APPLICATION PACK

JOB TITLE : /

Floating Support Officer

LOCATION :

/

Brighton

HOURS :

/ 37 hours per week
REFERENCE : /

FSOB

SALARY :
(see FURTHER INFORMATION) / Starting salary :£19,581 per annum, pro rata*
Rising to : £20,157 per annum, pro rata*
Rising to : £20,817 per annum, pro rata*
Top of the scale :£21,476 per annum, pro rata*
CLOSING DATE : / Noon, Tuesday 26th January 2016
INTERVIEW DATE : / Monday 1st February 2016
FURTHER INFORMATION
All salary scales at Southdown include several points. This recognisesthe value of staff who we believe generally develop their skills through experience within the job and the Association. New staff are usually appointed at the bottom of the scale with further increments awarded in April with each year of service, until the top of the scale is reached.
  • This is a fixed term post to cover maternity leave

*Based on 37 hours per week

Personal attributes required for Southdown’s front line

Housing Support and Mental Health staff

We are committed to providing excellent and reliable services to our clients and require staff to meet the high standards expected.

Frontline roles in our housing support and mental health services are diverse and at times demanding:

  • Workers carry a caseload of clients, who are dealing with challenging issues in their lives and are often experiencing emotional distress.
  • Various client crises can occur throughout the working week, meaning workers often have to deal with several challenges at the same time.
  • All of our contracts require workers to promptly complete documentation and input information onto databases.
  • Workers need to be able to carry equipment, such as folders and laptops.
  • Learning and development on the job requires workers to be open to and reflective upon feedback about their performance.
  • All services are developing and require workers to adapt to changes in their roles.

To be a frontline worker in Southdown you must be physically, emotionally and mentally able to carry out your role, and possess the personal resources to be able to manage the demands of your role effectively. This means being able to maintain a calm, positive and contained demeanor at all times with clients and colleagues, and being able to perform consistently with minimum disruption from unplanned absence or personal coping difficulties.

Having the ability to focus on solutions not problems, be open to change, be resourceful, flexible, motivated, and reliable, have good coping skills and be resilient to stress are all key personal attributes needed by our frontline workers.

Applicants must take responsibility for their choice of role and have carefully considered if it is the ‘right’ job for them, and whether they have the necessary aptitude, as well as skills suitable for the job.

The Role of the Floating Support Officer (FSO)

Key responsibilities

The role of the Floating Support Officer is both varied and challenging but ultimately rewarding; you empower vulnerable people to overcome the difficulties they face and make a real difference to their lives. As an FSO you will provide crisis intervention and preventative short-term support support for people with pressing housing related needs. The assistance you provide will enable them to resolve their current difficulties and develop their ability to manage living independently. From the referral to assessment and throughout the duration of support you will work collaboratively with clients using a person-centred approach. You will help clients create personalised support plans with SMART outcomes that are meaningful to them.

Through face-to-face, telephone or email contact, clients will be supported holistically not only to address their housing needs but other issues such as income, health and employment, which together will have a positive effect on their ability to manage living in their own home. Through a coaching approach and practical support you will encourage clients to develop lasting skills, which empowers them to deal with any future situations with confidence. You will manage your own caseload, which can be very complex and demanding at times and therefore requires good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively. A high degree of professionalism is required at all times to promote the quality and standards of the service.

You will meet with clients their homes and in the community, for example at housing, Job Centre, legal, money advice and health meetings. To ensure clients have the best opportunity to achieve their support outcomes, you will both refer onto and liaise closely with other specialist organisations e.g. Probation, CRI, SMS and Social Services.

As a lone worker you will conduct and regularly review thorough risk assessments to keep clients and all staff safe. You will enter a variety of environments, some of which can be unexpected and challenging, and will require you to have the ability to respond to issues such as safeguarding adults at risk and child protection in line with organisational procedures.

Alongside the practical support you provide to clients you also maintain comprehensive records of all your support activity, meet the caseload targets and timescales set by managers and external funders, and participate in promoting our services by networking with relevant external agencies.

Personal qualities

Having the ability to problem solve, be resourceful and flexible is key to being an FSO. Changes in housing, benefits and services require workers to be both adaptable and creative. Working with a wide range of vulnerable people in varying stages and types of crisis also requires high levels of motivation and resilience. To maximise the effectiveness of support, you will ensure you always empower and coach clients, prepare for sessions and remain outcome focused. From the start of support, you will be setting boundaries and managing expectations of what can be realistically achieved during the duration of support.

Client involvement

Fully involving clients is at the heart of every Southdown service. As part of a client’s support, you will consistently ensure clients’ voices are heard and encourage clients to participate in the development of the service. You will discuss the importance of their views on a regular basis and ensure clients’ opinions and contributions are utilised and recorded. You will strive to give clients the opportunity to communicate and share their ideas in a way that is suited to them. As well as working day-to-day with a person-centred approach, you will actively promote client consultation and involvement through variety of mediums, such as proving feedback, responding to surveys, attending client forums, and contributing to newsletters.

