Central Recruitment is currently recruiting for a permanent Housing Support Worker, to work in the Wandsworth area. The service provides accommodation to individuals to address their drug/alcohol use, using a harm reduction approach. Support is provided to enable people to develop the necessary life skills to move-on and live as independently as possible.

The successful candidate will be required to work 35 hours per week, working across Monday - Sunday on a rota basis, covering early (8AM - 3:30PM) and late (2:30PM - 10PM) shifts. This is a permanent role. The annual salary is £29,934 per annum.

Please note; you'll be working across 5 premises in the Wandsworth borough including high, medium and low support services. The 5 supported housing services accommodate 30 service users forming one housing pathway.

In this position, you will responsible for:

* Day to day management of the project as part of a team. Working alongside residents, assist in maintaining a high quality positive, safe and secure environment

* Provide practical, flexible and personal support to residents in an approachable, caring and person-centred way using Outcomes Star to agree and monitor support and personal goals

* Undertake comprehensive assessments of residents' strengths and risks, including risk management plans

* Engage residents effectively by establishing a trusting working relationship which is person-centred and empowering

* Provide harm reduction support and advice with regards to substance use

* Work closely with Wandsworth substance use treatment team who will be coming into the service to deliver effective support and treatment to residents, maximising their opportunity to reduce harmful behaviours in relation to substance use.

* Participate in the running of a group life skills programme, enabling residents to identify and build their confidence and abilities

* Undertake activities with the residents, including preparing breakfast with/for all residents

* Assist residents with tenancy sustainment; particularly in adhering to the conditions of their licence agreement and monitor rent arrears and collect rent from residents

* Support people to move through the pathway and/or find accommodation in the community

* Carry out building checks including room checks, health and safety checks (including fire checks and water temperature testing) and report & record repairs, facilitating contractor access, and ensure the communal areas of the project are clean and tidy

Please note: this role involve lone working

To apply for this role, you must have;

* Essential: Minimum 2 years full time experience in the substance support field; working with and supporting vulnerable adults who use substances

* An understanding of the needs of drug/alcohol users and knowledge of harm reduction techniques

* Knowledge of complex needs, mental health and homeless legislation

* Ability to assess clients' needs and supervise their support plan from referral to exit

* Experience of one to one and group work and of using assessment and support planning tools

* Knowledge of the range of community drug services and models of treatment

* Knowledge of brief intervention methods and motivational interviewing

* Experience of Adult Safeguarding

* Ability to collaborate with and build effective working relationships with other agencies as well as work within a team and to meet targets & deadlines

* Experience advocating on behalf of service users

* A non-judgemental attitude to drug/alcohol users and those at risk of homelessness

* Ability to work equally with the strengths of each individual as well as the risks

* Effective communication and organisational skills along with IT skills and the ability to use administrative and case management tools

* Desirable: Naloxone Training

* Desirable: Health & Social Care Level 3 (if you don't have this, you'll be expected to undertake training to achieve this)

Please note; the successful candidate will be expected to undertake training in CIH housing practice level 3

Candidates must confirm their interest by Thursday 31st July, with in person interviews scheduled for 5th August and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible.

Further requirements:

In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:

* Current valid right to work in the UK

* Minimum 12 months' of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)

* A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)

* Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

How to apply:

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.

*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position