Intensive Needs Support Coach

Do you have a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people? Would you say that you believe everyone deserves a second chance regardless of their past circumstances? Would you like to be part of an organisation that supports, cares and empowers these individuals?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated Enhanced Hostel Intensive Needs Support Coach in Medway to join us on a fixed term contract until 31st March 25 as part of the Rough Sleeper Initiative Project - RSI (this is likely to be extended but is funding dependent) to provide effective practical and personal support and guidance to Pathways' clients during the period of their stay in our accommodation to enable them to become more resilient and to live independent lives.

Pathways to Independence is committed to becoming a psychologically informed environment; one which considers and responds to, the potential impact of trauma in every area of its service delivery and design

The primary responsibility of the RSI Enhanced Hostel Intensive Support Coach will be to provide personalised support and guidance to individuals referred to Pathways to Independence through the Medway Rough Sleepers Initiative. This will include assessing client needs and providing support to meet these needs, completing safety plans, ensuring the client can identify and access relevant services, liaising with other statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure the appropriate support for clients.

You will be allocated a caseload of between 5 and 7 clients who have a history of non-engagement, rough sleeping and complex needs. You will be expected to be proactive, in engaging clients demonstrating an approachable, flexible and caring style. The Intensive Needs Support Coach will be required to participate in activities to encourage the development of skills and the building of positive relationships within the local community.

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. You may need to work flexibly outside these hours as per the requirements for the service, residents and participants. You will be based across multiple projects in the Medway area.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, you will have great communication and engagement skills, with the maturity to work within a framework of recovery, building confidence, self-esteem, hope and positive coping skills. You will be someone who has high levels of initiative and motivation with the ability to seek out solutions to problems, and most importantly someone who shares our values and be committed to achieving great outcomes for our clients.

A proactive problem-solver, you excel at managing diverse tasks. You are highly adaptable, work well in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, and are eager to promote a positive and inclusive service. With a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach, you ensure that you can sensitively address the social and societal challenges faced by those with complex needs, while staying aligned with SIG's values and mission.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of working directly with people who have experienced homelessness, with issues around substance/alcohol use and/or mental health
• Experience and ability to build rapport and develop a good working relationship with clients who are using substances, some of whom may display challenging behaviour
• Experience of communicating, liaising and negotiating effectively with a wide range of people including clients, other staff, and representatives of other agencies such as local authorities and statutory services and the general public to build strong partnerships
• The ability to work in fast paced and pressured environment whilst managing multiple priorities and demands to complete delegated tasks or meet deadlines
• The knowledge, skills and ability to assess the needs of people with substance misuse/mental health and health problems and to formulate support plans and risk assessments
• A clear knowledge and understanding of harm minimisation and how it can be used as an intervention; a working knowledge of other interventions in the substance use field
• Proven ability to demonstrate compassionate and creative work practices with residents to address support needs and/or risks
• An open-minded approach to work with vulnerable adults and a willingness to learn new ideas and put these into practice
• IT Proficiency, ability to learn new software programs, basic Microsoft experience
• Understanding and/or practical knowledge of the social and societal marginalisation that can be attached to people with mental health issues, addiction, exploitation, homelessness and within the criminal justice system

What would we like, but not essential?

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