Engagement and Assessment Worker

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. In 2024 we embarked on our new 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

It is an exciting and important time to be joining us at Crisis. We work with thousands of people across England, Scotland, and Wales so they can leave homelessness behind for good. We have recently adapted the way our services work to maximise our impact in ending homelessness. We have increased our capacity to work with people one to one and strengthened our ability to support those people facing the most barriers to preventing or ending their homelessness.

We offer people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless housing and benefits advice, 1-2-1 coaching, advocacy, courses and peer group sessions alongside practical services of showers and laundry for street homeless.

About the role

As an Engagement and Assessment Worker, you will be part of Crisis Skylight Brent s Engagement and Assessment Team, providing a high quality, non-judgemental and safe service to individuals who approach our Skylight Centre. Engagement and Assessment Workers are the first point of contact for a range of enquiries from people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time, individuals with complex and multiple needs, visitors, volunteers, and supporters. You will be providing information about Crisis services, delivering a high-quality triage and assessment service, and offering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) on local homelessness and other related services. You will also manage a small caseload.

Crisis uses a case management approach, and the successful candidate will attend case management meetings, reflective practice, and team meetings. You will also work collaboratively with external partners and Crisis Skylight Brent s Coaching and Learning Teams.

About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience of working with homeless or other vulnerable groups and understanding of the importance of respecting confidentiality, showing empathy and sensitivity, and working in a boundary way

• Experience of assessing presenting needs and working in a Psychologically Informed Environment, and in a way that ensures that members with all levels of need can access the service.

• Excellent customer service skills with a commitment to delivering the highest standard of customer care and high quality IAG.

• Good knowledge of homelessness, housing and welfare legislation and Safeguarding procedures

• Strong interpersonal skills including effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to deal with challenging situations with a calm approach.

• Ability to manage a caseload, and successful relationships with external service providers and partners.

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%

• 28 days annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.

• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm

• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 13 October 2024 at 23:55

Interview process: Competency-based interview + written answer to Case Study sent to shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

Interview date and location: Wednesday 23 October 2024 at Crisis Skylight Brent, 1-2, Bank Buildings, High Street, NW10 4LT

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for my application?
We strongly discourage applicants from using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. This is so we can run a fair, transparent process which gives all applicants an equitable chance of success. We want to hear about your own experience and perspectives in your application and if shortlisted, during the interview too.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W, SC040094