Digital inclusion

Through the use of smart devices (tablets) in support sessions, we have fundamentally changed the way we engage with clients, striving to leave a legacy of skills so they feel digitally empowered and socially included. You will help clients take their first steps into the digital world, learning how to set up email accounts, use various search engines, use social media websites and encourage them to explore the internet based on their needs and interests. You will help clients make the most of the digital equipment they own, look into affordable options and provide practical support so that clients have the confidence to use their new skills in any setting.

Continuing professional development

As an FSO you will have excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. Regular supervisions give you a chance to discuss caseload related issues, identify any training/learning needs, and future career progression. From the initial induction, through the excellent mentoring programme to continued peer and managerial support, you will find professional development is at heart of the Southdown's work ethic. Champions roles, client involvement leads, mentoring or staff rep are just some of the chances to develop your role or area of interest.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Floating Support Officer

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Team Manager

WORK LOCATION:Brighton

OFFICE BASE:Brighton

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To contribute to the effective delivery of Southdown Supported Housing Services in Brighton & Hove, working in partnership with key stakeholders.

To provide flexible, comprehensive housing related support services to vulnerable people aged 18 who may be leaving care, are homeless, are at risk of becoming homeless due to issues relating to their vulnerability or who have a history of repeat homelessness.

To provide ongoing practical support enabling clients to identify and achieve individual outcome focused goals which will increase long term resilience and independent living.

As required to assist clients to access, prepare and plan for a move into independent accommodation or to maintain existing accommodation, placing emphasis on the development of key independent living skills and being a responsible tenant to support long term tenancy sustainment.

Using a range of interventions to empower and encourage client independence. Working within a coaching framework, to impart skills which support clients to build effective routines and support networks which will meet any ongoing needs once support is completed.

To process referrals, carry out assessments, manage capacity and a fluctuating caseload in a flexible way and support clients effectively to deliver positive outcomes.

MAIN DUTIES WITHIN THE JOB
Support tasks:

  1. In collaboration with the Team Manager, to ensure all referrals are processed and fully assessed to determine client support needs within agreed time scales
  1. To deliver a range of support interventions including advice and signposting, one off pieces of work e.g. crisis intervention, Floating Support, group work etc. and where appropriate visit clients in a variety of venues/locations/environments to develop confidence and experience as well as accommodating their specific time commitments of College, Employment etc.
  1. Based on the assessment of need, to negotiate with the client and agree an appropriate time limited support package to facilitate delivery of measurable outcome focused interventions
  1. To manage a dispersed caseload of clients across the city and prioritise own workload to manage support, travel and administration effectively whilst delivering outstanding performance outcomes for the service
  1. To support clients to develop more realistic expectations and positive coping strategies for day to day situations which enable them to become more confident and assertive when dealing with professionals and/or difficult situations
  1. To deal effectively with challenging and chaotic behavior and establish clear boundaries for a positive support environment between clients and professionals involved in support
  1. To support clients to develop key daily living and home management skills (e.g. hygiene, meal planning and shopping) as part of an agreed action plan
  1. To ensure clients understand the responsibilities, rights and conditions of tenure in relation to the property they occupy, prior to signing a tenancy agreement
  1. To support clients to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities, rights and expectations in relation to living independently in the community and being good citizens
  1. To advise and support clients to understand and address emerging housing issues (rent arrears, disrepair, neighbour disputes, etc.) and to support them to liaise constructively with Housing Officers in relation to housing management, maintenance and possible enforcement issues
  1. To support clients to address neighbour disputes and/or other anti-social behaviours whether they are victim or perpetrator
  1. Where relevant to work with clients and effectively manage any planned move into independent accommodation, recognising the practical and emotional impact this may have on them
  1. As necessary to maintain support clients with the practicalities of resettling into a property (e.g. utilities, furniture, change of address
  1. To motivate clients, particularly those likely to disengage, and raising aspiration to maintain their tenancy and maintain a positive outlook
  1. To support clients to maximise their income and to develop strong budgeting skills
  1. To support clients to address benefit problems providing information on welfare benefits and assistance with claims at an appropriate level – using specialist advice agencies as required.
  1. To support clients to develop aspiration for work and/or learning, identifying, maximizing and facilitating opportunities for meaningful engagement in work, learning and day time activities as a key support goal for all clients.
  1. Lead responsibility for drafting and maintaining SMART action plans, within agreed time scales, working collaboratively with clients (and if appropriate other key professionals) to identify and agree individual goals, actions required to address their needs and achieve key outcomes
  2. Lead responsibility for effective risk management, ensuring a full risk assessment and risk management plan is in place within agreed time scales at all times - where appropriate input from referrers and other key professionals involved with the client may be sought
  1. To contribute to other agencies reviews of clients support needs in agreement with Team Manager
  1. Lead responsibility for making appropriate referrals to other specialised agencies
  1. To maintain client files and appropriate recording in line with internal data protection procedures
  1. To prepare bespoke reports and case studies at the end of support and as required
  1. To support clients to access medical services (e.g. GP, dentist)
  1. To assist clients to identify long term support options following their successful move-on from Southdown Services where appropriate
  1. To promote client consultation and involvement to all clients, supporting and facilitating the ongoing development of Peer Support Networks to assist with long term independence
  1. Retain a flexible and imaginative approach to service provision and an understanding of key trends affecting our core client groups
  1. To contribute to the effective promotion of services both within Southdown and externally to current and potential stakeholders
  1. To contribute to the development and delivery of client workshops offering skills and knowledge conducive to long term independent living and tenancy sustainment

