Youth Opportunities Officer

Job Description Youth Opportunities Officer

Reporting to Housing Support Manager

Service Area Housing

Location Hillbrook House

Hours of work 21

Holidays 6.6 weeks (139 hours), rising with long service

Probation Period 6 Months

Contract Type Permanent

Grade and Salary £18,420.19

About us

[Employer hidden] is a vibrant charity that has been actively supporting the local community since 1870. We help people to believe in themselves, support them to achieve their goals and inspire them to be the best they can be by providing services that focus on those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.

Department introduction

The Housing team at [Employer hidden] consists of Hillbrook House in Redhill which offers safe, supported and affordable housing to 44 young people, 4 semi – independent move on properties offering accommodation for a further 31 young people and Next Step which is a Private Rented Sector Housing Scheme working closely with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Tandridge District Council for those with a housing need.

Job Purpose

To co-ordinate a resident engagement programme designed for inactive young people, leading them on a bespoke journey towards employment, volunteering education, training. The role will help the team deliver a safe, supportive, and person-centred service for young people and vulnerable adults accessing [Employer hidden]’s housing.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement

• To promote, co-ordinate and deliver the resident journey programme (Y-Focus) to residents of [Employer hidden] Housing Services.
• Implement a timetabled support programme consisting of workshops and group activities for residents with a focus on those who are economically inactive.
• To ensure long term goals are met so inactive residents become active and independent as part of their pathway plan.
• To set up regular activities that will enhance residents’ life skills and confidence in areas such as physical activity and health, emotional wellbeing, team building skills and healthy living.
• To develop effective systems of support for young person and continually look at their development.
• Submit regular reports to relevant committees to ensure Y-Focus progress is evidenced and transparent.
• Maintain accurate records, timetables, interventions and outcomes.

General

• Represent YMCA with professionalism and compassion, always maintaining a positive and inclusive public image.
• Participate in supervision, appraisal and learning and development, taking responsibility for maintaining the knowledge and skills required for this role.
• Take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others, reporting any risk promptly.
• Work within YMCAES policies and adhere to the terms outlined within them.

Key Working Relationships

Internal

• To build a positive and supporting working relationship with young people (residents), to provide a high standard of support.
• Work together as a team and support one another in a positive manner. Approach matters with the drive to problem solve and promote joint networking.

External

• Facilitate positive, professional, and efficient partnership working to move residents on who are showing signs of independence.
• Building positive working relationships with Personal Advisors, Social workers, Advocates, solicitors, and other key professionals in young peoples’ lives.
• Consult with external partners, housing teams, and local authorities to support the resettlement process.

Management

• Prepare and complete reports as required by the Chief Executive and Housing and Senior Management.
• To undertake other tasks which may from time to time be required by the Chief Executive and Housing and Senior Management, including occasionally working evenings as directed by Housing Management.
• Proactively achieve KPI’s and deadlines set.
• Promptly inform your line manager of any concerns in line with policies and procedures.

Legal Regulatory and compliance responsibility

• Ensure compliance with Safeguarding legislation and organisational safeguarding policies and follow guidance from relevant regulatory bodies as required.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and organisational data protection policies.
• Ensure rights and entitlements are delivered.

Essential Desirable

Education • Minimum NVQ Level 2 standard • Level 3 CIH qualification or Health and qualification or equivalent in and Social care.

Qualifications housing, social work, or youth • First Aid qualification.

work (or wiling to complete • Evidenced safeguarding training alongside their job role within within the last twelve months. the nex t twelve months.).

• Strong administrative and • Understanding of housing law and organisational skills. tenancy types.

Knowledge • Excellent written and verbal • Knowledge of social housing policies and Experience communication. and procedures.

• High diligence and accuracy and • Awareness of safeguarding, manage confidential and equality, and inclusion. sensitive information. • Experience working in housing, • Proven experience in supporting local authority, or support services. individuals in supported housing.

Key Skills • To develop positive and • Able to respect the ethos of the and Abilities respectful working relationships YMCA and uphold its values. with residents, colleagues, and • Demonstrable skills in assessing stakeholders, and manage needs in relation to housing and sensitive situations with resettlement. In addition, to identify professionalism and empathy. key areas for support. • Effective one to one and group • Communicates information clearly skills in collaborating with and appropriately for different residents. audiences, using accessible formats, • Plans and prioritise tasks such as Word, Excel, Access, effectively using own initiative Outlook, and translation services (for to meet agreed deadlines and example, The Big word). manage time accordingly whilst • Ability to problem solve finding seeking support or adjustments appropriate solutions. where needed. • Collaborates effectively within a • Able to consult effectively with diverse team, values different external organisations developing perspectives and contributes to and maintaining good relationships. a positive and inclusive working • Ability to adapt working style to the environment. unique needs and levels of people, • To hold a full driving licence and volunteers, and other workers. valid business use insurance • Able to respect the ethos of the policy. This must be evidence, YMCA and uphold its values and documents provided such Demonstrable skills in assessing as MOT certificate, insurance needs in relation to housing and certificate and valid driving resettlement. licence provided. • Represents the YMCA professionally (internally and externally) incorporating YMCA’s values.

Personal • Commitment to equality, • Values collaboration and respect for Attributes diversity, and inclusion in all different perspectives. aspects of work and • Open to learning and continuous understanding of how it applies development to own role.

Other • A strong command of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, SharePoint ·

• Ability to travel to various locations as required for the role and between properties or sites if required.

• The organisation will consider reasonable adjustments and alternative arrangements to support this requirement. Subject to a satisfactory Enhanced with Children’s barred list DBS disclosure.