Are you looking for a sense of purpose in your job? Would you like to support people who have experienced homelessness and addiction?
Being an outreach worker is varied and rewarding work. It also gives invaluable insight into health and social care systems for anyone looking to go into public health and policy work.
The Role
You will be a dynamic, driven individual who is committed to providing assertive outreach to engage or re-engage the homeless population into wellbeing services and drug and alcohol treatment. You will be able to work independently, but also part of a supportive team:
• To carry out triage and comprehensive substance misuse assessments, risk assessments and develop person-centred Recovery Care Plans
• Conduct street outreach to engage/reengage homeless individuals misusing substances
• Deliver satellite provisions within local services e.g. GPs, probation, hostels etc
• Cofacilitate therapeutic groups
• Deliver harm reduction advice
• Work in collaboration with partner agencies in housing, immigration, healthcare, etc.
The Service
Via’s Outreach service in Redbridge is collocated with and works alongside Via’s other services in Redbridge. These include the Adult and Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Services, a sexual health service for young people and vulnerable adults, and our smoking cessation service. Whilst focusing on people’s alcohol or drug use, the outreach team work closely with a wide range of other partner agencies who also support of people who are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed, to ensure that a wide range of services can reach them to reduce inequalities and improve their health and wellbeing.
Via is committed to the ongoing professional development of all our staff. Through joining Vis, you will receive a warm welcome, peer support, extensive training, regular supervision and the chance to thrive in a lively and aspirational organisation.
Language skills in Punjabi, Romanian, Lithuanian or Russian would be desirable.
Although an understanding of the issues facing people who are vulnerable, have complex needs or are experiencing homelessness is desirable, applicants do not need to have direct experience in the substance misuse field. Strong communication skills, empathy and patience are needed so you can provide care to people who have diagnosed mental illness, have experienced complex trauma, and who experience difficulties engaging with mainstream services.
Location
The job will cover multiple service hubs in Redbridge and be based at our main Via Office in Ilford Chambers.
To see the generous range of benefits we offer at Via including 30 days annual leave for all new starters, our health and wellbeing initiatives, financial perks and development opportunities – visit our Benefits Package
For an informal discussion about the position please contact, Zoe Pithers, Team Leader via Zoe.Pithers@viaorg.uk
The closing date for applications is Sunday 17 November at midnight.