Ramona House is a service developed as a multi-disciplinary response for people with alcohol problems. It offers two unique services to aid and support individuals that have been impacted by excessive drinking. It provides Supported Living and an Alcohol Detox Service to male & female clients (18+) who have alcohol related issues.
Both services, which are provided within the one project, aim to promote stability in the long and shorter term and are a result of partnership working between First Housing Aid & Support Services, Supporting People, the Western Health and Social Care Trust and Oaklee Housing Association.
Supported Living
There are 4 short term beds available up to 6 months for individuals with a history of excessive drinking offering short term encouragement & assistance with the view to supporting their integration back into independent living. Aims of the Project are:
To provide a comprehensive flexible supported housing scheme
To facilitate appropriate assessment of mental, physical, and social circumstances
To provide a key worker service the unit
To provide an alternative culture to drinking
Access to counselling services
Living skills
Preparation for independent living
To enhance health & well-being
To promote harm minimisation approaches
To provide a focus for outreach into the community and to the clients' tenancy through Floating Support Services
Referrals to the support beds are through the NIHE and will then be assessed by the Management and Staff of Ramona House for suitability.
Alcohol Detox Service
There are 4 detox beds to support chronic drinkers' recovery in a safe environment. Service users can stay up to five days and will be assessed by a nurse from the Community Addictions Team (Monday to Friday). The Service aims are:
To provide 24-hour observation
To provide a safe environment for people to become sober and to withdraw from alcohol
To facilitate access to counselling, to work with home detox and appropriate treatment services in line with addiction services, and the appointed addiction nurse
To provide a focus for outreach into the community and to the clients' tenancy through floating support,
To enhance health & well-being
To promote harm minimisation approaches
All referrals for detox are made via telephone from GPs from Tyrone/Fermanagh, Tyrone County Hospital / South Western Hospital, Out of hours GP Tyrone & Fermanagh and Alcohol Liaison Nurses (South Western Hospital/Altnagelvin)
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION
Title:
Accommodation Support Worker
Reports To:
Manager, Ramona House
Purpose &
Objectives:
To be part of a team providing residential provision for vulnerable people with substance misuse difficulties, under appropriate shift pattern cover. Through management structures and systems, meet the accommodation needs of service users through the implementation of 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.
To act in a professional, proactive capacity that will contribute to the strategic objectives of the organisation in enhancing the well-being of its service users through a network of support.
Location:
Ramona House Accommodation Project, Omagh
Salary:
24,696 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 a 12 month 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 carry out daily operational tasks in a consistent manner.
3. To participate in recording and reporting systems regarding daily events in view of clear communication requirements.
4. To keep concise recording of service incomes, utilising appropriate logging systems.
5. To participate in a range of designated household tasks ensuring the smooth running of the facility.
6. To implement a key worker role for designated individuals through continuous assessment, monitoring and review processes that will contribute towards tailored packages of support and fulfil QAF objectives of Supporting People
7. To maintain written case management files under this support structure.
8. To attend regular staff meetings and monthly supervision sessions with appointed line manager.
9. To carry out monitoring of individuals under medical care, keeping concise recording of prescription drug intake.
10. To carry out enhanced monitoring and evaluation of vulnerable individuals who have been identified as 'at risk'.
11. To work alongside other relevant agencies such as Social Workers, General Practitioners, Policing Services, Housing Services in the delivery of support services to the client.
12. To participate in the implementation of fire safety procedures on a regular and consistent basis and to adhere to our overall health and safety policy.
13. To carry out regular health and safety checks as part of daily working activities and notifying line management of any areas of concern.
14. Be willing to ensure that the Accommodation's Health and Hygiene standards are maintained and to take an active role if this is necessary.
15. To engage in training as identified through supervision support and annual appraisal. To participate in our training needs analysis through First Housing's training section.
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 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 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 GCSE's 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 two years recent experience of working in accommodation or community work setting in the field of substance misuse difficulties/addictions.
Assessment interviewing
Managing a caseload
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 individuals with alcohol misuse issues
Knowledge of Adults at Risk/Protection from Abuse policies and procedures (desirable)
Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with Alcohol Addiction/Homelessness (Desirable)
Skills & Competencies:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Competent in the use of IT software such as word processing, databases, spreadsheets, 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 Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 24,696.00 per year
Benefits:
Additional leave
Company pension
On-site parking
Sick pay
Application question(s):
Do you have a minimum of three GCSE's at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language?
Do you have a relevant qualification in Health and Social Care or related field (minimum NVQ level 2 or equivalent)?
Have you at least two years recent experience of working in accommodation or community work setting in the field of substance misuse difficulties/addictions?
Do you have IT skills?
Are you, or are you willing to, register with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)?
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person