Support Worker – Rough Sleeping Outreach Team

£28,000 a year–Full-time, Fixed term contract

About the Organisation:

Mary Seacole Housing Association is a highly regarded Supported Accommodation and Community Services provider committed to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable non-UK nationals. Our mission is to deliver immigration support, accommodation, and outreach services to individuals who face complex challenges. We aim to foster inclusive communities and provide high-quality services to our clients. You will be joining a dedicated team working on a high-impact project that focuses on helping non-UK nationals who are currently experiencing homelessness.

Role Purpose:

The Support Worker (Rough Sleeping Outreach) will play a crucial role in supporting individuals sleeping rough, with a particular focus onmigrantsfromnon-EU countries. The role involves offering assessments, placing individuals into suitable accommodation, and supporting them through resettlement, including engagement with Immigration Advisors and helping them transition to sustainable housing and employment or facilitating reconnection with their Local Authority area, country of origin, or family/friends who can offer housing or work.

This service aims tominimise new, long-term, and repeat rough sleepingby providing access to specialist health care and other vital services, ensuring that every individual receives the tailored support they need to avoid returning to homelessness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct Assessments:
  Carry out comprehensive assessments for people sleeping rough, identifying their individual needs with atrauma-informed approach, and ensuring that any barriers to accessing services are removed.
• Place Individuals in Accommodation:
  Work collaboratively with housing providers to secure appropriate accommodation, ensuring swift placements that meet the individual’s specific circumstances, includingemergency accommodationwhen necessary.
• Support Migrants:
  Ensure thatmigrantsfromnon-EUbackgrounds have access to opportunities to move intosustainable housing,employment, orreconnectwith their country of origin, family, or friends who can provide support. Assist in their journey to settle into long-term accommodation and employment options, where applicable.
• Engage with Immigration Advisors:
  Facilitate engagement withImmigration Advisors (IA)to ensure that individuals are supported with any legal or eligibility issues relating to their immigration status.
• Provide Resettlement Support:
  Offer continued support to individuals after their placement in accommodation, focusing on resettling them effectively within four months. This includes access to employment or further assistance from relevant service providers.
• Collaborate with Multi-Agency Partners:
  Work closely with key partners, including health services, housing teams, and local charities, to provide a holistic, multi-agency response to rough sleeping and ensure the best possible outcomes for service users.
• Respond to Outreach Reports:
  Act promptly on reports of rough sleeping from the public, partner agencies, or tools likeStreet link, ensuring effective and timely intervention.
• Build Trusting Relationships:
  Develop strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable individuals to help them access and engage with available services. Continuously offer support to help them transition into secure housing and avoid a return to rough sleeping.
• Driving and Flexibility:
  The role involves travel across the borough to different locations, so a full, clean driving license is essential. The successful candidate must be flexible in their working hours, as outreach may occur during early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Experience:

• Significant experience working withmigrantsorindividuals facing multiple disadvantages(e.g., homelessness, mental health issues, substance misuse).
• Knowledge and experience oftrauma-informed careand supporting individuals in crisis situations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus onbuilding trustwith vulnerable individuals.
• Ability to workflexibly, including evenings and weekends,…