Independent Living Mentor

Job Summary: DUTIES WILL INCLUDE: • To support people in a positive way by focusing on their personal development. The aim is to equip people with the skills and confidence to progress into independent living. • To work as part of a team, internally and externally with Wigan Council in order to achieve the best interests for each individual, liaising with other professional agencies. • To identify future housing options and co-produce a support plan to achieve this. • To ensure that individuals understand financial management and developing budgeting skills in preparation for independent living. • To ensure that individuals are safe, inspired and engaged to reach any goals they have set for themselves. • To understand that individuals may have experienced tough life experiences and trauma, and as a result may require a greater level of understanding, thoughtfulness and empathy • To work with people to identify their abilities. Promote and encourage the attendance of internal and external groups and training where appropriate. • Ensure that privacy and dignity is always maintained. • Develop knowledge of local community resources • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies including, but not limited to, housing agencies, social services, mental health team, tenancy support services and alcohol and drug services. • Provide information requested by internal and external stakeholders accurately and on time. • Attend promotions, external meetings and case conferences about the service. • Liaise with other service providers, both statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that individuals can access and use all appropriate services to meet their needs. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS Suitable candidate should have: • Ability to network, build enabling relationships and work effectively in a multi-agency context across the Wigan Borough. • Understand complex needs and how support can be facilitated to those most vulnerable. • 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 to undertake 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 • Experience of working with and supporting volunteers and staff with lived experience. PARTNERSHIP WORKING The Brick is committed to delivering Wigan Council’s Deal approach and as such we are asking for applicants who adopt the 3 core behaviours being: positive, accountable and courageous. We are looking for innovation and creativity, The Brick is not afraid to do things differently and pilot new initiatives to trial and test new ideas. OTHER Health and Safety In line with Health and Safety and Lone Working Policies, take reasonable care of personal health and safety and the health and safety of colleagues, mentors and service users and other persons who may be affected by acts and omissions. Reporting any incidents and Safeguarding concerns in a timely and effective manner following the Wigan tier report system. Diversity Understand and implement The Brick’s Equality and Diversity Policy Out of Hours You will be expected to undertake work in the early mornings, evenings, and weekends to ensure full delivery. Be willing to undertake and assist in fundraising activities which may occur out of hours. Promoting fundraising for the Charity General To be responsible to the Accommodation Provision Manager The post holder will be expected to: Perform any other duties consistent with the broad objectives of the post. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. Attend case management and managerial supervision as required. Attend and be an active participant in team meetings, team training and other internal meetings etc. Attend external meetings, forums, conferences, training etc. as required by Queen’s Hall Action on Poverty. Be aware of professional standards expected in the service, in terms of holistic person-centred delivery, required ongoing personal and professional development. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies, procedures, recommendations and guidelines. Take responsibility for ensuring that legal obligations regarding information which is processed for both mentors and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Confidentiality Policies. Not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. To undertake other such duties consistent with the post, as jointly agreed between the post holder and Queen’s Hall Action on Poverty To always deliver the service in line with and adhere to the Policies and Procedures To undertake other duties when required to aid in the smooth running of the Project. To promote good communication within The Brick and the Charity as a whole. To ensure good time management