Job Title: Tenancy Sustainment Officer
Reports to: Team Leader
Location: Community Outreach Team, Liosban Industrial Estate, Galway
Contract Details: Maternity Cover 37 hours per week. Specific purpose contract

Job Purpose: To act as a key member of a Team, responsible for the provision of support services to people who have been homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless, aimed at helping them maximise their housing security. The job holder will be responsible for co-ordinating a broad range of care and supports as appropriate to the needs of clients, who are part of their case load. The role entails a key process of undertaking comprehensive needs assessments with clients and implementing strategies to have those needs met.

Main duties & Responsibilities:
Clients

To meet with clients in a referral process and assess how the Service can assist them and determine what the priorities should be in terms of presenting support needs.
To work from a steadfast commitment to prevent homelessness, and to have a positive and solution focused approach to the role
To adopt a systematic approach when seeking to find solutions and supports for people with complex social care needs.
To have the capacity to work with clients who may be  in crisis in a calm and effective manner;
To engage in clear communication with clients, gathering relevant information, parsing and analysing the presenting problems and formulating a strategy to address the issues.
To engage clients in a positive and constructive working relationship which aims to gives them an opportunity to avail of a broad and effective range of supports
To foster positive relationships with external agencies in order to maximise the supports and resources available to clients to help them address the issues which have placed them at risk of Homelessness.
To ensure that all paperwork is completed including consent forms that enables the service to advocate as appropriate with external agencies.
To comply with the administrative requirements of the service including maintenance of all records, logging all interventions and utilising Outcomes Star, Pass System & Xyea
To evaluate that all clients are in receipt of all benefits and supports to which they are entitled, to advise them of same, and provide all necessary support to secure them
To ensure clients have all appropriate supports in terms of their health and welfare, and to proactively seek all Universal Supports as well as specialists supports available through the MDT
Have the capacity to recognise when Clients who are living independently may be at Risk to themselves and others, and work with Team Leader to develop appropriate protocols and risk management plans as necessary.

Service Delivery

To work in an organised and efficient manner in order to effectively meet the needs of a diverse case-load.
To be part of a Team that has a clear commitment to delivery of a high quality service, that accords with recognised best practice.  To have  a willingness to refine approaches to measuring and capturing effectiveness
To act in a professional manner in all circumstances when engaging with clients as well as other support agencies.
Ensure that GSC meets its reputation for consistent follow through in the delivery of support to clients.
To participate in multi-agency working through case management and case reviews as appropriate.
To use all opportunities to foster productive relationships with external agencies which enhance capacity to resolve the crises being experienced by clients, as well as meet ongoing support needs.
To advocate to a high standard as necessary for clients, both in terms of negotiation with external decision makers, as well as formulating written appeals.
To have a very high standard of advocacy when seeking that Clients receive supports
To provide clients with accurate and up to date information as needed.
To have a commitment to regular updating of changes in practices and external systems that may have implications for clients
To have a willingness to adopt and adjust as needed to maintain effective working relationships with clients that are focused on ensuring their support needs are most effectively met.
To ensure that a culturally sensitive approach to care and support is maintained.
To liaise with family and relevant agencies when appropriate.

Administration

To systematically log and record all interventions with and on behalf of clients
To engage in systematic support planning with clients which considers all areas where assistance may be required,
To use the Tools identified by GSC such as Outcomes Star to develop clear and effective support plans.
To have the capacity to advocate to a high standard on behalf of clients, for housing, for benefits, for essential services,
To work in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines and best practice
To analyse situations where clients may be at risk to themselves or others, record all plans and initiatives to manage and reduce identified risk.

Training

To attend and participate in training courses as required.
To identify areas of future training need

Health and Safety

To act as appointed First Aid person as required.
To carry out all duties with reasonable care.
To ensure that designated fire procedure are carried out.

General

To maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to staff, volunteers, residents, ex-residents and general Simon Community Business.
To be aware of and adhere to all Simon Community Policies and Procedures currently in operation.
To attend staff and other meetings as appropriate
To provide training and support to Housing Support Assistants and volunteers as required.
To provide up to date information and support to other Services within Galway Simon Community in relation to move on and establishing Tenancies as necessary..

Person specification:

Essential

Education: A Social Care degree or equivalent
Experience, Attributes, Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

In depth understanding in the area of homelessness
Experience of working with and supporting homeless and/or vulnerable people
Have an understanding of the physical and mental health and substance misuse needs affecting our service users
A willingness to be persistent in relation to problem solving with and on behalf of clients.
Knowledge of the specialist services which can address the needs of clients
Excellent analytical skills in terms of social problems.
An ability to parse an analyse a presenting set of issues, and formulate a strategy for achieving solutions, with a realistic sense of what will be required from external agencies.
Possess strong advocacy skills in support of service users accessing services relevant to their need
Possess strong advocacy skills both verbal and written in order to access all benefits and make the necessary appeals in the face of refusals.
Remain calm and systematic when dealing with complex processes within other relevant services.
Excellent time management skills , and an ability to provide an effective service whilst managing a substantial case load.
The desire to support vulnerable people to develop their own resources and make positive changes
Comprehensive understanding  of how to provide advice and case-work services to vulnerable people
Ability to develop care plans, follow through on goals set, and review progress at regular intervals
Ability to consistently undertake effective key-working and support clients to find the motivation to make positive changes
Ability to manage challenging behaviour, set clear boundaries, and remain calm and effective under pressure
Facilitate clients to reflect on their circumstances, their needs, their fears, and set realistic and achievable goals for themselves
Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a changing environment where sound judgement is required.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, a willingness to assist colleagues at critical times, as well as offering fresh perspectives when required.
Ability to work as part of a team – Works co-operatively and supportively with others. Values and makes use of the skills, knowledge and experience of others
Knowledge of Health and Safety in the workplace
Have an understanding of the importance of confidentiality in relation to work
Be Computer literate with a sound knowledge of Word, Excel and Email.
Share in and work to the values and ethos of Galway Simon Community
Recognises the need to be flexible
Have a valid and full clean drivers licence

Desirable

2 years experience working in a similar role within a social care setting.
Possess good supervision skills
Knowledge of services and resources in the community
Ideally have access to own vehicle

To apply:

All applications must be submitted on the Galway Simon Community application form which is available through our website at www.galwaysimon.ie

Applications must be submitted to jobs@galwaysimon.ie

All job offers will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment medical checks and Garda vetting.

Galway Simon Community is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.