Step Down Support Project Worker

St. Patrick’s provides 29 units of accommodation for single homeless people and rough sleepers in five- and six-bedroom flats with shared kitchen/lounge and bathrooms, including a limited number with dogs.  The service provides a 24-hour accommodation-based assessment and support service and operates 365 days a year.  The Step Down contract supports up to 6 people with housing needs upon discharge from hospital to settle post-discharge and move into more suitable accommodation. The beds are situated across 2 sites, one being St Patrick’s, the other being New Steine Mews.

The Role

We are looking for a full-time (37.5 hours per week) Step Down Support Project Worker on a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2023. Step Down Support Project Workers support up to six people experiencing homelessness on discharge from Royal Sussex County Hospital. The objective of the role is to support Step Down clients with medical appointments and meaningful occupation of their time as they secure longer term suitable accommodation. This allows for a broad and creative approach to support within the partnership with ARCH, Justlife, Housing Options and BHCC Commissioners.

In this role you will support clients from assessment to discharge from Royal Sussex County Hospital. You will support project staff by taking a lead on the six client's support and by liaising with the Step Down Partnership to mitigate enduring health and housing issues. You will also promote the work of Step Down with our partners in the sector.

We will consider job sharing as an option; please email sophie.pratt@ymcadlg.org before applying if you are interested

The expected working pattern is Tuesday to Saturday and will be based around a rota pattern. Your hours will be negotiable and can be discussed at interview.

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who is creative, solution-focussed and passionate about working with vulnerable people. The successful applicant will be professionally curious and boundaried. You will have a can-do approach to supporting clients as they pursue their interests, to helping with cooking and cleaning and to taking up activities and hobbies with clients.

We know that there are great candidates who will not fit everything we have described above, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

If you would like an informal discussion about this post, please contact sophie.pratt@ymcadlg.org

The closing date for this role is midnight on 14 August 2022, there is a proposed interview date of 18 August 2022. However, please note this is a rolling advert; applications may be reviewed regularly, and suitable applicants may be invited to attend interviews on a rolling basis. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK

YMCA DownsLink Group welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

For questions regarding this role or to request another application format: please contact recruitment@ymcadlg.org