Case Worker & Housing Support

CIH International Housing Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Case Worker to join their multi-disciplinary team. This role focuses on empowering service users, particularly women leaving prison, through personalized support and advocacy. You will engage with clients to assess their needs, develop tailored support plans, and facilitate their transition into stable housing. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage challenging situations while adhering to health and safety standards. If you are passionate about making a difference and have a background in social care, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in social care or equivalent required.
• 2 years experience with vulnerable women, preferably those leaving prison.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional support to service users and develop flexible support plans.
• Assist individuals in identifying and maintaining appropriate accommodation.

Skills

Knowledge of risk assessment and management

Proficient IT skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to produce accurate reports

Education

Level 3 qualification in social care

Level 2 qualifications including Math and English

Tools

Client record management systems

Job description

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-disciplinary 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 is committed to service user participation and empowerment, enabling them to manage their own lives.

The role aims to support and signpost service users into services that improve their housing, health, and wellbeing, enhancing their quality of life. This is achieved through engagement, individualised support plans, targeted interventions, signposting, and group work. Building strong, trusting relationships with service users to provide the best service levels is essential.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Service user focus

• Provide person-led, professional, and respectful support to service users.
• Assess safety and wellbeing needs, develop plans to address and reduce risks.
• Collaborate with service users to assess needs and develop flexible support plans that adapt to changing circumstances.
• Support engagement with services, helping stabilize and settle into accommodation.
• Build effective relationships, develop support plans aimed at reducing re-offending.
• Remain resilient and responsible when managing challenging behaviour or crises, operate within data sharing frameworks, acknowledge limitations, and liaise responsibly with professionals.
• Develop and review Resettlement Plans with service users.
• Assist individuals in identifying and maintaining appropriate move-on accommodation, providing practical help throughout transitions.
• Work with service users and external agencies to deliver meaningful key working and support community integration in line with good neighbourhood principles.
• Advocate to achieve the best outcomes for service users.
• Provide outreach work based on community needs.

Health & Safety

• Ensure health and safety standards are met according to Depaul policies.
• Undertake duties related to the health, safety, and security of the service, utilizing security systems to manage risks.
• Complete wellbeing and safety checks diligently.

Administration & Record Keeping

• Maintain client records, manage financial transactions, prepare reports, and handle incident documentation.
• Remain vigilant to IT and cyber risks, comply with IT security policies.

Other duties

• Participate in team handovers, meetings, training, and mentoring volunteers.
• Uphold professional standards, aligning with Depaul values and ethos.
• Flexibility to cover other roles as needed.

Must be able to work on a rota basis (7-day week: mornings, evenings, weekends).
For community outreach roles, access to a car insured for business use and a valid driving license are essential.

Additional Requirements

This post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record does not necessarily disqualify applicants, depending on circumstances.
This post requires NISCC registration, to be completed within the probation period if not already held.

Person Specifications

• Formal Level 3 qualification in a social care field (e.g., diploma in health and social care or equivalent).
• At least 2 years paid experience working with vulnerable women, preferably those leaving prison, or 3 years experience.
• Level 2 qualifications including Math and English (e.g., GCSEs or NVQ).

Skills

• Knowledge of risk assessment and management.
• Proficient IT skills, including client record management.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to produce accurate reports.

Knowledge

• Understanding of homelessness issues and support strategies.
• Experience with needs assessment, key working, and support planning, especially related to offenders.
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary sector resources.
• Understanding of health and safety standards in service delivery.
• Ability to liaise with relevant agencies.
• Willingness to work within Depaul's mission and values.

Closing date for applications: 16th May 2025. Early contact possible depending on application volume. Please check spam/junk folders.