Other generic tasks:

  1. To observe the quality of standards within the service and abide by policies and procedures
  2. To adhere to all of the policies set by Southdown - specifically, Equal Opportunities,

Confidentiality, Data Protection, Safeguarding Children & Adults, Integrity at Work

  1. To ensure the health and safety for yourself and the client whilst working
  2. To be able to set clear boundaries and work within the confines of the professional role
  3. To attend appropriate training and provide feedback as appropriate
  4. To participate in supervision as set by Southdown’s’ supervision policy
  5. To participate in team meetings as required
  6. To participate in any office duty cover systems as required by managers
  7. To be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of clients

*This is a developing service and post holders should be aware that their Job Description may change to meet future service development needs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Floating Support Officer
*denotes criteria specified by clients

Essential / Desirable
Experience
Experience of working in the housing field with an emphasis on support, e.g. supported housing service, homelessness service or equivalent experience of working within a community based setting / 
Experience of offering advice, signposting and support to people who are vulnerable and/or at risk of homelessness around a wide range of issues e.g. accessing housing, resettlement, rent arrears, debts, anti-social behaviour, access to specialist services, lack of engagement / 
Experience of working with vulnerable people and a varied client base, e.g. young people, people with learning disabilities, people with mental health issues, people with substance misuse issues, ex-offenders / 
Experience of undertaking assessments of the housing and support needs of vulnerable people and making external referrals / 
Experience of partnership working with other agencies e.g. Housing Needs Teams, Social Workers, Landlords / 

Experience of lone working

/ 
Experience of skills teaching or coaching others to learn new things / 

Knowledge

*Knowledge and understanding of the housing and support needs of vulnerable people / 

Knowledge of tenancy issues and resettlement issues and the practical things people need to do to maintain a home and live independently

/ 
*Knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness and accessing housing. / 
*Knowledge of the local area, resources and services / 
Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation / 
Knowledge of welfare benefits and how to increase financial inclusion / 
Knowledge of the Pan Sussex safeguarding adults at risk procedures / 
Knowledge of health inequalities and an understanding of how to reduce them / 
An understanding of the local authority’s current priority outcomes and policy drivers / 

Skills

*A non-judgemental attitude and empathy with the challenges faced by vulnerable people, and the ability to build rapport and engage with clients / 
*Ability to provide practical support and show clients how to do things for themselves / 
*Resourcefulness in supporting clients to identify the barriers to independence, including having difficult conversations / 
Ability to use reflective practice to improve
outcomes / 
Ability to promote digital inclusion to clients and utilise technology as an integral part of support / 
Ability to promote social inclusion, neighbourliness and engagement in democratic processes / 

Good communication skills in the following areas:

  • Face to face, by phone and in writing
  • With service users, other professionals and in meetings
  • Letter writing
  • Report writing
Representing the organisation / 


 / 
Good literacy and numeracy skills
Good literacy skills for writing up clients visits, composing emails to external agencies, supporting clients to write letters etc
Good numeracy skills to help clients prepare budgets, balance finances etc / 
Ability to manage own administration and IT skills, to include competence in Word, Excel, Outlook, and database systems. / 
Ability to work independently, to organise, prioritise and plan own workload / 
*Good time keeping with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload and be accountable for working hours / 

Ability to take on responsibility, be solution focused*and ask for help with new tasks and in unfamiliar situations

/ 

Able to work quickly and complete tasks to tight deadlines

/ 

Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and negotiate with other professionals

/ 

Ability to effectively assess client and personal risk.

/ 
Ability to assess the needs of clients and set up, and follow an agreed, personalised support plan in conjunction with other professionals and the client.Ability to write personalised action plan for clients to identify and address skills, knowledge, or motivation based gaps / 
Understanding and awareness of Data Protection and confidentiality issues. / 
Ability to deliver a personalised needs led service / 
Ability to involve clients and gain meaningful feedback on the service / 

Values and Personal Attributes

Understanding and personal commitment to the values, standards and aims of the organisation. / 
Belief in the promotion of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. / 
Commitment to the promotion of clients’ rights and client empowerment. / 
Confidence to deal with emergency situations when necessary. / 
Personal resources to be able to manage stress effectively. / 
*Ready to accept feedback and develop practice accordingly / 
Commitment to training and personal development / 

Specific Requirements

Able to work up to (37 hours per week) mainly during 9-5 Monday to Friday with the ability to undertake some evening and occasional Saturday work e.g. to attend meetings or meet the needs of employed clients / 
Able to work to Southdown’s Smoke Free Workplace policy / 