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JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Link Worker [Housing](See Appendix 1 for Specialisms)

REPORTS TO: Project Coordinator

DIRECT REPORTS: None

LOCATION: Lewisham Resource Centre and SHIP administrative locations

SALARY: £22,865 p.a incl LW

JOB PURPOSE Penrose, alongside local partners, aims to reduce reoffending rates and crimes in the community by increasing the number of offenders from the service’s target groups receiving support either after arrest, or a period of time in custody thereby reducing crime, improving the quality of their lives and those of their families. The post holder will also work with adults who have committed offences and have been subject to cautioning or been convicted of offences and placed on supervision orders.

The purpose of this post is to work within Lewisham's Integrated Offender Service as a frontline worker identifying specific offenders that meet the service criteria for housing. To undertake high quality assessments, provide effective and consistent case management and providing reports within a criminal justice setting. You will provide flexible, wide-ranging support, for Offenders enabling them to access and maintain appropriate accommodation; skills education and employment opportunities as well as other activities to improve their health, well – being and social interaction and stop them re offending.

Additionally the post holder will be required to provide harm minimisation and recovery strategies to such clients and encourage them through motivational interviewing to enter treatment and consider a change in lifestyle to reduce their dependence, increase their mental wellness and change their criminal offending behaviours

The post holder will lead on housing support and advice To prevent homelessness and repeat offending of vulnerable ex-

offenders To develop, acquire and retain an awareness of accommodation and

support services to which applicants can be referred To maintain and monitor a database of available supported

accommodation and a waiting list of people to be matched to suitable units as and when they become available

Link_Worker- JD - 1 - Nov 2013

To attend and represent the service at relevant stakeholder forums, case conferences and working groups as required

Additionally, the post holder will contribute to the service provided at other sites, as detailed in Appendix 1, when capacity and need deem it necessary.

AUTHORITIES: Signing documents in conformity with the Authorisation Policy

ACCOUNTABILITIES: Comply with any required standards or procedures as detailed in the

Organisation’s ISO9001 QMS. Achievement of KPI Targets and Objectives

KEY TASKS

Assessments1. To provide comprehensive assessments of clients in court, and/or custody

suites, at Probation and those who present voluntarily, facilitating the most effective response to their needs. To provide comprehensive assessments of alcohol / drug misuse for those offenders arrested for violent crimes including domestic violence and referring to the relevant agency.

2. To provide reports for court whether they be Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) or for Restriction on Bail (RoB), or outcome of compliance with conditional caution’s within the given timescale and to the required standard which take into account risk, suitability for any treatment programme and motivation of a client when they are an alternative to custody.

3. Ensure that each assessment has a risk assessment embedded within it and that each support/care plan takes into account a clients wishes and feelings but also ensures safeguarding issues are fully explored and recorded.

4. Advocate on behalf of clients where appropriate and necessary and arrange interviews, follow up assessments and any other appropriate services for eligible clients.

5. Ensure a wide range of harm minimisation and recovery strategies are provided to any Class A drug misuser including how to reduce risk of harm/overdose from their drug misuse and risk of HIV, STD,s and Hepatitis

6. Contribute to new initiatives e.g. Virtual Courts, Conditional Cautioning and ensuring compliance with agreed procedures and protocols reporting any operational difficulties to the Service Manager

7. To identify and work with other offenders who will have an OGRS score and assist as appropriate with regard to engagement with the resource centre services.

8. Ensure all requests you make for residential rehabilitation are made timely to the Funding Panel and any decision made there is reflected in any court report , care plan and case notes


Case management1. Provide a robust follow up service to ensure clients comply with the

"Tough Choices" agenda and complete their assessments.2. To ensure any client with a recommendation for treatment is followed up

and monitored in treatment whilst case is being prepared for allocation to Tier 3 Treatment Providers

3. To ensure any client being referred for treatment or support to a partner agency is monitored within procedure and protocols before handover to the agency

4. To ensure that a handover occurs involving the client, to the worker responsible for supporting the client through their treatment pathway.

5. To ensure that any client remanded in custody or sentenced to a prison term is notified to the Link Worker- Prison, for tracking purposes.

6. To ensure any transfer summary is comprehensive and covers all known appointments for the client.

7. To ensure the framework for delivering DIP is adhered to as set out in the DIP Operational Handbook.

8. To ensure that accurate records are kept of all contact with, or in relation to, individual clients

9. To close all cases in line with Penrose case closure policy and procedure and the DIP standards, where applicable.

Client / provider support

Partnership work

1. To contribute to good working relationships between Penrose and key stakeholders ensuring the development at a local level of valued and effective partnerships for the benefit of the client (e.g. Metropolitan Police. Probation Service, Youth Offending Service, Benefits Agency and Treatment Agencies, SHIP, Adult mental health, Alcohol Treatment agencies etc) and any other agency supporting/involved with the client.

2. To work closely with the Lewisham PCT and local NHS Trusts to achieve effective prescribing for clients commencing their treatment pathway in the community.

