Job Description

Information about our Shepherd's View Young Parents' Project

The Shepherd's View Young Parents' Project provides supported accommodation for young parents' aged 16-25yrs. Some young parents are linked with social services, others have just left their family home due to family breakdown, some have drug and alcohol dependency and all are homeless.

The Project has 16 self-contained fully furnished flats.

We aim to:

Work in partnership with parents and children developing supportive relationships based on mutual respect and openness, and to offer a range of support to young parents to empower and enable them to maximise their potential as individuals and as parents by promoting opportunities which will enhance the quality of their lives and the lives of their children for them to return to their community of choice.

Help young parents to maintain and nurture links with immediate/extended family significant others and community.

Engage other key agencies in working in partnership with young parents towards ensuring that needs are met in a flexible and responsive manner

Provide an environment that is not only safe, but also stimulating, happy and actively promoting the development of positive self-image with children. There is also an outside play area for parents and children to share.

Provide opportunities for young parents to attend and participate in several activities that can take place in the Resource room e.g., movie nights, social gatherings

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Accommodation Support Worker

Reports To:

Manager, Shepherds View

Purpose &

Objectives:

To be part of a team providing residential provision for vulnerable homeless people under appropriate shift pattern cover. Through management structures and systems to meet the accommodation needs of service users through support procedures.

These support procedures will include monitoring, assessment and review of residents as well as ensuring a healthy, safe and secure living environment is maintained.

Location:

Shepherds View Accommodation Project, Derry/Londonderry.

Salary:

23,520 per annum

Hours Of Work:

37.5 hours per week 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, 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. To participate in recording and reporting systems regarding daily events in view of clear communication requirements.

3. To read and understand all First Housing policies and standards and implement these within the project.

4. To participate in a range of designated household tasks ensuring the smooth running of the facility.

5. To carry out structured weekly support sessions through planned key working meetings fulfilling quality objectives of Supporting People. To carry out a review of support and risk as instructed.

6. To maintain written case management files under this support structure.

7. To carry out work in a way which promotes and encourages proactive service user involvement ensuring that parents are properly consulted and actively involved with the project.

8. To maintain confidential and accurate records of all work undertaken and comply with recording standards of First Housing.

9. To participate in the implementation of fire safety procedures on a regular and consistent basis. To carry out regular health and safety checks as part of daily working activities, notifying line management of any areas of concern.

10. To work within a multi-agency setting.

11. To participate in regular supervision and appraisal processes.

12. To attend regular staff meetings.

13. To attend training as identified and required in relation to personal and professional development.

14. To work and maintain First Housing's Child Protection policy and protocols.

15. To respect our policy and ability to demonstrate commitment and application, of Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.

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

17. To carry out other duties of the post as may be required.

MEETINGS

Young people will have regular reviews as required. Support staff will be expected to attend and contribute to all multi disciplinary meetings.

Support staff will be expected to attend regular staff meetings.

Support staff will be expected to attend regular supervision sessions with Project Manager or Deputy Manager.

Support Staff will be expected to attend all mandatory training essential to the

Post they hold.

Further training may be identified during supervision and appraisal.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST HOUSING

To be an active team member, supporting colleagues, being prepared to receive support as necessary and 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

Accommodation Support Worker, Shepherds View (ASWSV.R11.01)

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 equivalent (NVQ level II)

Experience:

At least two years recent experience of working in accommodation or community work setting with vulnerable young people 16 - 25 years and/or children 0-5 years

Working with people that are homeless or those leading an unsettled lifestyle

Assessment interviewing

Managing a caseload

Providing a frontline service to the public

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 parents (16 - 25 years)

Knowledge of Adults at Risk/ Child Protection Policy and Procedure (Desirable)

Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with Homelessness (Desirable)

Skills & Competencies:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly able to work with the public

Competent in the use of IT software such as word processing, databases, internet and e-mail

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

Ability to work with challenging behaviour

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: 23,520.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

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

Do you have 3 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language? Do you have a relevant qualification in Health and Social Care ot related field (minimum NVQ level 2 or equivalent)? Have you at least two years recent experience of working in accommodation or community work setting, providing support to vulnerable young people aged 16-25 years and/or children 0-5 years? Do you have IT skills?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025
Reference ID: ASWSV/R11/01