Support Worker (Waking Nights)

Morningstarhouse; Belfast; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive accommodation organization in Belfast is looking for a Support Worker (Waking Nights) to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. This role involves providing 24-hour support, facilitating temporary accommodations, and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and excellent communication skills. The position offers a salary between £29,206 - £30,785 annually, with a 46-hour work week in a permanent contract.

Benefits

Paid Access NI checks

Paid NISCC registrations

Simply Health Level 2 – health care cash back plan

Paid sick leave 4 weeks full pay after probationary period

Qualifications

• Qualified to at least Grade A-C GCSE / O-Level in English & Maths or Equivalent.
• Current NISCC registration or must achieve by end of probationary period.
• Desirable: Experience of issues affecting those who are homeless.
• Desirable: Experience with service users presenting with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with provisions of temporary accommodation and support services.
• Provide support and advice to clients, ensuring effective referrals.
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Contribute to physical cleanliness and safety within the facility.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to establish positive working relationships

Maintain confidentiality

Prioritize workload and client support

Flexibility to work unsocial hours

Education

Grade A-C GCSE / O-Level in English & Maths or Equivalent

Current NISCC registration

Tools

ICT systems for communication and record keeping

Job description

Overview

Job title: Support Worker (Waking Nights)

Location: Morning Star House, 2-12 Divis Street, Belfast, BT12 4AD

Accountable to: Service Manager & Deputy Service Manager

Salary: £29,206 – £30,785 per annum

Hours of work: 46-hour week (3 on – 3 off rota)

Contract type: Permanent

Benefits

• Paid Access NI checks
• Paid NISCC registrations
• Simply Health Level 2 – health care cash back plan
• Paid sick leave 4 weeks full pay after probationary period

Job purpose

To be part of the support team within Morning Star House assisting with the provisions of temporary accommodation and 24-hour support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Responsibilities

1. GENERAL TASKS
   • To be part of the staff team assisting Morning Star House to achieve its aims and objectives
   • To communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and residents to ensure a comprehensive service is provided
   • To plan & manage the workload effectively
   • To positively encourage, support and implement the ethos and traditions of MSH
2. ENSURING OUTCOMES FOR CLIENTS
   • Provide support and advice to clients
   • Ensure that referrals are booked in and out of Morning Star House effectively and efficiently ensuring that voids are managed effectively
   • Undertake assessments of client need to ensure that referrals are fairly assessed with regard to their accommodation and support need
   • Ensure that immediate risks associated with any challenging behaviour are identified, the risk is communicated to staff and appropriate steps are taken to mitigate the risk
   • Establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients at all times and report any concerns to management
   • Liaise with external support agencies, where appropriate to ensure coordinated services and maximise opportunities for clients
   • Develop person-centre support plans and risk management plans; take the lead in ensuring the team develops suitable plans for each client
   • Promote client participation and good customer care by providing information and advice, and ensure that the client is consulted on all aspects of their support where possible
   • Encourage clients to manage independent living skills, engage with hostel support services for capacity building and upskilling, and aim to return to independent living in the community
   • Keep detailed case records on each client and ensure this is replicated within the team
   • Monitor rent and service charge payments, and report any concerns to Management Team promptly
   • Assist residents with individually tailored resettlement plans, in conjunction with the Resettlement Worker where appropriate
   • Accompany clients to appointments when required
   • Manage breaches of the licence agreement in line with policies and procedures; report and record breaches and seek advice as needed
3. HEALTH & SAFETY AND POSITIVE HOUSEKEEPING
   • Ensure compliance with Morning Star House Health & Safety Policy and procedures
   • Contribute to the physical cleanliness standards within Morning Star House
   • Ensure fire safety equipment is monitored and tested; supervise evacuation procedures and contact the fire brigade in the event of fire
   • Act as First Aider and/or Fire Warden as required
   • Ensure that all areas are safe and secure for clients, staff, volunteers and visitors
   • Ensure that no prohibited or stolen goods are brought onto the premises
4. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
   • Attend supervision, training and meetings as required
   • Participate in setting and achieving individual and scheme goals using a performance review procedure
5. REPORT WRITING
   • Provide written reports and information as requested
   • Support in providing statistical information on referrals, assessments, arrears, incidents, complaints, performance indicators and other management information
6. POLICIES & PROCEDURES
   • Work within and promote all Morning Star House policies and procedures
   • Promote Equality and Diversity policies and ensure services are accessible to all
   • Adhere to financial procedures and report discrepancies to management
   • Promote Morning Star House’s commitment to client involvement
7. PROMOTING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
   • Positively promote the work of Morning Star House to other organisations and uphold staff and resident ethos and traditions
8. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
   • Take responsibility for the hostel in the absence of the Management Team
   • Maintain confidentiality in relation to any matter learned in connection with the work
   • Treat others with respect and promote understanding across beliefs, race, gender and sexuality

Additional notes

This job description outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post. The list of tasks is not exhaustive, and duties may be varied from time to time by the line manager. This job description is subject to regular review.

Person specification

• Education / Qualifications / Experience
  • Qualified to at least Grade A-C GCSE / O-Level in English & Maths or Equivalent
  • Current NISCC registration (Part 2) or if new to the sector must achieve registration by end of probationary period
  • Desirable: demonstrable experience of issues affecting those who are homeless with multi-complex needs
  • Desirable: experience with service users who present with complex needs and challenging behaviour
• Specialist knowledge / Training
  • Ability to competently use ICT systems for communication and record keeping
  • Desirable: training in First Aid, Manual Handling, Basic Food Hygiene
• Personal skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to establish positive working relationships
  • Ability to read and understand reports and write clear records
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Prioritise workload and client support
  • Manage personal and professional boundaries
• Physical requirements
  • Ability to carry out waking night work
  • Ability to move and handle tasks
  • Flexibility to work unsocial hours
• Disposition
  • Flexible and adaptable to change
  • Value equal importance of vulnerable adults and those experiencing homelessness
  • Willingness to work as part of a team
• Access NI: The post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Morning Star House. This depends on the nature of the position and the circumstances of offences.