New Start is a family-run, not-for-profit organisation, providing residential and supported accommodation services for vulnerable adults, families, children and young people. We deliver a diverse range of homelessness projects and temporary housing solutions, helping some of the most complex and disadvantaged groups across Merseyside. The services we provide aim to enhance lives by offering good quality homes and structured support; encouraging clients to achieve independence and engage in constructive opportunities which will enable them to live a more fulfilled and enriched existence.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Support Practitioner to join New Start’s Mixed Hostel team. The project is an 11-bed temporary accommodation and support service for vulnerable adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service provides four beds for individuals with general support needs and seven beds for individuals with multiple complex needs. We provide 24-hour, person-centred support to help residents develop essential life skills, build confidence, increase their independence and prepare for a successful transition into their own tenancies. As a Support Practitioner, you will play a vital role in empowering residents to achieve their personal goals, overcome barriers and make positive, sustainable changes in their lives.
Strengths-Based Housing Support Practitioner
Have you had experience working as a housing support worker? Do you hold the necessary skills to coach and inspire people to move forward positively with their lives? If you do, then we have a fantastic opportunity for a strengths-based Housing Support Practitioner to work within a 24/7 supported accommodation hostel in Liverpool. You will be supporting vulnerable adults via a program of empowerment and confidence-building, helping them to personally grow and develop within safe and comfortable lodgings whilst working towards greater independence and a more permanent housing solution.
What we have to offer
Competitive Salary - £(phone number removed)
A contributory pension scheme
242 Hours Annual Leave
An online bespoke Mandatory training package including a wide range of additional resources to support your development
A range of learning and development opportunities up to and including Level 5 and Management Qualifications
Monthly group reflective practice sessions
AXA Employee Assistance Scheme
Responsibilities as a Housing Support Practitioner will include:
Managing and inspiring positive change for a caseload of residents within a psychologically informed hostel-environment
Ability to manage conflict and effectively de-escalate challenging situations,
Supporting those who access the service to settle in, and work towards implementing a more empowering and positive daily structure into their lives at a pace that is realistic and achievable to them
Educating residents on harm reduction around substance misuse and supporting those who are contemplating recovery from addictions to understand the steps required to access various treatment options
Planning future long-term accommodation and resettlement options via a personalised strengths-based support plan
Offering ongoing coaching, advice, and guidance on housing/resettlement related issues from the beginning of a resident’s tenancy through to their planned exit
Conducting ‘trauma aware’ needs and risk assessments, and updating when necessary
Exploring education, training, and employment options with residents
Empowering residents to sustain their welfare benefits, manage their tenancy and comply with key functions that are necessary to support their basic needs/finances
Referring clients to relevant specialist support agencies to assist with support that cannot be met within the service remit
Liaising with external agencies (from a multidisciplinary perspective) on behalf of residents to ensure they can access what they need from services
Working as part of a team overseeing the health and safety of the building and all residents/visitors/co-workers whilst on shift
Completing regular resident welfare checks (as required) throughout the shift
Completing thorough case notes for all residents throughout the shift and providing a detailed handover to the next members of staff coming on shift
Supporting residents to maintain contact with specialist and clinical agencies
Reporting any incidents or concerns to the Project Manager
Effectively managing and reporting incidents that occur within the service in-line with New Start’s serious incident protocol
What we are looking for in a Support Professional:
NVQ Level 3 in Housing/Health and Social Care, or be working towards this qualification
Experience of working with individuals with complex needs, substance misuse issues, mental health, trauma, and/or offending backgrounds
Experience of working collaboratively with other agencies both voluntary and statutory
Experience and understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people
Previous experience of working in a hostel setting or delivering support via outreach work/in-reach work
An excellent understanding of homelessness/rough sleeping, substance misuse, harm reduction and managing complex needs/behaviours
An ability to motivate people and build positive connections
Knowledge and experience of how to support people from a person-centred perspective, positively engaging people through a process that is led by them
Ability to accurately record information, such as case notes, risk assessments, support plans and incident forms
Experience of working with Mainstay would also be desired, however full training will be provided
This post is subject to enhanced DBS criminal record disclosure and subscription with the DBS Update Service
Salary description
£28151.00 - £28151.00 per year