Floating Support Worker (Maternity Cover)

To work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in providing housing related support to enable Service Users to live independently in the Community. As a Support Worker, you will ensure a comprehensive front line service is provided to all Service Users.  This requires you to assist and assess individual needs, drafting and implementing support plans and providing evaluation. The Service User profile may include individuals with mental health problems, learning and / or physical disabilities, addictions and those at risk of poverty & social exclusion.

MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Direct Support Work with Service Users

• To carry a case load of Service Users and carry out all duties as required of a Support Worker role in the community.
• To work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

• Assess prospective Service Users and ensure compliance with our Eligibility Criteria.
  • Support in setting up and maintaining a home.
  • Help to deal with claims, social security benefits, and other official matters.
  • Assistance to engage with individuals, professionals and other bodies.
  • Parenting, cooking, and household management training/ guidance.
  • General support including befriending and encouragement.
  • Assistance in budgeting and bill payment.
  • Support in developing social, domestic and life skills.
  • Emotional support and advice.
  • Referral and sign-posting to relevant services and agencies. 
  • To act as an advocate for Service Users as appropriate.

• To assist in the assessment of needs and risks as relevant to each Service User and to assist, set and attain realistic and achievable targets. When necessary and as appropriate, visit Service Users in their home, place of residence or local NIHE office.
• To provide a housing related support service to all Service Users, including, but not limited to, the following:
• To be available to work at times appropriate to the changing needs of the Service User and for the efficient use of staff resources.
• To monitor and record the Service User’s progress by a process of regular review.
• To promote Service User involvement and active participation in the Service.

Administrative Duties

• Ensure that all Service User records are accurately maintained and in line with company policies and procedures and regulatory guidelines. 
• To maintain all records and checklists as required by the Senior Support Worker or Support Services Manager.
• To provide information as required for the investigation of untoward incidents or complaints.
• To maintain confidentiality in all written and verbal communication.
• To ensure that all monthly monitoring requirements are carried out in a timely fashion.

Communication:

• To work as a member of the Support Services team and contribute to the overall team performance.
• To promote, develop and maintain good public relations.
• To attend team meetings as required.
• To attend service update meetings with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
• To attend supervision with the Senior Support Worker or Support Services Manager.
• To use the ‘Buddy System’ as detailed in lone working guidelines.
• To communicate and consult with on-call consultant as necessary.
• To establish and maintain good working relationships with relevant Trust teams, NIHE staff and other support agency staff in the local community.
• To work in partnership with other professionals to ensure the service users’ needs are met.

 Policy and Procedures

• Ensure compliance with Homecare’s guidelines, policies and procedures for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
• To have an awareness of all Homecare’s policies and procedures and work in accordance with Practice Guidelines.
• To be familiar with and work in line with health and safety protocols, including the Lone Working Policy and Procedure.
• To work within the Agreed Quality Standards, promoting the continuous improvement of the service.
• To work sensitively and in accordance with professional boundaries to promote respect and dignity of all Service Users.
• Ensure that information relating to Service Users acquired in the course of duty, is treated in the strictest confidence and discussed only within the project and with the appropriate external agencies.