Middleton Day Centre Job Description Post: Welfare and Homelessness Adviser Location: Brentwood The Day Centre provides a range of practical and emotional support services for people who are homeless, poorly housed, vulnerable and socially excluded. Many of the clients using the Centre are in poor physical health and some are living with mental health problems. Some of the clients have problems related to substance misuse. In addition to the services provided directly the Centre facilitates the provision of additional services to meet the needs of their clients by bringing in other agencies. The Day Centre aims to provide a warm friendly and supportive atmosphere. The intention is that rules will be kept to a minimum, but clients, who are violent, consume alcohol or drugs or gamble on the premises will be required to leave the Centre. The Welfare and Homelessness Advisers are employed by the Management Committee and are supervised by the Project Manager and have responsibilities in the following areas. Duties

Creation of a friendly, cheerful atmosphere and the resolution of difficulties that may arise with individual clients.
Consistent enforcement of the rules in line with agreed procedures.
To establish a rapport with clients, through which individual support, guidance and information can be provided or accessed on arrange of topics (e.g. legal, medical, housing, employment and financial).
The provision of a clothing store.
The provision of a follow-up service to people whom have recently obtained accommodation. This may involve liaison with utilities, applying to the social fund, obtaining furniture and budgeting advice.
The support of volunteers who work at the Centre either in a general way, or to provide a specific service for the clients. Skills and Knowledge
Must have more than 3 years’ experience, working with Homelessness
Knowledge of Welfare Benefits and Legislation
Must Have 3 years experience of working with Welfare Benefits
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent Listening skills
Excellent customer service skills and commitment to service user involvement
Ability to react quickly to changing situations and to multi-task
Ability to work as part of a small staff team
Excellent Computing skills, including word processing and ability to use windows applications, including spread sheets and databases
An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities
Commitment to the centres Vision, Mission and Values and willingness to work within policies and guidelines Experience
Experience of providing support and/or advice to individuals, specifically around benefits and housing
Experience of working with people with complex need, including homelessness, drugs, alcohol and/or mental health problems
Experience of working in a drop-in environment
Experience of working under pressure and dealing with challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviour
Experience of working in an empowering way with people Work Related Circumstances
Willingness to work the core hours (Monday to Friday) and to be punctual and reliable
Willingness to undertake practical tasks including cleaning as required
Willingness to attend occasional evening or weekend activities

Brentwood Middleton Day Centre

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Welfare and Homelessness Adviser