POST:Project Assistant - Passage House Assessment Centre

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST:Project Assistant - Passage House Assessment Centre

CONTRACT:12 Months – Fixed Term

SALARY:£10.20 per hour plus pension and other benefits

HOURS:Average of 37½ hours per week excluding breaks

ANNUAL LEAVE:33 days per year, including bank/ statutory holidays

PROBATION PERIOD:6 Months

NOTICE PERIOD:4 Weeks

RESPONSIBLE TO:Deputy Manager - Passage House

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An enhanced DBS check is required as this position will involve working directly with vulnerable adults

About Passage House Assessment Centre

Passage House Assessment Centre aims to provide the highest quality support to men and women who find themselves sleeping rough in Westminster by providing a safe and welcoming place to stay for up to 28 days whilst planning their resettlement. Passage House focuses on a rapid assessment process which is supportive and assertive. We aim to develop therapeutic relationships with residents so they can be fully involved in tailoring their resettlement plans and be better equipped and more able to overcome negative cycles of behaviour and experiences within the context of 28 day model. Passage House continues to develop effective engagement by using psychologically informed ways of working with residents as the project embarks on a new and innovative way to supportively move individuals off the street. We nurture an enabling environment for residents which will:

Have as a focus the nature and quality of relationships within the service
Allow multidisciplinary services to work directly with residents on site ensuring a holistic approach in joint working
Provide a range of support including complimentary therapies, activities and 1-1 engagement
Have transparent decision making across the service with an open dialogue with residents to promote trust
Continue to develop and support therapeutic ways of working in the fast moving environment of a 28 day assessment centre model.

JOB PURPOSE

As Project Assistant you would be available to support the team with the daily tasks of running the project. Your role will be key to enabling the Assessment Centre Service to run efficiently allowing the residents to feel supported and you will be part of a team working closely to ensure delivery of the best service to clients within psychologically informed ways of working.

MAIN TASKS

To carry out daily tasks to ensure the efficient running of Passage House. These include:
Clearing, cleaning and preparing bedrooms for new clients
Assisting clients with tasks such as laundry or cleaning
Being based in the dining room during meal times to ensure there is a staff presence at all times.

To be available to the residents during meal time and helping to maintain a clean area for clients.
To replenish supplies such as tea, coffee, sugar, milk and cups
To put out and clear away lunchtime sandwiches
To be based on the reception desk when we have no volunteer. Duties would include answering the phone, greeting visitors and being available to clients.
To support the maintenance team in managing issues within Passage House. To be part of the team carrying out weekly health and safety checks, record maintenance issues and be available to maintenance staff that attend.
To maintain storage cupboards in good order and ensure that stocks and supplies are replenished when low. These include stationary, bedding and cleaning materials.
To assist with minor repairs around the building such changing batteries in door locks, adjusting door closers, replacing lightbulbs and minor DIY tasks
To actively take part in team debriefs, facilitated discussions and reflective practice to develop the necessary skills and support in carrying out our work.
To encourage residents to participate in meaningful activities.
To adhere to policies, procedures and systems at Passage House which underpin the service and provide effective ways to record and celebrate the work undertaken with residents to satisfy both internal and external reporting needs.
To adhere to health and safety, maintenance and building regulations to ensure both a safe and welcoming environment for residents, staff and volunteers.

To handle incidents effectively, prioritising the safety of the clients and the building, and dealing with them in an appropriate and sensitive manner that considers the clients’ needs at all times

To keep appropriate records of all work and activities within the project in accordance with procedures.
To ensure clients and their concerns are treated with dignity and respect at all times

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

With your line manager, to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.
To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary.
To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal, and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.
To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.
To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage[1].

Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

Note: The details contained in this Job Description summarise the main expectations of the role at the date it was prepared. It should be understood that the nature of individual roles will evolve and change as service, service users and commissioner needs change. Consequently The Passage will review and revise this Job Description as required in consultation with post holders.

THE DISCLOSURE & BARRING SERVICE – DISCLOSURE

The Passage aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. The Passage welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant.

As The Passage meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198’. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions.

Person Specification: Project Assistant - Passage House Assessment Centre

The person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for this post. When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E2 and K1 to K6 demonstrating your experience and knowledge, giving evidence of your experience and abilities.

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EXPERIENCE

E1Experience of having used homelessness services or having worked in a homelessness environment in either a paid or voluntary capacity.

E2Experience of communicating with individuals who may present with complex and challenging support needs

KNOWLEDGE

K1Knowledge of issues faced by those experiencing homelessness

K2Knowledge of how to deal with incidents and challenging behaviour

K3Knowledge of how homelessness services work in relation to working with challenging and complex clients

K4Knowledge of how to work as part of a team and be proactive in ensuring good team work

K5Ability to work with minimal supervision

K6Ability to carry out general duties as detailed in the Job Description

In addition to the above the following table indicates the standard expectations that all employees/workers are to work towards.

1 Vincentian Values and Integrity
Maintains social, organisational and ethical values in all actions
2 Personal effectiveness / 3 Continuous Improvement
Motivated, adaptable, perseverant and accurate. / Recognising the need for action or change, and taking the appropriate action without needing to be told.
4 Problem-solving and decision-making / 5 Maintaining and using systems
Ability to use logical processes for solving problems and making decisions. / Uses and contributes to organisational systems accurately and efficiently
6 Needs led services / 7 Equality, diversity and rights
Focused on views and needs of clients and effective quality driven psychologically informed service delivery. / Promotes equity and diversity, upholding the rights of clients, staff and volunteers
8 Communication / 9 Team working
Written and oral communication is concise and accurate. / Committed and reliable member of team and understands impact of role on others
10 Relationships with Others
Ability to build up and maintain a network of internal/external contacts who can help achieve service goals

March 2018

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[1]Vincentian Ethos As a Vincentian organisation, The Passage strives to be inclusive; encompassing a diverse and rich culture from within our members, clients, volunteers and staff. This approach is reflected in our core Values and it is important that all staff have respect for this. (refer to fullVincentian Ethos Statement).