Job Description                                              

Job Title:  Homeless Welfare Officer
Accountable to: Head of Support and Housing Operations

Purpose of Job
Our Homeless Welfare Officers work as part of a team to deliver high quality, psychologically informed housing and hostel services to vulnerable, single homeless individuals, a number of whom have complex needs. These needs may include mental health issues, substance and alcohol misuse, offending behaviour, and who are vulnerable to rough sleeping. 
As one of our Homeless Welfare Officers, you’ll provide compassionate support to those residing within one or more of our properties. Whether covering shifts across our main hostel or supported living accommodation, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals take steps towards a brighter future—, accessing health services, or regaining confidence and independence.
Our Homeless Welfare Officers provide support and encouragement to our residents to help them take control of their lives and work towards securing permanent accommodation. 
As a ‘Key Worker’ the post holder will work closely with a number of residents to develop their life skills such as budgeting, job searches, tenancy management, and more. Connecting residents with essential services, professionals, and community networks is also a key part of the role.
YMCA Wirral is a 24 hour a day operation and the successful post holder will work as part of a rolling rota system of early and late shifts.

Specific Duties	

Delivery of Welfare and Support 
•	Provide practical advice, support and assistance to service users to settle them in their accommodation and meet their immediate needs
•	Act as the ‘key Worker’ for a number of residents taking responsibility for their welfare during their stay with us and beyond  
•	Engage with clients to motivate then to change away from street lifestyles using different motivational techniques and an empathetic attitude
•	Assist in the building of self-sufficiency and resilience to improve well-being, quality of life and positive relationships
•	To observe the YMCAs policy on Data Protection and Code of Confidentiality
•	Respond to incidents and challenging situations with professionalism and calm
•	Safeguard the wellbeing of all service users and uphold high standards of care
•	Observe and ensure compliance with the Service Code of Conduct including professional boundaries at all times
Record Keeping & Report Writing
•	Maintain accurate, up to date service-user records on the organisation’s databases
•	Report and log all safeguarding incidents and accidents
Health and Safety
•	Ensure at all times the safety of yourself and others on work premises 
•	Liaise with Emergency Services as required from time to time
•	Conduct routine Health & Safety checks and basic domestic tasks as required within the property
Teamwork
•	Develop good working relationships with the various teams within the YMCA
General
•	Work to agreed individual, team and organisational objectives
•	Work within relevant Health and Safety guidelines
•	Comply with all YMCAW policies and procedures
•	Any other reasonable duties as required by the organisation

Person Specification	

Homeless Welfare Officer
		Essential / Desirable	
Qualifications

	Educated to A-Level or equivalent vocational or professional training in health, psychology, social care, criminal justice, or a related field 
Educated to degree level	E

D	
Experience	Experience working with vulnerable people or those who have complex needs
Experience handling safeguarding concerns
Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector
Lived experience of homelessness, substance misuse or related issue	D

D
D
D	
Knowledge

	Knowledge of health, social care, housing or criminal justice systems
Knowledge of causes of homelessness, mental health and/or substance misuse
Familiarity with support services in Merseyside or surrounding areas
Knowledge of the principles of working to Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE)	E

E

D

D	
Skills & Abilities

	IT skills in Microsoft Office applications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Practical approach to problem-solving
Emotional intelligence
Ability to remain calm when dealing with complex and difficult situations	E
E
E
E
E	
Personal Attributes and Behaviours
	Reliable with a strong work ethic 
Highly committed to improving the lives of vulnerable people
Prepared to work at unsociable times 
Highly empathetic, respectful and non-judgmental 
Friendly personality, confident and outgoing  	E
E

E
E
E	
	Full, clean driving license.	D