Bridgend Housing Practitioner

Bridgend Housing Practitioner

Salary £27,026.69 to £29,232.95 per annum

Permanent, Full Time, 37.5 hours per week 

G4S in Wales are a key provider of criminal justice services- operating in both the custodial and community sectors.  We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and we consistently seek to work alongside and in partnership with a range of other providers in the voluntary (third), public and private sectors.

We have developed services which are focused on identifying ways to maximise positive impact and make the most effective use of available resources by working with other agencies on common objectives.  In this way we are increasingly able to meet wide ranging and complex needs in the most appropriate way.

We have a commitment to research, evaluation and review of evidence based initiatives.

We value and, where possible, contribute to research into reducing re-offending and therefore we recognise the importance of understanding the wider environment in which individuals operate and this informs us about how best to engage, support and help people with change.

We seek to employ people with drive and energy and a real interest in innovation and teamwork – working beyond traditional organisational boundaries.

We now have an opportunity for a Housing Practitioner to join our team at Bridgend.

The successful candidate will provide housing related support for people leaving prison and re-settling into the Bridgend area.

Key Responsibilities

•  To be based across the temporary accommodations within the service, providing both planned and responsive support to individuals residing within the houses, supporting them with day-to-day tasks and planned support sessions, promoting independent move on into secure accommodation (ideally within 6 months).
• Work closely with Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) to respond quickly to referrals for temporary accommodation placements.
• Support individuals to ensure their common housing application is accurate and updated with any key changes, including the expansion of preferred areas for maximum scope, and managing expectations of property availability.
• Create bespoke support plans and identify support needs, working with the individual to achieve goals set, review six-weekly and promote positive progression with these goals.
• Provide opportunities for skills development for sustainable tenancy management, including understanding budgeting, maintaining a home, cooking and meaningful uses of time.
• Support individuals to create and maintain any housing-related repayment plans proving to be a barrier for future accommodation, and work with partner organisations to address wider financial issues.
• Support individuals to move on from temporary accommodations to stable accommodation through multiple channels, including rebuilding relationships with family to return (where safe and appropriate), sourcing private rentals, and utilising discretionary housing payments.
• Update the Local Authority on occupancy, promoting communication for authorised absences and report non-occupancy and abandonment.
• Support individuals in understanding the terms of their occupation contracts and associated house rules, including maintenance, promoting a harmonious environment, and occupying their tenancy.
• Support the Council in fulfilling its legal duties as a landlord, ensuring a well-managed and supportive environment for all residents.
• Complete all case administration, paperwork and required monitoring promptly.
• Assist in the promotion of creating a positive Health & Safety culture across the houses, including reporting accidents, near misses and hazards promptly.</span>
• Promote G4S is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and adults, and the post holder must support these goals.
• To be flexible to the needs of individuals by flexing time to accommodate evenings for workshops or support those with daytime commitments.

The duties and responsibilities listed within this job description are not exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary occasionally.

Essential Skills

• Good communication
• Good engagement skills
• Understanding of housing- related support
• Understanding of the housing and homelessness system
• For this role, a driving licence and access to a car with business insurance are requirements.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience working within prison and community settings
• Experience using case management systems

Please note that applicants must complete a 200 - 400 word statement outlining their suitability for the role and clearly outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge would apply to this post.

We encourage applications from Welsh speaking candidates.

Equality and Diversity is an important part of G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are a fully inclusive employer who aims to support all employees to be their true selves. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments for either the role or during the recruitment process.

G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and adults at risk and each employee is expected to support these goals.

Please note that these vacancies are subject to a 5 year checkable history and the strict vetting standards set by G4S and the Secretary of State for the Home Office.

You must be eligible to work in the UK and must have been resident in the UK for a minimum period of 3 years. You will also need to provide full details of your employment and education history for the last 5 years as part of the security screening process for this role.

G4S is the International business of Allied Universal, the world’s leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the Fortune 500. Allied Universal delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in over 100 countries and territories, Allied Universal is the third largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is approximately $23 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and helping to safeguard customers, communities and people. For more information, visit g4s.com.   In the UK, the company has an extensive network of offices and more than 31,000 employees.