 Year Fixed Term
The Purpose of this role is to support people who are sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term and multiple exclusion homelessness to move into secure, permanent housing at the earliest opportunity, without preconditions for sobriety or treatment compliance.
What you will do:
Making Contact
Engage with people sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term or multiple exclusion homelessness in Kilkenny.
Work collaboratively with Outreach, Emergency Accommodation and other relevant services, including following up on referrals from the Homeless Action Team (HAT).
Explain the Housing First Service, available supports and how the model differs from other approaches.
Signpost to appropriate services and obtain consent for referrals, advocacy, record-keeping and information sharing.
Housing Assessment, Access & Allocation
Assess housing needs, priorities and risks using agreed assessment tools.
Support participants to access Local Authority housing, HAP/RAS and relevant social welfare entitlements.
Identify housing preferences, arrange viewings and support participants to make informed choices.
Liaise and advocate with Local Authorities, the Department of Social Protection, landlords and other relevant agencies.
Follow the Housing First approach, including housing without preconditions and supporting re-housing where tenancies break down.
Key Working, Support Plans & Case Management
Complete assessments, risk management plans and individual support plans based on each participant’s needs and choices.
Provide key-working support across areas including health, mental health, addiction, independent living, employment, education and relationships.
Coordinate with health, housing, social welfare and other agencies to ensure participants can access appropriate supports and entitlements.
Provide practical tenancy and independent living support through home visits, advocacy and skills development.
Work collaboratively with internal and external services, including case management and Homeless Action Team meetings where required.
Addressing Problems & Tenancy Breakdown
Ensure tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Identify issues that may threaten tenancy stability and coordinate appropriate support with tenants, landlords and relevant services.
Advocate for participants while maintaining positive relationships with landlords, neighbours and partner agencies.
Continue supporting participants following tenancy breakdown and work towards re-housing at the earliest opportunity.
Induction to Accommodation
Attend property viewings and support participants with their move into suitable accommodation.
Introduce tenants to their property and local amenities where required.
Explain tenancy agreements, accommodation details, rights and responsibilities.
Provide guidance on fire safety, health and safety, and the Housing First service model.
Accommodation
Advocate with external agencies to secure appropriate housing for participants.
Report property defects and support the timely completion of repairs.
Maintain positive relationships with landlords, property owners and housing providers.
Support tenants to maintain successful and sustainable tenancies.
Finance
Maintain accurate petty cash records and receipts.
Work with Housing Officers and relevant colleagues to address rent arrears or payment issues.
Ensure participants access appropriate benefits and financial entitlements.
Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, professional and up-to-date participant records, including PASS records.
Produce required statistics and reports for Focus Ireland and statutory agencies/funders.
Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required.
Participate in project monitoring and evaluation.
Research & Service Improvement
Participate in relevant research, audits and quality improvement initiatives.
Contribute to service improvement plans arising from evaluation and audit findings.
Seek and incorporate service-user feedback into service development.
Remain flexible in responding to changing service needs and new initiatives.
Teamwork & Personal Development
Work collaboratively within the team while effectively managing an individual caseload.
Build strong working relationships with voluntary, statutory and interdisciplinary partner agencies.
Participate in team meetings, HAT meetings, working groups, planning days and supervision as required.
Engage in ongoing training, professional development and reflective practice.
Contribute to best practice and the overall objectives of Focus Ireland.
General
Support the implementation and development of Focus Ireland, HSE and Local Authority services and initiatives.
Work in line with relevant Homeless Strategies, operational plans and service standards.
Participate in service monitoring, evaluation, audit and quality improvement initiatives.
Work flexibly, including unsociable hours where required, and carry out other appropriate duties assigned by the Line Manager.
Maintain awareness of risk management and relevant HIQA, HSE and National Standards for Homeless Services.
What you will need:
A third-level qualification at degree level in Social Care or a related area, such as Youth Work, Social Studies, Addiction Studies, Psychology, or similar, and/or be a CORU-registered Social Care Worker.
2 years’ experience in residential social care services; preferably in the homeless sector.
leadership experience in social care services,including supervision of social care staff would be a distinct advantage.
Extensive experience in working with behaviours that may challenge and supporting care-staff in similar environments.
Supporting organisational change in a complex environment.
Recording, reporting and information management.
Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
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