Housing Support Worker

Who we are

YMCA Brunel Group is an independent, locally governed and managed charity operating in Mendip, Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire and South Somerset. We are part of the international YMCA movement. Our mission is to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

Our activities include:

Accommodation for over 700 people every year who are at risk of being homeless, who are on low incomes, experience barriers to work, or young people in need of high levels of support, who have often experienced trauma and difficult times in their lives. We don’t just provide a bed, we support people holistically and continually seek to help our residents gain the training, skills and confidence to lead independent lives.

A Health & Wellbeing centre in Bath, a community facility with a fully kitted out gym, functional fitness areas and extensive class programme.

Two commercial hostels in Bath and Bristol which help us cover our central costs.

Twelve youth clubs for young people aged 10-19, including 4 young carers groups, providing a space where they can have dedicated time to talk to trusted youth workers, access relevant information about issues that concern them, and develop their social networks.

Eight Ofsted registered Nurseries, providing spaces for up to 360 children where they are given opportunities and experiences that will set them up for their educational journeys and prepare them for their lives ahead.

What does the job entail?

We are recruiting into the post of Housing Support Worker as part of our Big Lottery funded Nightstop Daystop Project. The post is full time and for a fixed term of two years (may be extended subject to funding). The Nightstop Daystop Project provides Support, Housing, Advice and signposting to young people in need. You will be working on that, and also assisting with the planned expansion of the Nightstop Daystop project. In addition, you would also be working with those referred to us as Statutory Homeless Referrals from B&NES council.

As a Housing Support Worker you will play a crucial role in building both short-term and longer-term relationships of trust with 16 - 25-year-olds, to help prevent youth homelessness via our Bath Nightstop Daystop and Platform for Life Projects here at the YMCA Bath Group.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Housing Support Worker will be a primary contact for young people. In this varied and dynamic role, you will support both the day-to-day operation of Bath Nightstop Daystop, including recruiting, training and managing Nightstop volunteer hosts. Supporting young people in housing crisis into a safe temporary place to stay, but also longer-term relational work with young people who may not meet the thresholds of other services.

• You will conduct assessment interviews, take up references, keep up to date contact notes

• You will provide one to one support and assist in enabling young people to make a sustainable move on from homelessness at the earliest opportunity.

• You will also work generically as part of a small and friendly team undertaking a wide and varied range of duties that support the whole range of youth work of the organisation.

• You will keep all databases up to date and provide data as required to Depaul UK and the Big Lottery.

• You will add to and update social media accounts on a regular basis.

• You will work alongside the housing team to create a wider knowledge and understanding of the work of both Nightstop and Daystop with partner agencies, schools, colleges and church groups.

• You will assist with the planned expansion of Daystop hubs outside of Bath City Centre.

• You will work as part of a broader charity team to maximise fundraising, marketing and development opportunities.

• You will provide out of hours on-call support on a rota basis.

What skills will the successful candidate need?

You will have at least two years experience of working with volunteers and young people and have a knowledge of housing and safeguarding issues and the legislation that affects young people. Additionally you will have conducted assessments in a support worker role.

You will possess the skills, experience and knowledge to play a part in helping to progress the project and to support information gathering and research processes to support further growth.

You will have experience of working with database systems to keep up to date and accurate records.

A full Driving licence and the use of a vehicle with appropriate motor insurance are essential.

What we offer

Enhanced sick pay allowances and paid compassionate and emergency dependent leave.

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

YMCA employee advantages

YMCA Brunel Group is an inclusive organisation and the post requires a shared commitment to equality and diversity

20% discount off the cost of childcare at our childcare settings

Location

YMCA Bath is a centrally located hostel which provides accommodation to school groups, backpackers, sporting groups and universities.

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (there will be occasional evening or weekend work)

Contract type

Full time, rolling 12-month contract through BANES

Rate of Pay

£23,000 to £25,000 per annum (depending on experience) plus annual leave

Full Driving licence and the use of a vehicle with appropriate motor insurance are essential.

To know more about what YMCA Brunel do please visit our website: https://ymca-bg.org/work-for-us/

Click here to apply.