Clients

The primary responsibility of a Housing Support Assistant will be to assist the Housing Support Officers to follow through on actions with clients identified through key working and support planning.

• Demonstrate a capacity to work with clients who may be distressed, frustrated and in crisis in a calm and effective manner.
• Successfully engage clients with tasks that are aimed at maximising their well-being and personal dignity.
• Engage in clear communication with clients, in a positive and constructive working relationship
• Assist clients as necessary with practical tasks such as bill payment, home management, self-care, follow through on health and well-being.
• Assist clients to pursue independent life-skills, e.g. budgeting, shopping etc.
• Assist colleagues with client involvement initiatives within the service.
• Assist colleagues to implement learning and development initiatives within the services.
• Assist with the coordination of all meaningful activity and social programmes.
• Assist clients with personal hygiene and all aspects of care where required.
• Contribute to the continuity of service provision in the service, including handovers, diary, incident reports etc.
• Comply with the administrative requirements of the service including maintenance of all records, logging all interventions and utilising Pass System
• To undertake any other such duties commensurate with the role that may be assigned by the line manager

Housing Management

• To assist the Service to collect, record and account for accommodation charges and control arrears.
• To assist the Housing officer with moves as clients secure long term accommodation
• To instruct clients in the safe, efficient and cost effective use of electrical and other equipment.
• To ensure that essential domestic duties e.g. cooking, cleaning, laundry, maintenance are carried out.
• To maintain good relationships with neighbours and relevant community groups.

Health and Safety

• Act as appointed First Aid person as required.
• Carry out all duties with reasonable care.
• Ensure that designated fire procedures are carried out.
• To be vigilant in relation to health and safety and welfare risks in the workplace and bring concerns to the attention of the line manager or health and safety representative.
• Ensure the Health, Safety and Welfare of clients is prioritised at all times within services.
• Participate in routine maintenance, cleaning, and health and safety inspections, in line with operational procedures and standards.

Service Delivery

• Work in an organised and efficient manner in order to effectively meet the needs of a diverse case-load.
• Be part of a Team that has a clear commitment to the delivery of a high quality service, and accords with recognised best practice.
• Actinaprofessionalmannerinallcircumstanceswhenengagingwithclientsaswellasother support agencies.
• Work in a culturally appropriate way with people from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Demonstrate a commitment to regular updating of changes in practices and external systems that may have implications for clients
• Have a willingness to adopt and adjust as needed to maintain effective working relationships with clients that are focused on ensuring their support needs are most effectively met.

Administration

• Systematically log and record all interventions with and on behalf of clients, utilising the Tools identified by GSC such as PASS etc.
• Work in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines and best practice
• Work within the Guidelines of Children First, and follow necessary procedures where concerns around children’s safety and welfare are encountered.

Training

• Attend and participate in training courses as required.
• Identify areas of future training need.

General

• Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to staff, volunteers, clients and general Simon Community Business.
• Be aware of and adhere to all Simon Community Policies and Procedures currently in operation.
• Attend staff and other meetings as appropriate
• Provide up to date information and support to other Services within Galway Simon Community as necessary.

• Make a Real Impact: Help transform lives by supporting those facing homelessness.  
• Meaningful Work: Use your skills to make a tangible impact in the lives of those facing homelessness
• Inclusive Environment: Work in a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic team. 
• Growth Opportunities: Develop your skills and advance your career in the non-profit sector.  
• Community Impact: Play a crucial role in transforming the community for the better.