About us
Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.
Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.
Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.
About the Service - Housing & Homelessness Services
A safe home is the solid base from which you build your life. We support people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as providing specialist accommodation and outreach services for rough sleepers, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, women and young people.
Accommodation to us doesn’t just mean a roof over your head and shelter from the elements. It needs to be a welcoming and flourishing environment, offering opportunities for all those we support to feel comfortable and develop. You can make a difference and support people on their journey towards a brighter future. At Changing Lives, we offer a home rather than just a shelter.
Durham dispersed is a service with 30 properties which are available to house people of County Durham who are assessed via the Durham County housing and homeless team. As part of the team, you will provide high quality support and high-quality housing.
Role Summary
The Support Worker plays a crucial role within Changing Lives, providing information, advice and guidance. Undertaken via referral and direct individual support, the Support Workers aim is to enable service users to live independently and work towards overcoming the interconnected problems that lead them into accessing our services.
Your key activities will include:
Working to build productive relationships with individuals accessing the Changing Lives service
Support, listen, guide and signpost service users to receive the required support to manage their physical environment
Ability to build relationships on 121 basis, to provide key support to service users and enhance their personal wellbeing
Carry out regular health and safety inspections, identifying risk factors, responding accordingly, and carrying out basic repairs where required
To ensure that the standards of the building are maintained by following designated tasks, whilst maintaining a high level of cleanliness, order and sanitation meeting all legal and statutory requirements to operate safely, effectively and efficiently
Empower service users to improve their life skills through the delivery of workshops or sign post to external agencies who can support in this area
Support residents to obtain/sustain tenancies in the wider community and support residents to progress to appropriate accommodation suitable for their needs
Ensure that the voids and placement are responded to and actioned within the time scales set via the contract and service level agreement
Ensure that written reports, documentation and systems are updated accordingly in line Changing Lives policies and procedures, whilst maintaining a high level of confidentiality and data protection
