Outreach Support Worker

Isle of Wight Housing First and Outreach supports adults, who have high support needs, histories of entrenched / repeat homelessness or who are rough sleeping, to find accommodation so they can regain stability, safety, and support. We work in partnership with the Council and housing associations to deliver intensive person-centred support and accommodation choices.

Our priority is to find safe, permanent housing that's suitable for the client. Once housing is found our dedicated team provides intensive, one to one support to enable them to maintain their accommodation and achieve their goals.

You will work to engage with individuals who may have a history of disengaging from services using a variety of techniques and approaches to build a relationship and develop a support plan.

If you are passionate about working with individuals with complex needs and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference in the lives of those you support, then this is the role for you!,

• You will have your own caseload of clients to manage and will work with them on a one to one basis, arrange self- contained accommodation and accompany them to interviews and appointments


• You will work with clients to assess their needs and implement individual personalised support plans.


• You will respond appropriately to chaotic and challenging behaviour to safeguard the wellbeing of clients and staff


• You will adopt a psychological informed approach to supporting clients; you will help them improve their practical skills in areas such as budgeting, shopping, cooking and including the use of learning from psychological informed environment (PIE) training and reflective practice


• You will work with external partners (such as health, inclusion and housing services to maximise the opportunities available to clients so that they can resettle in the community


• You will work to identify barriers of accommodation and managing tenancies and provide practical help with resources to maintain safe tenancies and wellbeing


• Maintain client records using relevant systems to a good standard


• Work in accordance with the Health and Safety regulations and all policies and procedures


• Attend supervision, appraisal, training and meetings as directed which may be outside your normal working pattern


• Work flexibly across all areas of operation where required and prior notice given including early mornings, late evenings and weekends


• Any other reasonable task as requested by a member of staff
  
  Previous experience in this type of work is not essential but you will have a real passion for wanting to work with homeless people. Your values will match ours, you will be committed to helping others and enjoy the real job satisfaction that this brings.


• Clear verbal and written English


• Good IT and keyboard skills


• Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate


• Passion for working in a client/customer facing role


• Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation


• Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues


• Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies


• Full Drivers' licence and own transport is essential for this role as you will need to be able to travel between multiple residential locations across the Island
  
  We were formed in April 2001 through the merger of the Society of St Dismas (founded in 1962) and St Petroc Housing association (founded in 1972). Both organisations shared a passion for housing and supporting vulnerable single people.


Our vision today is to give people who are homeless, vulnerable or in need of support, the opportunity to build a brighter future.

We have services in Berkshire, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Sussex.

We support 16-65 year olds. Our services include outreach to rough sleepers, supported accommodation (direct access hostels, move-on accommodation, and resettlement flats), day centres, community support, housing first and landlord support services.