Project Worker, Housing First, South East

Description

Project Worker, Housing First, South East Location: Kilkenny Contract: Full Time, 1 Year Fixed Term The Purpose of this role is to support people who are sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term and multiple exclusion homelessness to move into secure, permanent housing at the earliest opportunity, without preconditions for sobriety or treatment compliance. What you will do: Making Contact • Engage with people sleeping rough and/or experiencing long-term or multiple exclusion homelessness in Kilkenny. • Work collaboratively with Outreach, Emergency Accommodation and other relevant services, including following up on referrals from the Homeless Action Team (HAT). • Explain the Housing First Service, available supports and how the model differs from other approaches. • Signpost to appropriate services and obtain consent for referrals, advocacy, record-keeping and information sharing. Housing Assessment, Access & Allocation • Assess housing needs, priorities and risks using agreed assessment tools. • Support participants to access Local Authority housing, HAP/RAS and relevant social welfare entitlements. • Identify housing preferences, arrange viewings and support participants to make informed choices. • Liaise and advocate with Local Authorities, the Department of Social Protection, landlords and other relevant agencies. • Follow the Housing First approach, including housing without preconditions and supporting re-housing where tenancies break down. Key Working, Support Plans & Case Management • Complete assessments, risk management plans and individual support plans based on each participant’s needs and choices. • Provide key-working support across areas including health, mental health, addiction, independent living, employment, education and relationships. • Coordinate with health, housing, social welfare and other agencies to ensure participants can access appropriate supports and entitlements. • Provide practical tenancy and independent living support through home visits, advocacy and skills development. • Work collaboratively with internal and external services, including case management and Homeless Action Team meetings where required. Addressing Problems & Tenancy Breakdown • Ensure tenants understand their rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act. • Identify issues that may threaten tenancy stability and coordinate appropriate support with tenants, landlords and relevant services. • Advocate for participants while maintaining positive relationships with landlords, neighbours and partner agencies. • Continue supporting participants following tenancy breakdown and work towards re-housing at the earliest opportunity. Induction to Accommodation • Attend property viewings and support participants with their move into suitable accommodation. • Introduce tenants to their property and local amenities where required. • Explain tenancy agreements, accommodation details, rights and responsibilities. • Provide guidance on fire safety, health and safety, and the Housing First service model. Accommodation • Advocate with external agencies to secure appropriate housing for participants. • Report property defects and support the timely completion of repairs. • Maintain positive relationships with landlords, property owners and housing providers. • Support tenants to maintain successful and sustainable tenancies. Finance • Maintain accurate petty cash records and receipts. • Work with Housing Officers and relevant colleagues to address rent arrears or payment issues. • Ensure participants access appropriate benefits and financial entitlements. Record Keeping • Maintain accurate, professional and up-to-date participant records, including PASS records. • Produce required statistics and reports for Focus Ireland and statutory agencies/funders. • Complete weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required. • Participate in project monitoring and evaluation. Research & Service Improvement • Participate in relevant research, audits and quality improvement initiatives. • Contribute to service improvement plans arising from evaluation and audit findings. • Seek and incorporate service-user feedback into service development. • Remain flexible in responding to changing service needs and new initiatives. Teamwork & Personal Development • Work collaboratively within the team while effectively managing an individual caseload. • Build strong working relationships with voluntary, statutory and interdisciplinary partner agencies. • Participate in team meetings, HAT meetings, working groups, planning days and supervision as required. • Engage in ongoing training, professional development and reflective practice. • Contribute to best practice and the overall objectives of Focus Ireland. General • Support the implementation and development of Focus Ireland, HSE and Local Authority services and initiatives. • Work in line with relevant Homeless Strategies, operational plans and service standards. • Participate in service monitoring, evaluation, audit and quality improvement initiatives. • Work flexibly, including unsociable hours where required, and carry out other appropriate duties assigned by the Line Manager. • Maintain awareness of risk management and relevant HIQA, HSE and National Standards for Homeless Services. What you will need: • A third-level qualification at degree level in Social Care or a related area, such as Youth Work, Social Studies, Addiction Studies, Psychology, or similar, and/or be a CORU-registered Social Care Worker. • 2 years’ experience in residential social care services; preferably in the homeless sector. • leadership experience in social care services,including supervision of social care staff would be a distinct advantage. • Extensive experience in working with behaviours that may challenge and supporting care-staff in similar environments. • Supporting organisational change in a complex environment. • Recording, reporting and information management. Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer #FI2