3. To ensure effective liaison with the Link Worker- Housing in respect of those clients with housing issues or who are of No Fixed abode (NFA)

4. To attend all relevant forums e.g. clinical meetings to ensure that all workers and partnerships agencies are aware of new clients being assessed to enable a sharing of information that could inform the assessment or any risk management

5. To work closely with other partner agencies to ensure effective frontline services and a safe working environment.

6. To ensure up to date knowledge of all Government agendas in the Criminal Justice and drug treatment fields especially those of the National Treatment agency (NTA), Government office for London (GOL) and the Home Office


Information Management1. Ensure case recordings are up to date and accurately inputted on to the

case management system together with any relevant information pertaining to a client.

2. To cooperate with the maintenance of management information records that involves case tracking.

3. To submit all data on to the relevant data management systems and participating in data capture exercises as required.

4. To implement protocols around confidentiality and sharing information which supports DIP's operational work in line with Models of Care and the Data Protection Act.

Financial management

1. Being accountable for achieving financial targets and reporting results within area of responsibility

2. Responsible for accurate forecasting of budgets within area of responsibility

3. Ensuring cost effectiveness of area of responsibility4. Ensuring compliance with financial and procurement procedures

Equality & Diversity

1. Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Penrose’s Equality & Diversity policy and procedures.

2. Positively promote an environment within Penrose which respects and values the diversity of both staff and service users.

Health & Safety and Environment

1. Promote and encourage best practice in Health & Safety and Environment.

2. Take individual responsibility with other staff for the personal safety of all people working and or visiting the service

3. Ensure all the organisations rules/policies regarding Health, Safety and the Environment are strictly adhered to and that safe working practices are adopted at all times.

Other Duties1. To operate within a rota system with other team colleagues to ensure all

police stations, courts and the Resource Centre are covered at the required times including unsociable hours and weekend cover

2. To undertake responsibility for own learning and maintaining an up to date knowledge of substance misuse issues and practises.

3. To actively participate in supervision and procedures linked to Penrose HR policies and undertake the training/development identified.

4. To attend and actively contribute to team meetings, clinical meetings and service meetings.


In order to deliver services effectively, flexibility is needed and the post holder may be required to perform duties not specifically referred to above. Such duties will fall within the scope of the post. Please note that this job description is subject to change depending on the needs of the organisation and service delivery requirements


APPENDIX 1 - (Forms part of the Link Workers Job Description)

LINK WORKER - SPECIALISMS

Link Worker – Custody Suite/ CourtsThe Link Worker will predominately be based in the Custody Suite/ Courts identifying and working with priority offenders who meet the target criteria.

The Link Worker will be responsible for the tracking of DIP clients at court and identifying and engaging with our target group of offenders via jailers, solicitors etc…, who would benefit from our services.

The role has the responsibility for promoting the services offered to Police, Sentencers, legal teams and Probation staff as an effective disposal option, and maximising engagement with the client group.

The role is subject to a work pattern which will include weekend working however it is intended to have as much flexibility within the rota pattern as possible. Particularly with respect to weekend working, where cover will be provided based on volume / demand for the services.When not based in the Custody Suite/ Courts the role will be based at the Resource Centre and will form part of the duty cover rota.The role has the responsibility for a full case load supporting clients through the support lifecycle, linking them to the required service provisions and tracking their progress.

Link Worker – PrisonThe Link Worker will be responsible for promoting the services to and engaging with offenders waiting for / due for release. Will undertake planned prison visits and through the gate workWhen not undertaking prison visits the role will contribute to the Custody Suite rota which will include occasional weekend working. At other times the role will be based at Resource Centre and will be part of the duty cover rota.The role has the responsibility for a full case load supporting clients through the support lifecycle, linking them to the required service provisions and tracking their progress.

Link Worker – HousingThe Link Worker role will be based at SHIP offices two days a week working closely with the SHIP team to identify for the Service client group, particularly DIP clients and offenders with sentences of below 12 months appropriate accommodation.When not based at SHIP the role will be based at the resource centre and will contribute to the duty cover rota.The role has the responsibility for the Service’s housing case load and will tie in with Link Worker colleagues to help find accommodation solutions for their clients.


Link Worker – ProbationThe Link Worker will be based at both Probation and the Resource centre, (times allocated for attendance at each of the locations to be determined). The roles primary duties will be to conduct DRR assessments and to liaise closely with Probation staff to prioritise offender most suitable for the Penrose services with the exception of housing. Links in with colleagues to ensure offenders have access to the services most appropriate for them and manages a full case load supporting clients through the support lifecycle and tracking their progress. The role will participate in the Duty rota.


