New Start is a family-run, not-for-profit organisation, providing residential and supported accommodation services for vulnerable adults, families, children, and young people. We deliver a diverse range of homelessness projects and temporary housing solutions, helping some of the most complex and disadvantaged groups across Merseyside.

Strengths-Based Housing Support Worker/Coach

Have you had experience working as a housing support worker? Do you hold the necessary skills to coach and inspire people to move forward positively with their lives? If you do, then we have a fantastic opportunity for a strengths-based Housing Support Coach to work within a 24/7 supported accommodation hostel in Liverpool. You will be supporting vulnerable adults via a program of empowerment and confidence-building, helping them to personally grow and develop within safe and comfortable lodgings whilst working towards greater independence and a more permanent housing solution.

What we have to offer

• Competitive Salary - £(phone number removed)
• A contributory pension scheme
• 22 days annual leave rising by 1 day per year
• An online bespoke Mandatory training package including a wide range of additional resources to support your development
• A range of learning and development opportunities.
• Monthly group reflective practice sessions
• Complimentary Medicash Membership

Responsibilities as a Support Coach will include:

• Managing and inspiring positive change for a caseload of residents within a psychologically informed hostel-environment
• Supporting those who access the service to settle in, and work towards implementing a more empowering and positive daily structure into their lives at a pace that is realistic and achievable to them
• Educating residents on harm reduction around substance misuse and supporting those who are contemplating recovery from addictions to understand the steps required to access various treatment options
• Planning future long-term accommodation and resettlement options via a personalised strengths-based support plan
• Offering ongoing coaching, advice, and guidance on housing/resettlement related issues from the beginning of a resident’s tenancy through to their planned exit
• Conducting ‘trauma aware’ needs and risk assessments, and updating when necessary
• Exploring education, training, and employment options with residents
• Empowering residents to sustain their welfare benefits, manage their tenancy and comply with key functions that are necessary to support their basic needs/finances
• Referring clients to relevant specialist support agencies to assist with support that cannot be met within the service remit
• Liaising with external agencies (from a multidisciplinary perspective) on behalf of residents to ensure they can access what they need from services
• Working as part of a team overseeing the health and safety of the building and all residents/visitors/co-workers whilst on shift
• Completing regular resident welfare checks (as required) throughout the shift
• Completing thorough case notes for all residents throughout the shift and providing a detailed handover to the next members of staff coming on shift
• Supporting residents to maintain contact with specialist and clinical agencies
• Reporting any incidents or concerns to the Project Manager
• Effectively managing and reporting incidents that occur within the service in-line with New Start’s serious incident protocol

What we are looking for in a Support Coach:

• NVQ Level 3 in Housing/Health and Social Care, or be working towards this qualification
• Experience of working with individuals with complex needs, substance misuse issues, mental health, trauma, and/or offending backgrounds
• Experience of working collaboratively with other agencies both voluntary and statutory
• Experience and understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people
• Previous experience of working in a hostel setting or delivering support via outreach work/in-reach work
• An excellent understanding of homelessness/rough sleeping, substance misuse, harm reduction and managing complex needs/behaviours
• An ability to motivate people and build positive connections
• Knowledge and experience of how to support people from a person-centred perspective, positively engaging people through a process that is led by them
• Ability to accurately record information, such as case notes, risk assessments, support plans and incident forms
• Experience of working with Mainstay would also be desired, however full training will be provided

This post is subject to enhanced DBS criminal record disclosure.

The successful applicant will work 37.5 hours per week.

The post is rota-based which may include weekends/unsociable hours as the role supports a service wide day/evening rota.