Housing First Worker

Job Title: Housing First Worker
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary: £30,918.65 per annum
Working Hours:  Full Time - 37.5 Hours
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (sometimes flexible working outside of these hours is required)
Location: Plymouth Grove, Manchester
If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description. 

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as a Housing First Worker
Reporting to the Housing First Team Leader, the Housing First Worker is responsible for coordinating and providing a personalised, trauma informed support service to people with complex needs facing multiple exclusion in line with Housing First Principles.
The Housing First Worker will be responsible for coordinating and providing a person centred, strength based support service in line with Housing First principles to create long term sustainable tenancies by increasing independence and maximising connectivity with the local community.

About you 
We are looking for someone with (to be taken from essential criteria)
•  To have an understanding of the complex interdependencies of mental health and substance abuse and offending behaviour
•  A creative approach to problem solving; getting and keeping people engaged demonstrating empathy
•  Promote the rights, responsibilities and informed choice of the people receiving the service, acting as an advocate to promote independence.
•  Know when to seek assistance or supervision and how to engage meaningfully in planned supervision.

Why Riverside? 
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working with us, you’ll enjoy: 
•  Competitive pay & generous pension
•  25 days holidays plus bank holidays
•  Flexible working options available
•  Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
•  A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:  
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered. 

Role Profile 
Accountabilities or “What You Have to Do”
•  Delivering wrap- around intensive, trauma informed support to people with multiple and complex issues within their own independent tenancies in the community.
•  Maintaining accurate up to date records on the chosen case management system of progress against individual support plans; safety plans and outcomes information.
•  Liaise with other agencies to facilitate access to support including Adult Social Care; Criminal Justice services; Health services; employment and training agencies.
•  Regularly review the person centred support plan to update, record and monitor progress of caseload.
•  Build and maintain networks with staff from other agencies to ensure the Housing First pilot is widely known and promoted.
•  Provide temporary cover for colleagues as required
•  Liaise with landlords to assist the person living in accommodation of their choice; including practical help with furniture; benefits advice and accompanied visits.
•  Perform robust assessments of referrals for the service to ensure the service is provided to those that meet the eligibility criteria.
•  Promote, and encourage peer involvement within the service.
•  To complete dynamic risk assessments and maintain own safety by following lone working procedures
•  To work flexibly to ensure that service delivery is available in the morning/ evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays when required
•  To adhere to good practice Safeguarding procedures with a positive risk taking approach to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable people.
Other Duties 
•  Provide temporary cover for colleagues as required
•  Promote, and encourage peer involvement within the service.
•  To complete dynamic risk assessments and maintain own safety by following lone working procedures
•  To work flexibly to ensure that service delivery is available in the morning/ evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays when required

Person specification 
Knowledge, Skills and Experience  
Essential  
•  To have an understanding of the complex interdependencies of mental health and substance abuse and offending behaviour
•  A creative approach to problem solving; getting and keeping people engaged demonstrating empathy
•  Promote the rights, responsibilities and informed choice of the people receiving the service, acting as an advocate to promote independence.
•  High level of relationship skills: Empathy; caring; acceptance; mutual affirmation; an encouragement of responsible risk taking; supportive and constructive challenge and positive expectation for the future.
•  An understanding of the Housing First model and belief in the values and principles
•  Professional and value led with integrity, inclusivity and respect for diversity
•  An ability to work in uncertainty and maintain a positive approach.
•  Ability to work flexibly and when needed outside normal working hours
•  Ability to quickly build rapport; being persistent, determined and resilient

Desirable 
•  Know when to seek assistance or supervision and how to engage meaningfully in planned supervision
•  Experience of data collection, administration and recording procedures with the ability to maintain accurate case notes
•  Experience of using Microsoft applications
•  Demonstrable coaching skills in promoting independence
•  To show leadership qualities; skills of a strong negotiator; ability to advocate and be diplomatic
•  The ability to work effectively with partner agencies and develop contacts and networks across a wide range of local services
•  Professional curiosity with the ability and willingness to learn and apply learning in support delivery