Role Profile

Position: STEP Worker (Supported Lodgings)

NJC Scale:23 - 28

Salary: £21,057 – 24,717

Hours:40 per week

Normal Place of Work:Fareham based, with travelaround

Reporting to: Senior Support Worker

Key Responsibilities:

  • Raise the profile of the Supported Lodgings scheme across Hampshire and neighbouring counties in the interests of identifying and recruiting prospective hosts in line with identified recruitment targets. A particular focus of this role will be on supporting placements in the south of Hampshire.
  • Complete host assessment, induction and training methods to a high standard to ensure the provision of a high quality support service which is compliant with both contractual expectations, and best practice.
  • Driving an effective and dynamic recruitment and marketing process within Hants to maximise interest in the Supported Lodgings program and build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to encourage the growth of a wider host network.
  • Fully implement all SbS policies and procedures and abide by the responsibilities as detailed in the organisational policies and procedures and support the review and updating of all operational policies and procedures as necessary.
  • Ensure records of support provision are up to date and accurately maintained for both the hosts and service users within the service.
  • Support the hosts and their placements whilst planning effective move on pathways. Ensure positive inter agency partnership working to deliver positive client outcomes.
  • Develop and maintain an effective communication system within the service, ensuring data is efficiently recorded on the client record management system (InForm).
  • Be committed to opening talent. Possessing the ability to spot, nurture and inspire often hidden talents within young people. The desire to aspire to be and do more in all aspects of your work and to encourage others to do the same through your own positive actions. To be an active agent of change – inspiring others to join in.
  • Take part in an ‘On Call’ rota providing out of hours advice and guidance to Step by Step staff and Supported Lodgings Hosts in case of incidents or emergencies.

These key responsibilities are not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but are intended to reflect the range of duties the post-holder will perform.

Person specification:

Knowledge, qualifications & skills required / Essential / Desirable
Empathy for and genuine interest in the welfare of young people. / Yes
Knowledge of the issues affecting young people and the skills to work with them. / Yes
Understanding of and the ability to practice a client centred approach to working with young people, practicing anti discriminatory ways of working and the ability to employ Step by Steps equal opportunities policy. / Yes
Ability to apply consistent standards and to work on own initiative. / Yes
Ability to plan and prioritise work, and able to respond to time sensitive tasks. / Yes
Ability to work on own initiative in line with Policy and Procedure. / Yes
Good communication skills both written and verbal as well as the ability to maintain accurate records, both written and computerised. / Yes
Possesses strong negotiating skills, and assertiveness. Has the ability to handle difficult situations and set and maintain boundaries whilst developing and maintaining positive working relationships with young people. / Yes
Possesses basic IT skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, E-mail, Data inputting and internet. / Yes
Drive, enthusiasm, dynamism, and a sense of humour. / Yes
A clean driving licence and own car is desirable (Learning to drive essential) / Yes
Good knowledge of Rights and responsibilities associated with different forms of occupancy agreements – particularly Tenancies and Licence agreements. / Yes
Possesses a ‘can do’ attitude and has a willingness to go ‘the extra mile’ in the pursuit of positive outcomes / Yes

Competencies:

Communication /
  • Communicates in a way which motivates others and manages conflict effectively.
  • Is able to negotiate with clients and agencies in a positive way to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Is able to maintain composure and professionalism in demanding situations even under pressure.

Results Driven /
  • Is committed to delivering excellent outcomes for clients and has a tenacity to follow activities through to achieve maximum results.
  • Is proactive and willingly examines several different options to find the most effective route.
  • Has a genuine desire to improve and has empathy with, the issues facing young people.

Relationship Building /
  • Is able to gain trust and respect from others by being a respected role model.
  • Develops rapport with clients easily and uses a range of motivational techniques with clients and agencies to form successful working partnerships.

Team Work /
  • Ability to apply consistent standards within their team and is open and supportive with peers.
  • Willingly shares knowledge and experiences to improve and support others in team.

Planning and delivery of work /
  • Can prioritise workload effectively, within deadlines.
  • Has an enthusiasm to monitor and evaluate client progression to ensure positive outcomes.
  • Is able to project manage workload effectively, setting and reviewing objectives and ensuring milestones are met.

Responsiveness to change /
  • Has a willingness to identify and embrace change to the benefit of client group.
  • Is keen to examine own work practices to identify ways in which to continuously improve.
  • Remains abreast of organisational and external changes which impact client outcomes.