Supported Housing Officer

Central is currently recruiting for a Supported Housing Officer, to work in the Islington area. The service is an all-female hostel providing 60 supported bed spaces and 33 short-term accommodation bed spaces. Support and advice is provided to clients to enable them to prepare for independent living.

The successful candidate will be required to work 35 hours per week, Monday - Sunday covering early (8AM - 4PM) and late (12PM - 8PM) shifts. You'll work one week of early shifts followed by one week of late shifts on a rolling basis. There is a requirement to work 1 weekend in every 5 - 6 weeks. Temporary cover is required for approximately 2 - 4 months. The pay rate for this role is £14.69 per hour, with £2.14 holiday pay, totalling £16.83 per hour.

In this position, you will be expected to;

* Hold a caseload of 8 - 10 key clients and conduct regular key working sessions, working with clients to produce outcome focused support plans

* Complete comprehensive risk and needs assessments

* Interview clients referred to the service and make an assessment on their suitability for acceptance to the hostel

* Induct new clients in line with scheme policy

* Provide advice to clients on welfare benefits, housing, training and employment opportunities and other issues as necessary

* ssist clients in making claims for welfare benefits, to be responsible for the collection of Housing Benefit and weekly service charges and to deal promptly with rent arrears and any other breaches of the licence agreement

* Undertake housing management tasks including reception duties, taking rent and ensuring a clean and safe physical environment

* Liaise with external agencies as appropriate to ensure the ongoing support needs of clients

* Work as part of a team and Health and Safety Guidelines to ensure the safety of clients and staff

* Maintain accurate records including client files and data on admissions and departures from the service

To apply for this role, you must have;

* Experience of working in supported housing

* Knowledge and understanding of the complex needs and support requirements of vulnerable clients including those with mental health and/or substance dependencies issues

* Experience of assisting vulnerable people to identify personal goals through proactive and outcome focused support planning

* Experience holding a caseload and completing needs and risk assessments and experience in identification and assessment of risk

* Experience in dealing positively and innovatively with clients exhibiting challenging behaviour

* Experience of maximising income through dealing with Housing Benefit and welfare benefits

* Knowledge of current housing legislation, welfare benefits legislation and other matters relevant to the successful support of clients

* Knowledge and understanding of good practice in housing management

* IT Skills including the following; data input and administrative skills, use of databases, use of Outlook & Microsoft Office

Candidates must confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible

Further requirements:

In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:

* Current valid right to work in the UK

* Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)

* A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)

* Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

How to apply:

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.

*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position