Case Worker & Housing Support

Case Worker & Housing Support

Grade Case Worker

Reporting to Local Management Team

Portfolio Women Leaving prison project

Contract Fixed term - 3 years

Hours

35 hours per week, rota based across 7 days including mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Scope of Responsibility

To be a member of a multi-disciplined team using holistic approaches to support Depaul service users. Working to a housing-led, low threshold, harm reduction approach, where service users receive a high degree of support and advice.  Depaul has a commitment to service user participation and to empowering our service users to manage their own lives.

The aim of the role is to support and signpost service users into services that will improve their housing, health and wellbeing while improving the service users quality of life. This is achieved through the provision of engagement and individualised support plans, targeted interventions, signposting and group work. You will work proactively form strong relationships and gain service users' trust, striving to provide the best possible service levels at  all times.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Service user focus 

● To provide service user support in a person lead manner, which is both professional and respectful. 

● Assess the safety and wellbeing needs of the service user and develop plans which address and reduce identified risks.

● In partnership with service users, to assess their needs and develop support plans, which are flexible and respond to the changing needs of the service users. 

● Supporting people to engage with services, to stabilise and settle into accommodation settings

● To build effective, appropriate and supportive relationships with service users, developing support plans with the aim of reducing re-offending

● Be responsible and resilient in the face of challenging  behaviour and individuals who may be in crisis; disclose and  discuss risks responsibly, operate within existing data sharing  frameworks; acknowledge areas of limitation; and liaise with  all linked professionals responsibly.

● Developing and implementing Resettlement Plans and  reviewing progress with Service Users.

● Facilitate individuals to identify and maintain appropriate move on accommodation providing practical help and support throughout this transition.

● To work with service users and relevant external agencies in  order to deliver meaningful and effective key working To  support service users to integrate with their communities in  line with good neighbourhood principals. 

● To advocate on behalf of service users to achieve the best  outcomes for them.

● Provide outreach work within the community based on  service delivery needs 

Health & Safety 

● To ensure that Health and Safety standards are met within  the service in accordance with Depaul’s Health and Safety  policy and procedures.

● To undertake assigned duties regarding the overall health  and safety and security of the service and utilize available  security systems to manage risk relevant to the service. 

● To ensure completion of all relevant wellbeing and health  and safety checks 

Administration & Record Keeping 

● Carry out service administration tasks such as; upkeep of  client records, financial transactions, internal and external  reports, incident and accident management and other record  keeping relevant to the roles.

● To remain vigilant to IT and cyber risks and comply at all  times with Depaul’s IT Security policies.

Other duties 

● To be a contributing team player, taking part in handovers,  team meetings, core training, the mentoring of Volunteers  and supporting other team members in ensuring all decision  making is appropriate and consistent

● To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner  maintaining a high quality standard of work in line with  Depaul Values and ethos.

The above list is not exhaustive; additional areas of responsibility may be  added over time and flexibility to cover for other staff roles is required from  time to time.

● Ability to work on a rota basis (7-day week – Mornings, Evenings & Weekends)

● Essential Criteria for community outreach Case Workers:  Access to a car insured for business purposes during working hours, and a valid driving licence.

Access NI

This Post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Depaul. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or  other information contained on a disclosure certificate.

NISCC

This post is subject to NISCC registration, if you do not hold a valid registration this must be completed within your  probationary period.

Person Requirements Qualifications & Experience 

• A formal Level 3 qualification in a social care field, e.g. diploma in health and social care or equivalent

And

• At least 2 years paid experience working with vulnerable women, desirably experience working with women leaving prison

OR

• At least 3 years paid experience working with vulnerable women, desirably experience working with women leaving prison

And

3 formal qualifications at Level 2 to include Math and English, e.g. GCSE’s or NVQ

Skills

• Good working knowledge of risk assessment and risk management processes


• Good IT skills, including working knowledge of using IT systems to record client information


• Good written and verbal communication skills.


• The ability to compile and present accurate written and electronic reports

Knowledge

• Have an understanding of homelessness and the issues that can lead to homelessness


• Have an understanding of what supports can be offered in homeless services to promote positive futures


• Have knowledge/experience of working with needs assessment, key working and support planning for service users, specifically relating to people who have  committed offences Have a knowledge of the  statutory and voluntary sector resources available to  people experiencing homelessness or at risk of  homelessness 


• Understand the importance for Health and Safety standards in the delivery of services on a day to day basis.


• Knowledge of relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and the ability to network/liaise with all relevant bodies


• Knowledge and willingness to work within the guidelines of Depaul vision mission and values.

Closing date for applications: 4th April 2025

Dependent on the number of applications, we may contact applicants before the closing date.  Please check your spam/junk folders.