Complex Needs Worker

Are you passionate about supporting homeless people to progress towards independence and independent living?
Can you deliver support, along with empathy, to help them reach this goal?
Can you assist people with complex needs, including alcohol and substance misuse issues and mental health concerns?
Would you like to work in a friendly team of support workers, where your contributions will be valued and you will be treated with respect?

***Please apply without delay since we may invite candidates to interview on a rolling basis.***

Salary: £33,707.

Benefits: As well as fulfilling work and lots of support from your manager, we offer a health cash plan, free gym membership in St Albans (or discounted local gym membership elsewhere), 24/7 GP advice line (including video consultations), an employee assistance programme, pension and life cover.

One YMCA is entering a period of rapid expansion and growth, with aspirations to both diversify and strengthen our housing provision. Working with and supported by local partners, whilst accessing a range of funding streams, we aim to successfully deliver our five-year strategy, Mission 25, to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping across the three counties. Whilst part of a rapidly expanding staff team, currently with over 100 employees, this role is part of a team of three specialist workers. You and your colleagues will deliver accommodation and support to Single Homeless Individuals, as part of the local Homelessness Prevention Pathway, in line with our overarching mission of ending homelessness and rough sleeping. Within our Intensive services, 6-8 hours of support per person is delivered on a person-centric and individual needs basis, utilising a dynamic and innovative multi-agency, and positive value-based culture and shared goals approach. Residents will be supported to identify and focus on realistic and achievable short, medium and long-term goals using the Outcome Star.

Shift pattern: Hours are worked five days per week and include a regular weekend shifts, where time worked is given back in lieu the following week. Total 37.5 hours per week excluding breaks. Week 1: Early shift 8 am - 4 pm Week 2: Late shift 1 pm - 9 pm.

What do we need you to bring to the role? Our job description sets out what the successful candidate must bring, which includes:

• Substantial knowledge and experience of working within the Housing / Support arena within a comparable or similar sector
• An understanding of complex needs and therapeutic approaches to support the residents in addressing their needs and informing change
• An in-depth understanding of childhood trauma and its impact on mental wellbeing and be able to deliver the appropriate information, intervention, advice guidance
• Qualification in a related field (eg housing, social care)
• Knowledge of statutory & non-statutory provisions for the client group
• A developed understanding of therapeutic practice with adults with complex needs
• Experience in mental health, alcohol and substance misuse issues

If you feel that you have the necessary skills and expertise to foster a culture of excellent customer service, genuine care for residents, and a strong sense of team spirit, and if you can lead, inspire and motivate a team, then we would welcome your application! Before applying, please read the full job description for a thorough understanding of the role. This is an exciting time to be joining One YMCA as we embark on an ambitious plan to grow our housing service and double the impact we have across all our accommodation sites.

***Please apply without delay since we may invite candidates to interview on a rolling basis.***

An Enhanced Disclosure check is required for this role.
This is a  Full Time role. 
Hours per week:  37.5
Working Pattern: Varied 7 days a week, inlcuidng bank holidays