Refuge Support Worker

Job Description

We are Hestia. We make a difference.At Hestia, we live by our values and are committed to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation that provides a variety of services such as Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery, Mental Health & Complex Needs and Criminal Justice. We are committed toempower people to rebuild their lives and regain independence.The service you will work in….Mertons Domestic Abuse service emotionally and practically supports service users who live in our accommodation based refuge provision and the local borough. Our aim is to improve each clients quality of life in promoting and maintaining independent livingfor themselves and any dependents they may have.A day in this role looks like….As a Refuge Workerat Hestia, you will play a crucial role in our Domestic Abuse Support Service. Your contributions will directly influence the lives of our service users, guiding them towards a path of empowerment and independence.A day will never look the same and some of the things you can expect to be responsible for

• Provide advice, information, and support to the service users on safety – including around domestic abuse and independent living, as required
• To work with service users in co-producing a ‘Safety Plan and ‘Strengths and Aspirations Plan, with a focus on the individuals strengths to meet their chosen goals
• Fulfil our obligations and responsibilities to inform, and work with any relevant statutory bodies, for example, Social Services in regard to Child Safeguarding issues/concerns and to follow the Hestia Safeguarding policies and procedures at all times
• To provide casework which identifies and builds in appropriate support of the individuals housing needs, including supporting them in establishing move on accommodation
• Help facilitate, promote, and evaluate social activities and workshops for service users which may focus on, and encourage empowerment, for example self-esteem and confidence building and assertiveness training
• Provide intensive casework, support, and monitoring of general, and support needs, facilitated by key-sessions, community meetings, and general day-to-day contact.
• Develop links with and then work with a range of other agencies (including drug and alcohol services, foodbanks, mental health teams, this list is exhaustive) in order to both safeguard and promote the welfare and/or opportunities of our service users.
• Provide accommodation in a safe location, ensuring confidentiality is maintained and that all health and safety requirements are followed.
• To ensure that money paid by service users towards their rent is collected, recorded and banked in line with policy and procedure. To ensure that any monies spent through petty cash is recorded in line with policy and procedure

Why HestiaJoining Hestia means more than just a job; its an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We offer a supportive, inclusive and resolution driven work environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. As a member of our team, you will havethe chance to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.We are looking for candidates who bring a combination of passion, expertise, and dedication to the table. To excel in this role, you should possess:

• Experience of working with people with a range of different support needs, aspirations for their future and associated risks.
• Experience of delivering high quality accommodation-based/Floating support services to people with a range of needs and risks.
• Good knowledge of welfare benefits and housing options and legislation related to statutory duty.
• Knowledge of health and safety relevant to role as a Refuge/Floating Support Worker.
• An ability to undertake client-focused key working, support planning and risk assessments to maximise Service Users independence.
• Good understanding of the range of issues, diagnoses, and treatment relevant to the client group including mental health and substance misuse.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and to promoting service users rights, privacy, dignity, choice and control.
• Ability to liaise with external professionals to inform and develop Service Users support package.
• Willingness to actively engage in undertaking relevant personal development and training.
• Ability to travel throughout the Borough of operation.
• Previous experience of using computer-based systems to accurately record work any service user details.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately
• Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies to this position – (Only Female applicants please).

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and InclusionOur services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities,talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.We are a disability confident employerHestia is a disability confident employer, committed to the employment and career development of individual with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimumcriteria for the role they have applied for. We will also accommodate reasonable adjustment during the selection and interview process and throughout your employment with us.Please be advised that we reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure theirapplication is considered.