Support Worker for a Homeless Shelter
Oxford
£12.40 – £14.00
Early shifts, Late shifts, Long days and weekends available
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Worker to join our team at a homeless shelter. As a Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in providing assistance and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them to improve their circumstances and access the necessary resources. Your primary responsibility will be to create a safe and supportive environment for our residents, promoting their well-being and empowering them to achieve positive outcomes.
Responsibilities:
Resident Support: Provide direct support and assistance to shelter residents, including offering a listening ear, emotional support, and promoting their overall well-being.
Needs Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of each resident’s needs, identifying their specific challenges and barriers to securing stable housing.
Goal Setting: Collaborate with residents to develop individualized support plans and set achievable goals, focusing on areas such as housing, employment, education, and healthcare.
Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of residents to ensure they have access to appropriate services, benefits, and resources, such as housing applications, healthcare facilities, mental health services, and employment support.
Crisis Intervention: Respond promptly and effectively to any emergencies or crisis situations within the shelter, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
Referrals and Signposting: Assist residents in accessing external support services and organizations, making appropriate referrals and providing information on available resources.
Life Skills Training: Plan and deliver workshops and training sessions on essential life skills, such as budgeting, job searching, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of resident interactions, assessments, support plans, and progress, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and confidentiality policies.
Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other support workers, volunteers, and external agencies to provide a holistic and coordinated approach to support services.
Policy and Procedure Compliance: Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and regulations, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for residents and staff.
Qualifications and Skills:
Previous experience working in a similar role, preferably within a homeless shelter or a related field.
Understanding of homelessness issues and a compassionate approach to working with individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with residents from diverse backgrounds.
Strong organizational and time-management abilities to balance multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.
Knowledge of local support services, community resources, and relevant legislation pertaining to homelessness.
Basic computer literacy to maintain records and utilize relevant software applications.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.
Working Conditions:
This position may require flexibility in working hours, including evening and weekend shifts.
The role involves working directly with individuals who may be facing challenging circumstances, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma.
The support worker may occasionally need to assist with physical tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and moving supplies.
Please apply to fran@completelycare.co.uk or call on 01865 727751