Person Specification

Housing Link Worker

Qualifications and Experience Rating Application Form

Interview

Experience of working within Criminal Justice and/or Substance Misuse

Essential

Direct experience of working with vulnerable adults and those with challenging/provocative behaviours

Essential

Experience of assessment, risk management, care planning and key working

Essential

Direct experience of working with people with mental health difficulties or substance misuse issues

Essential

Experience of local and national policy, practice and developments relating to homelessness prevention and make recommendations for service improvement

Knowledge Rating Application Form

Interview

Knowledge of the housing related needs of offenders, including risk

Essential

Detailed understanding of the needs of offenders Essential

Knowledge of Drug Intervention Programmes

Knowledge, skills and ability to assess the needs of offenders and identify how these can be met

Essential

Proven understanding of implementing Equal Opportunities and diversity within a service

Skills and abilities Rating Application Form

Interview

To arrange temporary accommodation, where necessary, and ensure appropriate support is provided to an applicant waiting for a placement in supported accommodationAbility to work effectively with vulnerable people

Essential

Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others

Essential


Able to communicate effectively in writing as well as verbally and to produce clear reports using Word Microsoft/excel packages

Essential

Ability to create positive outcomes through the use of negotiation skills

Essential

Ability to assess information quickly and make sound judgements Essential

Ability to use accurately, case recording and information management systems

Essential

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Essential

Essential


Application formPlease use black font colour as this form will be photocopied

Name Position applying for

location Confidential application formThe information provided will be treated as confidential and will be processed by the organisation strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998

Guidance notes on completing the application formPlease complete the equal opportunities form and submit this with your application form.This is used solely for monitoring purposes to assist us in seeking to be an equal opportunities employer.

Please complete the application form in full. Any incomplete forms with CVs attached will not be considered.

Previous employmentThe application form asks you to give details of previous employment. Please also use this section to provide information about any breaks in your employment history lasting more than two weeks.

Supporting statementThis section asks you to complete a statement on how you meet the criteria for the role, using the job description as a guide. For this section of the form, please focus on the Person Specification sections of the job description only and demonstrate how you meet the criteria listed in these sections of the job description.

ReferencesWhen providing references please tell us how you know each person, eg previous employers, current employer, tutor etc. Please also tell us how long you have known each referee.

Following safer recruitment best practice, we may take up references if you are shortlisted, prior to the interview.


The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975)Please complete section A when applying for any position at Penrose.


Personal details

Title

National Insurance Number

First name

Email address

Surname

Telephone (home)

Address

Telephone number (business)

Mobile

Postcode

Qualifications

Please details of all your qualifications, including professional qualifications. Proof of professional qualifications/ status will be required before an appointment is made.

Qualifications Establishment name Year of qualification

Other relevant training courses completed

Organising body and title Brief description of course content Year


Details of current or last employment

Date from Date to

Employer’s name

Job title

Employer’s address

Salary and other benefits (if any)

Reason for leaving

Briefly describe your current/most recent position, highlighting skills, duties and responsibilities, or experience relevant to the post for which you are applying

Details of all previous employment

Details of all previous employment (including voluntary, holiday, home-based, part-time work). Please provide full contact details of previous employers in the care or education sectors. Please detail any gaps in employment that are longer than two weeks in this section.

Dates of employment (month & year) Length of

service

Employer’s full name and address

Job title, salary/other benefits and brief description of duties/responsibilities

Reason for leaving


Supporting statement

Using the job description as a guide, please summarise how you meet the requirements for the post. Please focus on the Person Specification sections of the job description only and demonstrate how you meet the criteria listed in these sections.


References

Please provide the names of three people who may be approached for a reference. At least one must be your present or most recent employer or school, college or university if you have not been in employment. Please state in what capacity you know each of the referees you provide.

Name

Name

Name

Position

Position

Position

Company name

Company name

Company name

Email

Email

Email

Telephone

Telephone

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Postcode Postcode Postcode

In what capacity does this person know you?



How long have they known you?



Please put an ‘X’ in the box if references can be soughtbefore interview

Please put an ‘X’ in the box ifreferences can be soughtbefore interview

Please put an ‘X’ in the box if references can be soughtbefore interview

Penrose follows safer recruitment best practice. References may be sought if you are shortlisted, prior to an interview, unless you indicate otherwise.

Please state if you have any relationship with anyone working at Penrose including Councilors and Trustees. If so, please provide details.

Yes No

Are there any dates when you would not be unavailable for interview? If so, please provide details.

Yes No

Do you require a work permit to work in the U.K? Yes No

If yes, do you have a work permit? Yes No

Please provide details of your work permit.


Please note that Penrose reserves the right to request a full pre-employment medical.

If you are short listed for an interview are there any special requirements you will require in order to carry out the interview?

Yes No

If yes please provide details:

Safeguarding

Penrose is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users who use our services, and, as such, expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975)

Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to employment with Penrose

Please complete the section below

A.All applicants must declare both unspent and spent convictions. Please tick the appropriate answer below:

Have you been convicted of any criminal offences, or received a police caution or warning?

Yes No

If yes, please provide details of the conviction(s)If you are selected, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau

Are you disqualified from working with vulnerable adults? Yes No

Please note;Failure to disclose information where asked for could result in subsequent dismissal or disciplinary action if you were appointed.

I confirm that the information given in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge and understand that wrongful completion will invalidate any contract of employment which may be offered to me by Penrose.

Signature Date


Human Resources Department Penrose 1 Waterloo GardensMilner SquareLondon N1 1TY


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