Outreach Support Worker

Service Alpha Community Outreach
Job Title Outreach Support Worker  
Reports to Service Director
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full time (35 hours) and Part Time hours are available  
Location To be discussed, dependent on client needs and your location.  Own transport is essential 
Salary £24,000 – pro rata for part time hours
Charity  It’s not just about what we offer, but how we offer it.

Catalyst is a non-profit organisation working with people to support their health and wellbeing.

Established in Guildford for over 30 years, we provide services alongside a variety of statutory and VCSE colleagues in Surrey and its borders. 

We believe change is achievable when offered by a flexible, respectful, inclusive and a non-judgemental approach. 

Our values are Kindness, Integrity and Commitment.

Project Alpha takes pride in the high standard of services it provides to people with complexities, vulnerabilities and/or high risk needs.  The team has a “can do” attitude and often works long term with people where mainstream services are not appropriate. They offer a range of services which includes assertive outreach and support packages for people who are hard to engage with.  Services include teaching life skills, socialisation, finances and paperwork and maintaining client’s home environments.  We also work with hoarders.
Purpose of Job To take responsibility for all aspects of delivering our service to a high standard on both our 1-to-1 regular support provision for our clients 

Key Activities: 

  • To provide 1 to 1 support to Alpha’s clients by working in line with care plans from commissioning services
  • To conduct continuous risk assessments on clients’ needs and presenting behaviour, and to consider this risk in an outreach approach
  • To develop and update risk management and crisis contingency plans in client feedback
  • To record client visit notes factually and comprehensively daily
  • To undertake assertive outreach throughout Surrey and Hampshire using a keywork approach
  • To participate in training that is mandatory and essential for continuing professional development to undertake the role
  • To raise safeguarding concerns in accordance with Catalyst Safeguarding policies and procedures
  • To adhere to incident management policy and factually record all incidents involving clients environment and buildings
  • To accept responsibility for their own personal safety and to encourage the clients to adopt safe practices both for themselves and others with whom they associate.
  • To attend staff meetings, appraisal, supervision and training events as required.
  • To work within Catalyst’s policies and procedures at all times, paying particular attention to Information Governance, confidentiality and health and safety.
  • To embrace anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of this role.
  • To carry out any other duties that are reasonably required by Catalyst.

General terms of reference:

In carrying out the above duties the post holder will:

  • Work collaboratively across the organisation to offer support to all main functions.
  • Be committed to the role and support Catalyst to be the most efficient it can be.
  • Be someone who believes in fairness and conducts themselves with integrity.
  • Work flexibly across operational sites, including working from home arrangements in agreement with your line manager, as required which may include evening and weekend work.
  • Be motivated to improve personal performance, outcomes, contribution, knowledge and skills.
  • Be professional when partaking in Management, Trustee Board and other work related team meetings; appraisals, workforce development and supervision processes.
  • Keep abreast of developments in services, legislation and identify good practices where appropriate. 
  • Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment for all staff on site or working remotely.
  • Support our values and the culture of Catalyst.
  • Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Desired
Qualifications and experience
A diploma or degree in an appropriate subject i.e. counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, Health and Social Care (level 2) NVQ’s level 2+ or DANOS level 3 and/or a minimum of 2 years community experience of drug, alcohol, mental health work support work
Registration
If holding a professional qualification, to maintain up-to-date professional registration i.e.  BACP, HCP, BPS (or recognised equivalent)
General
Ability to work flexibly across operational hours including occasional evenings and weekends where required
Ability to travel to and from a number of different locations on a daily basis
Knowledge and skills
An understanding and ability to work to the confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies of the integrated service
Good communication and written skills and a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping
Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals whilst retaining clear boundaries
Able to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group
Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and needs of the client group
Knowledge and understanding of community working, lone working, and ability to maintain safety whilst working in the community
Ability to work to all the policies, procedures and standards of the Service and joint working arrangements with key partners
A good understanding of personal limitations, ability to identify when to seek advice and support, and deal with issues which may provoke strong emotions in an objective and professional manner (i.e. child protection)
Ability to manage any challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from clients
Information Technology
Competent in Microsoft Word, use of email (Outlook) and basic Excel skills
Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the Service and Commissioners

Equal Opportunities Statement

We acknowledge the unique contribution that all Catalyst employees and clients can bring to our organisation in terms of their culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, age, religion or belief and any physical disability or history of mental health or additional problems.

All appointments and promotions are based on merit and no job applicant or employee will be treated unfairly or discriminated against. All staff have equal access to staff development. 

Any member of staff who breaches this policy may be subject of grievance and/or disciplinary procedures.

Please note:

  • This job description may be varied from time to time as agreed by the post holder and line manager.
  • This job description is subject to annual review.
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