The key role will be to engage with individuals in the borough who are rough sleeping, some who may be reluctant to access services. The Post Holder will utilise their skills, knowledge as well as experience (which may include lived experience and relevant background) to continue to work to and develop partnerships, develop specific referral pathways into accommodation and recovery services, gather intelligence, build trust and respect, and lead and contribute to extensive outreach within the community. The post holder will, in partnership with other existing services and organisations, identify barriers into accommodation and support and work on creating and delivering solutions to these barriers. The post holder will also focus on early intervention and prevention work engaging individuals who are at risk of rough sleeping. The Outreach and Engagement team will be responsible for contributing to the overall performance of the service to ensure that contractual output targets are achieved. They will also be required to record and input data and information in order that the service operates within contractual, administrative and financial requirements. The post holder will be required to work across a number of operational sites across the borough as required and work flexibly to maintain the most appropriate level of service provision. This will include early morning and weekend working and extensive street outreach. The post holder will be expected to take responsibility for personal development, identifying personal training needs and participate in regular supervision and appraisal. 

•        Undertake extensive street outreach both proactive and via referrals and work on a rota basis including working early mornings, occasional late nights and weekends as required. Cover may be required Monday to Sunday on a rota basis

•        To assess the needs of individuals sleeping rough and to provide them with realistic asset-based offers of support services/accommodation/reconnection in liaison with other agencies and specialist workers.  

•        In the event of non-engagement with Outreach/Support services or consistent engagement in negative street activities to work collaboratively with Wigan Council, MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs), Central Watch, PCSO teams, and other enforcement agencies where required, noting that The Brick aims to support individuals to achieve positive change. 

•        To advocate, where appropriate, on behalf of people sleeping rough with external agencies regarding their welfare rights, Primary Health Care needs and other issues affecting their Health and wellbeing. 

•        To take a pro-active role in promoting awareness of the Outreach service and related issues within the community and businesses of the Wigan borough. 

•        Develop effective working relationships and links with other agencies including but not limited to housing agencies, social services, Mental Health Team, other Tenancy Support Services, Alcohol and Drug Services, Complex Needs Team and Life Centre.  

•        To maintain a caseload and accurately and securely recording their data and progress. Offer individuals assertive, consistent ongoing guidance & support into The Brick, Wigan Council and other services until they are in a position to be able to move from the street into accommodation or reconnection services and/or other appropriate support services. 

•        To source accommodation for people sleeping rough within or connected to the Wigan borough. 

•        To take part in the evaluation and development of services within the Outreach Team and to attend external meetings and case conferences. 

•        To ensure that regular case reviews are carried out within agreed timescales and that support and action plans are implemented and consistently high-quality case notes are recorded on Lamplight and other data base systems as required. 

•        To carry out the required level of monitoring of individuals rough sleeping and that the appropriate monitoring information is available to the relevant agencies. To ensure accurate and up to date files on all people sleeping rough worked with are recorded on Lamplight and other Database systems as required. 

•        This post holder is expected to travel throughout the Wigan and Leigh borough. Own transport is desirable.  

•        Adhere to The Brick Policies and Procedures at all times. 

•        Cover for other members of the team and division as necessary. 

•        Being proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying and acting upon areas for improvement and development. 

•        Undertaking, as required, any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the post and/or reasonably required by more senior members of staff. 

•        Attend and participate in divisional and team meetings and other meetings as required. 

•        Ability to network, build enabling relationships and work effectively in a multi-agency context across the Wigan Borough. 

•        Have an understanding complex needs and experience of supporting those most vulnerable in order to assist key support delivery partners. 

•        An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (English) and to collate and evidence work/ outcomes using case management databases. 

•        A can-do attitude and willingness approach to undertaking a varied workload 

•        A resilient nature and the ability to handle challenging behaviour 

•        Ability to show empathy with individuals while maintaining professional boundaries 

•        An understanding of the needs and challenges of those experiencing homelessness, including those who have support needs including drug, alcohol and mental health needs 

•        An awareness of key public health messages relating to contagious and spreadable disease 

•        An understanding and experience of working within GDPR, respecting, and maintaining someone’s choice, independence and dignity