Western Trust jobs in Derry BT47

Information about our Resettlement Service

Our resettlement supported housing services offers accommodation and support to individuals with enduring mental health difficulties to ensure they are given the opportunity to live a full and independent life within their community.

Resettlement support will commence when a referral has been made. A tailored support package will be provided in response to an assessment carried out by a Resettlement Officer, with the participation of the individual and other relevant agencies. Needs can be identified and support and assistance will be offered to enable individuals to sustain their tenancies, such as:

• Practical living skills i.e. cooking budgeting
• Social skills
• Life skills
• Personal needs i.e. self-esteem/confidence
• Physical / Mental Health
• Leisure
• Employment/Education/Training
• Links to more specialised services, if required
• Liaise with other professionals on behalf of the individual.

FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Resettlement Officer (Mental Health)

Reports To: Senior Resettlement Officer

Purpose & Objectives:

To be part of a team providing support to individuals with enduring mental health difficulties to ensure they are given an opportunity to live a full and independent life within their community.

Location: Derry/Londonderry (working from home) with travel expected within the Western Health and Social Care Trust area.

Salary: £25,930 per annum

Hours Of Work: 37.5 hours per week, (Mon – Fri)

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 carry out home visits, as a lone worker, on a regular basis to assess the progress of service user, fulfilling the quality objectives of Supporting People.

2. To carry out a review of support and risk as instructed.

3. To form relationships with individuals referred to the service, assess their needs and obtain their inclusiveness on how the service should be run.

4. To develop links with Community Mental Health Specialists in communicating the benefits of resettlement services through on-going interagency working.

5. To develop support plans in conjunction with the service user and all other support networks.

6. Monitor service user’s housing and support needs as well as reviewing plans to take account of any change.

7. Provide service users with information and encouragement to help them integrate into the local community.

8. Offer comprehensive benefits advise to client groups, ensuring that income is maximised in view of effective home management.

9. Offer advice and assistance in dealing with practical matters throughout their tenancy. (ie Arranging gas and electrical services, acquiring essential furniture etc.)

10. Negotiate service delivery and advocate on behalf of tenants to ensure that services are provided by statutory or voluntary health and support agencies as appropriate.

11. Visit service users regularly, building a relationship of trust, understanding and support.

12. Assist in the resolution of neighbourhood disputes and problems, liaising with the Housing Executive when relevant.

13. Advocate for tenants and make referrals for aids and adaptations, or in the event of their property needing repair.

14. To assist in the preparation of leaflets/literature which describe the work of the Resettlement Service for prospective service users and profiling of service.

15. To provide regular reports and updating on current issues to the Senior Resettlement Officer

16. To participate in recording and reporting systems regarding daily events in view of clear communication requirements.

17. To read and understand all First Housing policies and standards and implement these within the service.

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

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

20. 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.

21. To work within a multi-agency setting.

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

23. 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.

24. To carry out other duties of 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/anti-discriminatory practice.
• 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

Resettlement Officer, (Mental Health) (MHR)-R4-01-01)

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 equivalent (NVQ level III) OR relevant equivalent qualification in Social Work, Community Work, Housing Care or Community Mental Health

· A valid driving licence and access to a car. (if disability prohibits driving, the applicant must be able to organise suitable alternative arrangements)

Experience:

· Minimum of 2 years recent experience providing support to vulnerable individuals within a community, voluntary or statutory sector who have or are experiencing mental health problems.

· 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 public and voluntary sector structures particularly at it relates to mental health issues

· Knowledge of Vulnerable Adults/ Child Protection Policy and Procedure

· Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with Homelessness

Skills & Competencies:

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

· Competent in the use of IT software such as wordprocessing, databases, publisher, 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.

Pay: £25,930.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Sick pay
• Work from home

Work Location: On the road