Resettlement Housing Empowerment Worker - United Kingdom - Sodexo

Description

HMP Bronzefield is committed to the safe resettlement of prison leavers. Finding suitable, safe, supportive, and sustainable accommodation is often a challenge for prison leavers and we seek to address this through innovation and partnership with local stakeholders.

The St. Hilda's House Project is a unique partnership between HMP Bronzefield, St. Hilda's Church and Hope into Action. The project provides accommodation for a small number of prison leavers from HMP Bronzefield into the local area of Ashford, Surrey.

The St. Hilda's House project comprises of accommodation in a small house which is owned by St. Hilda's Church and provides tenancy for 2 women for up to 2 years with the support of a network of church volunteers and specialist guidance from Hope into Action, a leading charity which enables churches to house the homeless.

We are seeking to recruit a Resettlement Housing Empowerment Worker to support the project and the tenants living in the house. The Empowerment Worker will meet regularly with tenants to provide resettlement support and advice; therefore, we are looking for candidates with experience in navigating local government housing, finance and benefit systems/legislation.

The successful candidate with act as liaison between the stakeholders as well as overseeing and supporting the team of volunteers from St Hilda's Church.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers

Main Responsibilities

• Empower tenants to reach their full potential and successfully move on from our house.
• Ensure that all tenants meet their financial obligations to the project.
• Attend tenant casework review meetings and staff supervision meetings.
• To move on tenants and evict where necessary adhering to relevant processes and policies.
• Deliver the relevant eviction paperwork and work with line management if court proceedings are required.
• Support the training of church volunteers.
• To support St Hilda's Church volunteers to fulfil their roles, keeping them enthused and equipped.
• Lead the assessment and referral process of potential tenants.
• Lead the case work for each tenant.
• Complete relevant paperwork as you work alongside tenants and project volunteers.
• Contribute to and make guided decisions around disciplinary measures required for tenants.
• Keep relevant paperwork and files up to date and compliant with relevant legislation.
• Attend training events at the prison.
• Write end of month reports for Line Manager.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements .

The Ideal Candidate

Desirable

• Experience working with those resettling from prison.
• Experience in planning and coordinating work.
• The ability to complete all mandatory training as required and learning "on the job" to support the job role.
• Experience of working with groups or individuals to motivate and change behaviour.
• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity good practice.

Essential

• Flexible and professional approach.
• Experience of providing housing support and navigating the processes and requirements associated with claiming benefits, housing assistance or other grants.
• 5 GCSE A-C Grade or equivalent.
• Ability to build professional pro-social relationships (with prisoners; with other prison staff; project volunteers, partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the 9 Pathways to Reducing Re-offending (for women).
• Non-judgmental understanding of the life experiences and social problems affecting women in custody and how these also affect their ability to resettle effectively and safely into the community.
• Ability to deal with potentially aggressive/abusive behaviour whilst remaining professional.
• Effective organisational skills including the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and maintain high standards across all elements of the job.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team and on an individual basis.
• Developed communication skills (both oral and written).
• To lone work when necessary and give self-direction within a defined set of parameters.
• To be comfortable attending prayer / thanksgiving / worship events and demonstrate sympathy with the Christian faith.

Package Description

£ per month + £132.6 London Weighting.

Working Hours

16.00 hours (Regular Monday – Friday pattern)

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Sodexo Discounts including Costco Membership, Free Spree cashback card and Gym discounts.
• Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• Access to ongoing training and development programs including apprenticeships.
• Countless opportunities for career development and to grow within the company.
• Community Online Academy (COA).
• Employee Lottery.
• Mental Health First Response Programme.
• Health and wellbeing incentives including Spectrum.Life, YuLife and Talk.
• Reward and Recognition schemes.
• Flexible working considered.
• Stop Hunger Foundation and Volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bupa Healthcare Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• Free meals (if applicable) and parking on site.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

This post requires an Enhanced DBS check with barred lists and other clearance checks for access to the prison.

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.