Purpose of the post
•Ensure that the people of Gwynedd are at the heart of everything we do.
•To provide tenancy related support to vulnerable clients who may be homeless or threatened with homelessness in order to ensure that they maintain their tenancies and avoid re-occurrence of homelessness (focusing mainly on the clients in the private rented sector)
Responsibility for functions
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Main duties
•Provide a complete tenancy support service to clients accepted on the scheme, regardless of tenure, to enable them to develop the skills and confidence to maintain and manage accommodation and live as independently as possible
•Carry out needs and risk assessments for the clients
•Arrange and implement support plans for all clients in the scheme, and regularly monitor and review those plans, ensuring that support plans are produced in consultation with the client.
•Provide information, appropriate advice and an advocacy service
•Give regular practical support to clients, either through home visits, in the office, by phone or correspondence in order to assist them in maintaining their tenancies.
•Liaise with other service providers/agencies (internal or external) according to that which is identified in the support plans
•Contact utility providers such as water, gas or electricity providers on behalf of the client as necessary
•Keep detailed and current records of the support which is provided on individuals’ files.
•Encourage and support clients to live as fully and independently as possible within the local community, providing information, emotional, organisational and practical support as appropriate.
•Support clients to improve their quality of life by for example, supporting them to develop social networks by providing information and advice on social activities in their area,
•Provide assistance with benefit maximisation, budgeting and debt management and signposting to specialist help where appropriate
•Support clients to engage in education and training
•Support clients to engage in employment/volunteering opportunities
•Support clients to a healthy and active lifestyle and to address issues such as substance misuse, mental health problems.
•Accurately record and share information appropriately and confidentially, preparing and presenting written and verbal reports upon request.
•Keep up to date records on the scheme in order to complete the department’s performance indicators
•Assist the Homelessness and Housing Support Services Manager in completing the quarterly Supporting people returns
•Attend team meetings, case conferences etc. as directed by the Manager
•Undertake all core training required for the post and other training and professional development activities as required.
•Keep abreast of issues relevant to housing and support, welfare benefits and other relevant legislation.
•Ensure compliance with any risk management arrangements identified in risk assessments relevant to the work
•Responsibility for self-development.
•Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
•Operate within the Council’s policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
•Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
•Commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions in accordance with the Carbon Management Plan, and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council’s Carbon Footprint.
•Undertake any other reasonable duty which corresponds to the salary level and responsibility level of the job.
•Responsibility to report any worry or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused
•Provide information and encouragement for clients in temporary accommodation to empower clients to source and secure permanent accommodation.
•Source and explore permanent accommodation solutions for clients in receipt of Tenancy Support
•Negotiate permanent accommodation for homeless clients who are in temporary accommodation in collaboration with the Senior Property Development Officer’s.
•Accompany clients for viewings and assist in assisting clients in securing accommodation.
•Point of contact on behalf of client for letting agent, Registered Social Landlords and Housing providers with a view of securing permanent accommodation for clients receiving tenancy support
Special circumstances
•It may be necessary for the Post holder to work unsociable hours, as needed