JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERICSUPPORT WORKERinc DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
Oxfordshire
Full Time (37.5 hrs p.w) and Part Time (22.5-30 hrs p.w.)
Fixed Term until 30th September 2019 with a possibility to made permanent
Purpose and Accountability
The Support Worker is responsible for providing a programme of planned support forpeoplewith a wide variety of support needs to help them maintain their accommodation and build up an appropriate network of support in their local community.This post will include a variety of delivery methods including face to face contact and digital engagement including SKYPE, telephone and on-line chat facility.
The Support Worker is responsible to the Team Manager.
Salary
The Support Worker post is paid at starting salary of£18,044 to £19,385 pro rata. The top of the current scale is £21,812pro rata.Connection will make a contribution to the auto enrolment pension scheme which we run, in line with statutory requirements.The payment of increments, cost of living and pension contribution, are subject to sufficient funding being available. For extra increment(s) to be offered at appointment there must be evidence of significant transferable experience and skills and/ortraining relevant to the Support Worker job description.
Place and hours of work
The place of work is across Oxfordshire based at one of our offices in Banbury, Cowleyand Witney. Ongoing flexibility is required.Office hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm however a flexible approach is required to meet the needs of service users in employment or training or who have chaotic lifestyles.
It may be necessary to engage with early mornings and evenings up to 7pm and 10am -12pm on Saturday. Various evening drop-ins may also need to be covered. It may be possible to meet the service requirements via flexible working and home working will be considered for suitable candidates.
Duties
In relation to service users/clients
- To make assessments of potential clients' housing support needs, where appropriate together with other support agencies. At least initially all assessments will be with a more experienced colleague. To liaise and work with colleagues in other agencies including Mental Health services and the Housing Associations to ensure the smooth running of the project.
2. To draw up, implement and regularly review appropriate client support plans, with support from your line manager and/or more experienced colleagues as required.
3. To work with clients to meet their support needs via a range of methods including face to face and digital means including:
- Developing and sustaining a working relationship with clients.
- Working with clients for a period of time and regularity based on mutual agreement.
- Providing information and advice on welfare rights, housing options, tenancy rights and responsibilities, and advocacy and assertiveness skills support in these areas.
- Providing information and assistance to clients to enable them to make choices about the development of their social network and participation in their local community, including employment, education and training opportunities.
- Working with clients to help them learn, or improve, their practical life skills (e.g. budgeting, paying bills, and planning meals) needed for their survival in independent housing.
4. To work with clients to identify support needs which can be met by other agencies including at assessment. Make referrals to specialist agencies, and develop appropriate casework links with such agencies in relation to clients' support plans.
5. To work to deliver a service which is sensitive to the different needs of black & minority ethnic clients, women, lesbians and gay men and clients with disabilities, and which does not discriminate on grounds of age, class, religion, HIV status or offending background.
6. To support clients in taking part in, and/or setting up, local groups or networks which are relevant to meeting their support needs, and to be responsive to different ways of delivering support (e.g. in groups), as identified by clients.
7. To take part in an out of hours service if and as required.
In relation to the team
1. To attend and participate in regular team meetings.
2. To provide cover on an occasional basis for absent colleagues, and staff the office on a rota basis.
3. To participate in regular support & supervision sessions.
4. To operate agreed health & safety and security procedures.
5. To share responsibility for security of office premises.
6. To attend appropriate training courses, and participate in skill sharing sessions within the team.
In relation to other agencies
1. To represent the agency at relevant external meetings and interagency forums, with the agreement of the team manager.
2. To liaise with voluntary and statutory agencies to develop good working relationships and promote coworking strategies where appropriate.
3. To be aware of legislation and national policies as they affect clients, particularly in the areas of housing, welfare rights, mental health, drug use and community care.
In relation to policy and administration
1. To carry out all necessary administration in relation to the casework task.
2. To keep casework records in order that Connection can monitor and assess its efficiency and effectiveness.
3. To further the aims of Connection and its activities by working within all agreed policies, including the Equal Opportunities Policy.
4. To carry out, within reason, any other duties necessary to the smooth running of the project.
March 2018
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