Barnabus

The Homelessness Navigator supports people who have been street homeless for many years and have found it hard to settle into any form of accommodation. Services users will receive specialist support to help them adjust and settle into any offers of accommodation. Working in different locations, in a multidisciplinary team, the Homeless Navigator helps people to develop their confidence, life skills and resilience to live independently. The successful candidate will demonstrate a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. Knowledge in navigating the homeless system is a bonus, but finding the right person is our main priority. Provided you have experience working with vulnerable people, who have experienced trauma, direct homelessness experience isn't essential. You will enjoy working as part of a team and will work to the high support standards that we expect at Barnabus. Responsibilities Advice & Support • To be a consistent first point of contact for clients., • Maintaining a case load of 8 clients and working with the Case Work Team Leader to identify new clients, or discharging existing clients where appropriate., • Provide intensive support for clients with a long history of street homelessness, criminal justice system, substance misuse, mental distress or diagnoses and trauma., • Holistically assess clients and create support plans which address homelessness and all presenting needs. This may be with other agencies., • Provide advice and support with regard to housing, benefits, probation and any other barriers to remaining housed., • Ensure clients receive a homelessness assessment and any other assessments which may be helpful for ongoing support., • Work with multiple agencies to provide the right long term support for people who have not been served by statutory or specialist services in a way that helps them., • Provide practical and emotional support for clients transitioning into temporary or longer term accommodation., • Carry out assessments and evaluations to assess client progress. • Support clients to develop personal and life skills, with the aim of attaining greater independence and self-esteem., • Work with clients even when relationships break down or plans are abandoned., • Raise concerns about client safety and make safeguarding referrals where appropriate., • Attend internal case meetings and safeguarding review meetings. Multi-Agency Working • Delivering navigation for Street Engagement Hub clients as appropriate., • Attending Street Engagement Hub meetings as required., • Establish effective joint working arrangements with other agencies to provide a holistic multi-disciplinary approach to support., • Encourage access to primary care, harm reduction, mental health and other specialist support services and supporting the client to attend if needed., • Attend regular Multi disciplinary meetings as required, keeping the client informed of any decisions or outcomes., • Working closely with Manchester City Council to maintain effective pathways and processes with the Rough Sleeper Service, Housing Solutions and other Homelessness Directorate areas. Record keeping and Confidentiality • Making and maintaining up to date records on Barnabus’ client CRM system., • Making and maintaining up to date records on GMTHINK, the city’s database for people who are street homeless., • Maintain client confidentiality where appropriate, working in line with Barnabus’ Confidentiality and Data Processing Policy. General Duties • Cross team support as required for the Beacon Support Centre and Housing team., • Involvement in Barnabus-wide activities and meetings., • Receiving supervision from the Recovery Manager or any other manager in the absence of the Case Work Team Leader., • Practical assistance in the support office and at fundraising events. Employment Details (Two positions available) Job Title: Homelessness Navigator Reports to: Case Work Team Leader Contract: Fixed Term 2.5 years. This role is funded, and dependent on future funding, this contract may be extended if the successful candidate agrees. Location: Based at Barnabus, 61 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY. The role requires multi-site outreach and a car is desirable. Working Pattern: Normally 8.30 - 16.30 Monday - Friday, this role requires some early starts or late finishes. Rota to be agreed in advance. Hours: 40 hours per week with 30 minutes unpaid for lunch each day. Salary: £30,000 pa Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays Benefits: 5% employer contribution to Barnabus pension scheme Barnabus operates a health cash plan to help with maintaining your health. This includes 8 face to face counselling sessions per year. How to apply Please email your CV and a covering letter stating why you are suitable for the role. IT and writing skills are essential for this role. The two positions will remain open until we find the most suitable candidates.