Job Description

NB Shortlisting will be undertaken on the basis of the enclosed person specification, so please address all criteria listed in the person specification when completing your CV.

Information about our Jefferson Court Young Persons' Project

First Housing Aid & Support Services supports individuals and families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. Jefferson Court is designed specifically for young people, making it unique and innovative. It is a complex of 20 apartments situated in a city centre location providing high quality accommodation to young people aged 16-21 years. Commissioned by both The Trust and The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the project is staffed 24/7 by a highly motivated, well-trained team of Support Staff who are dedicated to delivering services to young people.

Ethos of the Project

"Provide high quality accommodation for young people aged 16-21 from both a care and non-care background providing a safe and stable environment where young people can grow and be supported in their transition from temporary accommodation to a home in the community".

Everyone who comes to Jefferson Court will have a detailed individual plan of support with clearly defined aims. Our ethos is to create opportunities for young people to develop, change and grow at a pace that feels comfortable for them. Our young people will be encouraged to develop their capabilities, self-confidence, and ability to live socially and work with others, to enable them as individuals to sustain their accommodation for their time with us and when they move into a home of their own.

First Housing is committed to a multi-disciplinary approach, so when developing plans of support for each young person we fully involve them in the process and produce the plan in partnership. We ensure that that all persons involved with the young person, with their permission, can contribute to development of the plan.

Collaborative Working

Jefferson Court is committed to working collaboratively with other agencies, both Statutory and Voluntary, across the Northwest to ensure that the needs of young people are acknowledged and met. We accept referrals from The Housing Executive and The Western Health and Social Services Trust. Decisions regarding access are made by a panel consisting of a member of First Housing, a member of the Housing Executive and a member of Western Health and Social Services Trust. This ensures equality of opportunity and that all decisions regarding access to this project are based on need.

FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Accommodation Support Worker

Reports To:

Manager, Jefferson Court

Purpose &

Objectives:

To provide advice, assistance and support to young people. To attend to their practical, physical and emotional needs. To act as an appropriate role model and to work closely with them to address their difficulties and achieve their full potential. Our aim is for young people to learn to do as much as possible for themselves, gradually decreasing their dependence on support staff, working towards total independence.

All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Support Workers are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other perceived difference.

Location:

9-11 Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry

Salary

24,696 per annum

Hours of Work

37.5 hours per week (full time) shift rota basis

Probationary Period

6 months

Annual Leave

5 working weeks, exclusive of bank and customary holidays

Sickness Scheme

3 working weeks contractual pay in any 12 month rolling period under current terms and conditions of employment

Pension

Company pension available, further details available on request

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To cover rota duties which includes day, evening and overnight shifts as determined by the needs of the project

2. Establish positive relationship with young people; offering unconditional and positive regard.

3. Meet their physical, emotional, behavioural, social, cultural and educational needs.

4. Help young people to gain confidence in challenging unacceptable behaviour, set boundaries for young people's behaviour.

5. Ensure each young persons support plan is followed and reviewed appropriate to reflect their changing needs.

6. Encourage/enable young person in domestic tasks, hygiene skills, cooking skills.

7. Encourage/enable the young person to budget effectively including monitoring and appropriate use of utilities.

8. Encourage/enable young person to find suitable schools, college courses or employment.

9. Encourage young person to build links with their community by using local services, e.g. leisure activities.

10. Assume a keyworker role for designated young people delivering tailored packages of support continuous assessment and regular review. This will be done in conjunction with the young person, and associated support network.

11. To participate in a range of designated household tasks ensuring the smooth running of the project.

12. To work within an ethos of clear values which respects choice, individuality, rights, privacy and partnership working.

13. Maintain confidentiality at all times as directed by First Housing policy and procedures.

14. To keep accurate records and provide written reports on your people for planning meetings, review or other meetings as directed by the line manager

15. Work within the aims and objectives of First Housing and work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve them.

16. Responsible for the accurate maintenance of financial records appropriate to the duties of the post.

17. To carry out regular health and safety checks as part of daily work activities. Comply with policies and procedures in place relating to health and safety.

18. To use databases and other electronic management systems focused towards service provision improvements and quality outcomes, which will include secure remote access to third party systems such as that of the NIHE

19. To carry out other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST HOUSING

To be an active team member, supporting colleagues, being prepared to receive support as necessary and to contribute fully to team workload. To participate in staff meetings as required To participate in staff development and review To attend training as identified and required in relation to personal and professional development To comply with the policies and procedures in place that meet with health and safety legislation To respect our policy of promoting equality/valuing diversity All staff members are required to adhere to the implementation of recording and monitoring procedures as set out within the 'Supporting People' Quality Monitoring Tool. To ensure adherence to Northern Ireland Social Care Council standards of conduct and practice (where NISCC registration is required)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications / Education / Training

Minimum of three GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language. A relevant recognised qualification in health and social care or related field (Minimum NVQ level II or equivalent) First Aid Certificate (Desirable) Health and Safety Certificate (Desirable)

Experience:

At least 2 years' work experience with vulnerable young people in accommodation or community work setting Working with people that are homeless or those leading an unsettled lifestyle Assessment interviewing Managing a caseload Providing a frontline service to the public Ability to work with challenging behaviour The post holder must be able to demonstrate a good attendance/performance work record Ability to deliver concise recording systems and reports Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the support needs of vulnerable individuals (16-21 years) Knowledge of Adults at Risk, protection from abuse policies and procedures (Desirable) Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with young people/Homelessness (Desirable)

Skills & Competencies:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Competent in the use of IT software Flexible, approachable and can work under pressure Able to work both independently and as part of a team. Willingness to take managerial direction. Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise workloads to deliver within agreed deadlines

Personal Attributes:

Ability to retain confidence and discretion.

Other:

No health problems which would adversely affect ability to carry out all the duties of the post.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 24,696.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Sick pay
Schedule:

12 hour shift Day shift Night shift Weekend availability
Application question(s):

Are you registered with, or are willing to register with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)? Have you IT skills? Have you a relevant recognised qualification in health and social care or related field (Minimum NVQ level II or equivalent)? Have you at least 2 years recent experience of working in accommodation or community work setting with vulnerable 16 - 21 year olds?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/04/2025
Reference ID: ASWJC-R16-01