Seasonal Caseworker

Job Description

The post holder will be responsible for the following:

Providing a specialist advice and advocacy service to the homeless guests of our services, which include partner day centres and night shelters over the winter season

Employing creative thinking and practices to ensure that guests are supported and motivated to achieve their goals

Attending appointments with guests occasionally when needed

Referring and signposting guests to accommodation providers, health services and other relevant internal and external support services, as necessary

Maintaining good communication with the Managers of our partnered Drop-in Centres, Glass Door colleagues and local statutory and non-statutory services

Attending meetings with the casework team, external service providers and partner organisations when required

Collating statistics and outcome measurements of the casework service for both internal and external use

Maintaining a well-organised and easily accessible administration system for the casework programme in line with relevant legislation (e.g. GDPR)

Managing a small casework budget

Undertaking any other duties to aid the good running of the project, as required by the charity

Person Specification

Essential

At least one year experience of working one-on-one with and assessing the needs of homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups

Empathetic attitude to homeless and vulnerably-housed people

Up-to-date knowledge of the welfare issues and legislation affecting homeless people

Knowledge of relevant support services available to homeless people, particularly in West London

Confident approach to, and experience of, dealing with challenging behaviour

Ability to maintain good relationships with colleagues and external service providers

Highly organised with strong time-management skills

Ability to keep clear and up-to-date case records

Ability to work independently and take the initiative to make important decisions

Flexible and supportive team member with excellent communication skills

Ability to adhere to and implement Health & Safety, HR and operational policies

Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities

For night shelter caseworkers, willingness to work a minimum of one evening per week

Desirable

Ability to speak Polish, Romanian or other Eastern European languages

Experience of working alongside volunteers