Rough Sleeper Navigator

Purpose

• To provide a comprehensive high quality homeless prevention, support and advice service to all rough sleepers in Lewisham.


• To provide an assessment service to rough sleepers presenting to ascertain what duties are owed to them and what alternative housing options are available to them.


• To act as a key worker to allocated rough sleepers, working alongside Housing Solution Officers to ensure Personal Housing Plans are in place and up-to-date, taking them through the actions of their personal housing plans and ensuring each step towards permanent housing is completed.


• To develop specialist knowledge and skills in relation to rough sleepers as required to enable the delivery of a flexible and responsive housing needs service that can effectively meet changing demands and customer pressures.


• To focus on engaging rough sleepers into services using an outreach approach, and working in close partnership with London Street Rescue, NSNO Hub's and other funded and voluntary rough sleeping Initiative services.


• To keep up to date, clear, accessible and accurate casework and data records and report on performance as required.


• To keep up to date, clear, accessible and accurate casework and data records and report on performance as required.


• Signpost or reconnecting identified rough sleepers to area of local connection.


• To support rough sleepers maximize their income through supporting them to make applications and encourage them to attend required DWP and medical appointments.

Responsibilities

• To resolve rough sleeping within the borough through the provision of confidential and impartial advice and information to identified rough sleepers that have either been identified by Outreach services or are in placement in any rough sleeper assistance scheme.


• To actively and positively promote and deliver the housing solutions agenda identifying appropriate housing options for rough sleepers and utilising the tools available for rough sleepers that will resolve their accommodation problems and reduce the need for the provision of temporary accommodation within agreed timeframes.


• To provide advice to customers in respect of the obligations under PtVI and PtVII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Localism Act 2011.


• To fully investigate the circumstances of rough sleepers in Lewisham and to determine in accordance with current legislation, case law and the Code of Guidance 2006 what duty the authority owes to them and to issue legally robust S184 decision letters accordingly.


• To maintain detailed, accurate case notes and reports, update computerised records, conduct correspondence and respond to enquiries as required to efficiently progress cases to resolution.


• To provide advice and practical assistance (including keyworking and hand holding) to rough sleepers to ensure a successful and suitable housing outcome in line with resources.


• To provide information about support, debt counseling and money advice services to rough sleepers in rent or mortgage arrears including advice on the availability of welfare benefits and prioritizing debts, referring people to the DWP, Housing Benefit Service or CAB as appropriate.


• Where necessary to provide advice and practical support on “being a good tenant” and finding accommodation to lower needs rough sleepers in order for them to help themselves secure accommodation.


• To undertake a comprehensive assessment of vulnerable rough sleepers in respect of their support and housing related needs including the risk to themselves and others.


• To develop and maintain a sound knowledge of the support needs of vulnerable single customers presenting for assistance including physical and mental health, substance misuse, offending, learning disabilities, independent living skills, education, training and employment needs.


• To make appropriate referrals to supported accommodation services for vulnerable clients and ensure that a move on pathway is developed for each rough sleeper as required.


• To liaise with other statutory services and third sector services as appropriate who may owe a duty or be able to assist rough sleepers under legislation other than the homelessness acts, or under the borough's rough sleeper strategy.

Requirements

• Enhanced DBS


• Knowledge of the legislation and duties owed to homeless persons under Part V1 and Part V11 of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 & Localism Act 2011.


• Experience with working with rough sleepers or any other comparable marginalized or vulnerable group.


• Knowledge of the Code of Guidance issued by the Dept for Communities & Local Government for local authorities 2006.


• Knowledge of all relevant case law pertaining to homelessness and its application particular to the Single Homeless Client Group.


• Experience of keyworking, care planning and giving practical support to vulnerable clients in resolving their homelessness.


• Detailed working knowledge of the welfare benefit system and its application.


• Detailed working knowledge of other agencies, both statutory and voluntary providing relevant advice and assistance to customers under alternative legislation and in all forms of tenure.


• Knowledge of the housing problems and the available solutions for rough sleepers.

Special Circumstances

Required to deliver the housing needs service at different locations and offices

Required to work outside of normal office hours in times of high customer demand

Required to deliver out reach surgeries and conduct home visits

If interested, please submit CV and call Varsha on 02036913890 between 9am to 5pm (Mon to Fri)