Rough Sleeper Outreach Worker

Job Description:

4Recruitment Services are seeking  a Rough Sleeper Outreach Worker  to work for our client across the North Northamptonshire area.

Main purpose of the role:

• Contribute to achieving the overarching aim of the Council’s Rough Sleeping Service to ensure rough sleeping in North Northamptonshire is rare, brief and non-recurring through the provision of timely, effective and multi-disciplinary interventions.
• Provide a responsive, robust, and adaptable street outreach service by conducting regular street outreach sessions to ensure all rough sleepers identified / reported are effectively supported as required.
• Engage, build trust and motivate rough sleepers requiring housing and related support, taking a creative, strengths-based, and person-centred approach to building and developing professional relationships.
• Help to identify the circumstances that lead to people rough sleeping in North Northamptonshire and work in partnership with a range of statutory and voluntary sector partners to maximise opportunities for early intervention and homeless prevention, delivering a holistic multi-disciplinary package of specialist housing and related support services.
• Provide housing related support to former rough sleepers temporarily accommodated by North Northamptonshire Council in order that they are provided the best opportunity to sustain their accommodation and not experience repeat homelessness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Deliver an intelligence-led, flexible, responsive and assertive street outreach approach that is targeted at known rough sleepers’ hotspots, along with working closely with colleagues, other agencies and the public to identify new rough sleepers in order that a timely intervention, assessments, accommodation and support can be provided.
• Support the cohort to develop and learn the skills required to maintain future tenancies and support them with independent living skills including shopping, cooking, budgeting and cleaning and when ready, identify and support their move on into their own longer-term home. Encourage and assist the cohort in reaching their full potential in relation to personal development, community interaction, training, employment and empower and support them to achieve their goals.
• Work in close partnership with the dedicated Housing Options Advisor for rough sleepers to develop, deliver and review Personalised Housing Plans for rough sleepers and former rough sleepers in temporary accommodation.
• Work in close partnership with Adult Social Care and other partners where rough sleepers are experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness to safeguard and meet the needs of this vulnerable cohort by raising any safeguarding concerns, leading and organising professionals’ meetings where required, ensuring accurate records are held and distributed.
• Promote the use of, instigate and attend multi-agency case conferences for rough sleepers who have complex needs and/or a history of repeat homelessness or entrenched rough sleeping, and liaise with other services involved with the person’s broader care plan, such as mental health services, social care, hospitals, their GP and welfare organisations.
• Work collaboratively and proactively with hospitals, prisons, supported housing schemes, and landlords to ensure that people leave accommodation, hospital or institutions in a planned way preventing potential homelessness and rough sleeping.
• Develop services locally with community and faith groups for Rough Sleepers to access for housing and wellbeing support.

• Engage with and provide intensive support and motivation to rough sleepers in North Northamptonshire to help them to access accommodation and related support services relevant to their individual needs direct from the streets. Lead on any crisis intervention work that is deemed as necessary following street outreach and coordinate other services as required including Emergency Services.
• Completion of comprehensive risk assessments and the development of support plans for all individuals in the cohort and those being provided with temporary accommodation by North Northamptonshire council. Encourage, support, and accompany individuals in the cohort to access help and advice (support and treatment) in relation to their personal support needs, for example physical and mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, budgeting and debt/financial/benefit support, income maximisation etc.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Hold a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade A-C (or other Level 2 NVQ qualification) or able to demonstrate an equivalent capability
• Experience of working / volunteering in housing or care related post providing support to vulnerable customers
• Practical experience of assessment, providing support, key working and advocacy with persons/groups requiring support
• A good understanding and awareness of housing and homelessness issues
• A good understanding and knowledge of the main causes of rough sleeping, the barriers that people face when trying to access accommodation and support services
• Working knowledge of the welfare benefits available to single homeless people
• The ability to work with vulnerable people in difficult situations and handle challenging behaviour
• Willing to complete Street Outreach Sessions (outside of office hours)
• Must have a valid driving licence with access to a vehicle for work use

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on (phone number removed) or email  (url removed).