Central is currently recruiting for a part time Rapid Assessment Worker, to work in the Croydon area. The Somewhere to Stay Safe Hub is a ten bed rapid assessment unit for customers with high needs referred by Croydon Council.

The successful candidate will be required to work 3 days per week, working between Monday - Friday, 10AM - 6PM. Temporary cover is required for approximately 3 months. The pay rate for this role is £14.21 per hour, with £1.72 holiday pay, totalling £15.93 per hour.

In this position, you will be expected to;

* Hold a caseload of key clients and conduct regular key working sessions resulting in agreed Support Plans

* Complete comprehensive risk and needs assessments and Housing Benefit applications.

* Work with service users to identify their strengths and goals through an asset-based approach to support

* Support service users to identify positive move on options and live more independent lives

* Ensure fair access through interviewing and assessing the suitability of referrals, based on the criteria of the project

* Establish supportive and professional relationships with customers and deal effectively with unpredictable and challenging situations in a professional and sensitive manner

* Carry out regular Health and Safety inspections

* Support service users to pay their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management

* Ensure all voids are advertised and lettings made promptly

* Support and advise customers on any matters relating to their occupancy agreements

* Respond proactively to maintenance issues.

* Remove items, clean and make rooms ready for new occupants, where required

* Keep timely and accurate records including customer files, monitoring information etc

* Complete SNAP forms

* Support service users to attend viewings

To apply for this role, you must have;

* Experience supporting vulnerable people to achieve independent living

* An understanding of the reasons why people become homeless and the needs and challenges they face

* Understanding of addiction and substance misuse inc. drugs and alcohol

* Knowledge of safeguarding issues and how they apply in day-to-day work

* Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to homeless people including an understanding of welfare benefits

* Experience of holding a caseload, conducting support plans, risk assessments and needs assessments to support customers to identify their strengths and goals through an asset-based approach, using psychologically and trauma informal techniques

* Ability to use coaching and basic counselling skills/frameworks to support customers

* Competent in using Microsoft word, excel and inputting to database

Candidates must confirm their interest by Monday 23rd September, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible.

Further requirements:

In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:

* Current valid right to work in the UK

* Minimum 12 months' of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)

* A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £50)

* Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

How to apply:

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.

*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position