Outreach Project Worker

Contract: Fixed term

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Job Purpose: To work on a daily basis with families and individuals coming from homelessness. To manage a caseload in Outreach Services, key work individuals, carry out assessments and care plans and regularly liaise with other agencies/authorities on behalf of the families. Sophia staff will identify move-on options and support families to progress them out of homelessness.

Responsibilities

• To have regard for the objectives and ethos of Sophia Housing Association.
• To work as a member of the Support Team under the supervision of the Project Manager.
• To attend Team meetings and Case Management meetings and to participate in training as required.
• To participate in the assessment and interview process for referrals to the service.
• To work in a holistic way with Families and individuals as appropriate to their housing management and personal needs.
• To provide practical home support to residents when required.
• To provide resettlement preparation as required.

In Outreach services

• The carry out assessments of new residents in Private Emergency Accommodation

• Manage issues regarding the welfare of residents as appropriate

• Support the move on of Residents from Private Emergency Accommodation

• The on-going support to residents in terms of accessing services, benefits, employment, residency etc.

• Assessment of individual and family needs, including childcare issues, school placements, access to GP, medical card etc.

• To respond to and report child protection concerns in line with Children First guidelines.

• To liaise with appropriate local crèche facilities and schools

• To plan for and assist Families with their move on from Private Emergency Accommodation. Work closely with Placement and HSO teams in the DRHE

• To liaise and work effectively with relevant personnel in Sophia Housing, and other relevant agencies; e.g. Local Authority, HSE, Private Accommodation Providers etc.

• To set up and maintain appropriate records of the work with Residents and the work of the Outreach Service.

• To ensure Occupancy Agreement is understood by Residents and to support placement sustainment

• To co-operate as appropriate with research and evaluation of the service.

• To implement Policy and Procedures within the service.

• To promote Resident involvement in the development of the Outreach Service.

Person Specification

• A degree in Social Care/Social Science/Applied Social Studies or related discipline i.e. addiction, social work.
• A minimum of one years’ experience working with this client group.
• An understanding of the issues affecting people who are homeless.
• Knowledge around child protection issues, mental health issues and addiction
• Must have own transport (essential)