---

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting people who are homeless and those who use drugs? Do you have skills in harm reduction or mental health? Extern Ormeau Centre is a, specialist emergency accommodation provider for men and women who are homeless and have complex needs with regard to their mental health, substance use or experience of trauma. Over recent years, the Ormeau Centre has enhanced its operational reputation on the basis of the intervention and support that can be offered to those service users with complex need, based on cohesive team work and the level of cover provided. Key Workers are vital to the running of the Ormeau Centre. We offer you: - A unique opportunity to further develop your skills, confidence and competence working alongside individuals with complex need. - An insight into how substance use affects individuals, their families and their communities. - The chance to work in a large and expanding organization, offering career opportunities and practice support. You will be based within Extern’s Ormeau Centre and will work to provide support to service users in order to achieve positive outcomes in resettlement to appropriate accommodation in the community. 2.0 Specific To Post All key workers will meet the support and risk management needs of service users who present with complex needs, particularly in the area of substance misuse and mental health. Key Workers will act as First Responders in supporting service users who are experiencing overdose through administering Naloxone, a rescue medication which temporarily reverses the effects of overdose. Key workers will monitor outcomes and adjust interventions as directed, identifying further areas of support for the service user.

Responsibilities

• Actively promote and maintain an inclusive low threshold, high tolerance approach in service delivery, encompassing a harm reduction ethos where appropriate.
• Accept referrals from appropriate bodies and carry out initial assessment of any.
• Promote and encourage Service User independence and assist in the development of coping strategies to respond to, and prevent, homelessness.
• Work within the framework of the Drug Accommodated Support Project (DASP) to promote service user wellbeing and engagement. To participate and contribute to Harm Reduction intervention protocols relating to IV drug use.
• Follow and adhere to all necessary risk management protocols operating across project. Work within the framework of the Drug Accommodated Support Project (DASP) to respond to, manage and mitigate risk.
• Attend and participate in internal and external meetings as required and act as advocate for service user when appropriate in relation to: Service User Health & Wellbeing, Social Networks and Move on options, Finance, Training and Employability.
• Work in partnership with other Extern departments and external community agencies in order to improve the quality of life and opportunities of Service Users.
• Ensure compliance with necessary recording requirements and responsibility for accurate and timely completion e.g. Service User case files, Meeting Minutes, Incident reports.
• Assist in the support and training of new Core and Bank staff as requested. Prepare and actively participate in supervision in line with NISCC and Extern guidelines.
• Take responsibility for own ongoing learning and development. Attend appropriate training as and when required. To participate in specialist on site training in order to minimise the risk of, or reverse, Service User opiate overdose.
• Be aware of the roles and responsibilities and work in accordance with Extern Health & Safety Policies and the law around Health & Safety at work in order to ensure the safety of service users, self, colleagues, contractors and other visitors at all.
• Adhere to safeguarding procedures and relevant internal and external policies and standards at all times.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of Equality & Diversity within all aspects of support.
• Contribute to the assessment of Service User need for referrals to external agencies and make appropriate referrals when required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Hold a minimum of level 3 qualification (as set out in the RQF Framework) in a relevant field/subject e.g. Youth & Community Work, Social Science etc.
• In the absence of the qualification requirement, 2 years' recent, relevant experience of working with relevant client group i.e. people who are homeless with complex needs (experience can be from paid/unpaid employment, voluntary work, student.
• 6 months' substantial experience of working with relevant client group i.e. people who are homeless with complex needs. (Experience can be from paid/unpaid employment, voluntary work, student placement).
• Demonstrable understanding of issues affecting those who are homeless with multi-complex needs, including IV substance use.
• Computer literate e.g. email, MS Word, input information to databases.
• Be registered or willing to register with NISCC within 3 months of commencement of employment (you will be required to provide evidence of NISCC registration).
• An ability and willingness to work to a rota that covers weekdays and weekends.

Desirable Skills

• 1 year's experience assisting people with practical support i.e. housing issues, benefits, accessing services.

Further Information

Location: 58-62 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 3BA