Assessment and Support Coach

RISE Hub, Development and Implementation Manager

Based at a Ramsgate accommodation service

Twelve month fixed-term (we would hope to extend if further funding secured)

Full time (37hrs), shift pattern of days, evening (up to 8pm) and weekends.

Salary range £19,645- £24,011

Job context

Pathways to Independence is a charity providing accommodation and support to people who have experienced homelessness and multiple disadvantage, enabling them to develop independent and fulfilled lives. Pathways to Independence is committed to becoming a psychologically informed environment; one which considers and responds to, the potential impact of trauma in every area of its service delivery and design. The charity seeks to work to the highest professional standards and with integrity.
The primary responsibly of the Assessment and Support Coach will be to provide practical and personal support and guidance to individuals referred to Pathways to Independence through the Thanet Rough Sleepers Initiative (RISE).

Responsible for:

• To be part of a team assessing new referrals into the hub within a 72 hour window and providing immediate support and assistance.
• To lead and coordinate the support for an allocated case load of low/medium/high needs residents. Working proactively and innovatively with individuals who are hard to engage, to create a goals-focussed move-on plan
• Working as part of a team responsible for creating a safe environment in which residents who have experienced multiple disadvantage are able to build their confidence and discover opportunities for positive change
• Helping to create a safe and psychologically informed environment.
• Undertaking a range of procedural and administrative tasks relating to resident work, housing management and health and safety, in line with Pathways to Independence policies and procedures, and in compliance with legal requirements
• Ensuring residents can identify and access relevant services. Liaising with other statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure the appropriate support for residents
• Utilise knowledge, skills and experience to recognise difficult or challenging situations, and use appropriate communication skills to influence and bring about positive change to behaviour
• The running of the project when on shift, including responding to emerging issues from all residents, contributing to their ongoing support and dealing with incidents.


Key responsibilities:

• Be a part of a support team providing the conditions where change is possible. This will be achieved by:
Focusing on the strengths and aspirations of residents
Matching residents aspirations to available opportunities
Encouraging self-determination and empowerment
• Work with the residents, colleagues and external partners to ensure effective move-on plans are created and worked towards within the designated timeframes

• Create a culture of co-production and client involvement in the scheme
• To adopt a holistic approach to supporting individuals, seeking and highlighting opportunities for change at the individual and project/organisational level
• In conjunction with the Safeguarding Lead ensure that all safeguarding concerns, incidents and complaints are identified, recorded and managed robustly
• To advocate on behalf of, and support the residents to maintain, their tenancy in the Hub and access to services
• To support residents on issues relating to good health and mental health practice, substance use and related risk and harm
• Refer to other specialist agency for any specialist support area and act as point of contact
• Identify, develop and maintain external relationships with statutory and non-statutory service providers to increase accessibility to support for residents
• Attend and actively participate in meetings such as case conferences, handover and reflective practice
• Work holistically with all residents focussing on the whole person and using a strengths based approach, where support needs are not barriers to goals and where appropriate, positive risk taking is encouraged
• To always act in accordance with the policies and procedures of Pathways to Independence, to report any improvements or amendments that may be needed to management
• To undertake other duties that may reasonably be required of a staff member, as directed by management.

Assessment and case work:

• To conduct desktop and formal face to face interviews with prospective residents
• To induct new residents in line with the organisation’s policies
• To assist residents in making successful claims for housing benefits, welfare benefits and/or in work benefits as appropriate
• Organise and undertake formal and informal key working activities in a way that effectively encourages engagement, and promotes opportunities for ongoing support
• To work with residents in producing person centred support plans, ensuring that case reviews are carried out and that support plans are implemented and adequate digital case records and other relevant documents are maintained
• To assess factors which could impact on the safety of residents or others, and to develop risk/safety and other management plans with the resident and other services delivering relevant support
• To accompany residents to visits and other services where appropriate
• To complete onward referrals to identified move-on and support residents to prepare effectively for move on
• Develop and implement opportunities for individuals and groups of residents to help them build and engage in their community (both within the service and in the wider organisation)
• To participate effectively in the service’s relationship building with neighbours and stakeholders

Housing management, financial and administrative duties
• To ensure that rental income is maximised by filling voids promptly and in line with the organisation’s policy
• To liaise with Housing Benefit and the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure that residents and the Hostel receive all monies due to them
• To keep accurate daily records of petty cash, service charges and other Hub monies
• To ensure that all written work both for internal and external use is of a high standard
• To carry out health and safety inspections and tests, ensuring prompt and accurate record keeping and appropriate follow up of issues
• To respond promptly to reports of maintenance problems, ensuring follow up as appropriate, and in line with the organisation’s policies and procedures.

NB: This job description is a summary of the main responsibilities of the post, is not considered an exhaustive. Duties may be subject to variation from time to time.
Person Specification

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential
1. At least two years’ experience of working directly with vulnerable people in an accommodation based setting and successfully supporting them through the process of change.
2. Ability to manage conflict resolution within an accommodation based setting
3. Ability to effectively manage one’s own time and competing priorities on a daily basis
4. Experience of maintaining effective and high quality records and proven ability to write professional, SMART, evidenced based support and risk plans.
5. Proven ability to demonstrate compassionate and creative work practices with residents to address support needs and/or risks.
6. Liaising with and coordinating the work of a number of individuals and/or agencies to achieve effective outcomes.
7. Personal experience of homelessness or an in depth understanding of the issues affecting homeless people and the barriers they may face.
8. An understanding of the Psychologically Informed Environment and Trauma Informed Care.
9. Experience of managing complex situations in relation to people
10. Good working knowledge of mental health, substance use and recovery.
11. A non-judgemental, open-minded approach to work with vulnerable adults and a willingness to learn new ideas and put these into practice.
12. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively using telephone, face to face, written and electronic methods including use of Office and databases (including InForm).

Desirable
• A relevant and recognised qualification.
• Health and Safety experience, particularly in an accommodation setting.
• Experience of working with ex-offenders and knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Car user with full driving licence and access to own vehicle (subject to the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995).

Competencies

Career Motivation
Has thought about own career and is enthusiastic about a career with Pathways to Independence. Understands what will be involved in the role.
Communication, verbal and written
Communicates confidently and professionally with others both verbally and in written correspondence.
Delivers Quality
Takes responsibility and works hard to deliver work to high standards to clients and manages time and tasks effectively.
Problem Solving
Makes informed recommendations through gathering and analysing complex information.
Working with People
Builds relationships both with team members and externally. Support others and enjoys working collaboratively to achieve success.
Drive and Resilience
Maintains a professional service and positive mindset under challenging situations. Shows flexibility and has a ‘can do’ attitude when things go wrong.
Learning Agility
Shows self-awareness and a positive approach to leading and development.

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