Job Description

The successful candidate will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, working across Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM. Temporary cover is required for approximately 1-2 months.

In this position, you will be required to:

- Hold a caseload of 5-7 key clients and carry out regular key working sessions resulting in Support Plans that are outcome focused, SMART and demonstrate progress

- Complete comprehensive and high quality needs and risk assessments and risk management plans

- Provide support that aligns closely with the principles of Housing First

- Implement continuous assessment with clients to ensure they are supported and have access to the resources they need in order to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes

- Work closely with referral agencies to ensure that clients that meet the criteria are identified and engaged with in a timely manner, well in advance of prison release dates (as far as possible)

- Carry out in-reach into the prisons to enable as much preparation as possible prior to release

- Enable access to interim accommodation on release if more work is required before moving to settled accommodation

- Support clients to prepare to move into independent accommodation and support with the practical aspects of managing and sustaining their accommodation

- Ensure that all relevant benefits are in place and work in partnership with the client and local authority to ensure that rent and utilities payments are in place

- Minimise risk to clients and others by identifying and following up any safeguarding concerns

To apply for this role, you must have;

- Knowledge and experience of the specific issues and risks faced by women who have been in prison, or had contact with the criminal justice system, and how this can impact on their lives

- Experience in joint working with other agencies and an understanding of provision of services for individuals whose support needs include; offending, mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence and homelessness

- Experience in applying the principles of risk and needs assessments, support planning and goal setting.

- Ability to find ways to work with clients who may be mistrustful and have a low level of engagement with services

- Ability to engage with a wide range of cross sector professionals and advocate to agencies on behalf of the Housing First ethos and its clients

- Take a trauma informed approach to understanding behaviours and building positive relationships with clients

- Understanding of the ethos of Housing First and a commitment to providing support that is truly client led

Please note; this role is female only. Gender is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement - Equality Act 2010