Hostel Key Worker

Overall Job Purpose

To support vulnerable clients who are residing at our 44 bed hostel, The Elms.

To promote independence while delivering intensive support, to empower clients and enable them to take the next positive steps to rebuild their lives

Duties and Responsibilities

To deliver high quality, structured, and effective interventions to ensure the client can maintain their licence at the hostel

To support vulnerable client groups with multiple issues including housing, benefits and tenancy related issues often managing situations which can often be complex

To build relationships with the clients ensuring they feel empowered and motivated to help themselves

Liaise with third party agencies and a range of service providers in order to establish, or improve, services for clients

Develop and maintain effective working relationships, collaborating with all staff and volunteers, and work to achieve the DENS aims and organisational strategy

The role involves attending meeting off site. A full, current driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

We take the safeguarding of our clients seriously and as such this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

You will be working effectively and flexibly as part of a busy team. This list of tasks and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Post Holder may be required to undertake other duties as required by their Line Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Requirements

Essential

Desirable

Education & Training

• A good standard of Education

A high standard of Education

Industry qualification

Knowledge & Experience

A good understanding of working in a hostel

Experience of supporting people who have complex needs and/or vulnerabilities

Knowledge of welfare benefits

Experience of supporting vulnerable people who have complex needs

Liaising with a range of service providers or agencies, in order to establish, or improve, service for clients

Understanding of the principles of a quality and customer focused service

• Previous experience of working in a homeless hostel
• Experience of building strong working relationships with supporters and stakeholders
• Experience of working or volunteering for a Charity
• Understanding of the issues facing homeless people
• Knowledge of geographical area
• A strong knowledge of housing law

Skills & Abilities

Ability to work well under pressure and deal with emotionally charged, and pressured situations

Proven ability to empower service users

Self-motivated and can manage time effectively; prioritising work according to needs and deadlines

People s person and a natural team player, willing to get stuck in

IT literate

Administratively self sufficient

• Experience of Inform CRM systems or similar
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Good standard of written English

Personal Qualities

People-focused

• Tactful and diplomatic
• Caring and Considerate
• Ability to build and maintain relationships
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative
• Self-motivated with the ability to motivate and enthuse others
• Can-do attitude, hands on
• Enjoy collaborative working

Solutions focused

Compassionate

Passionate about making a difference to other people s lives

Goes the extra mile

General

Full driving license and own transport

Business Insurance

How to apply

• Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification

Please advise us should you require adjustments to be made to the recruitment process

For an informal chat about the role, please ring Ruth Osborne on 0144 2-

Why join DENS?

You ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and dedicated team of fundraisers who foster a collaborative "One Team, One Goal" culture. We value and celebrate every member's contribution, ensuring you thrive in our positive working environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, along with ongoing training and development to enhance your skills. Your fundraising efforts will directly contribute to creating positive change and making a lasting impact in our community.

Benefits include:

Flexible working arrangements (subject to role)

25 days Annual Leave (Pro Rata) plus bank holidays

1 additional day of Annual Leave after each 5 years service (FTE, up to a max 3 days)

1 day per year to volunteer for DENS or another organisation (FTE)

Contributory pension scheme with NEST, employer contributions of 3%

Sick pay scheme

Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 advice/support helpline and access to counselling

Medicash health cashback plan - including Virtual GP access, dental, optical costs and access to services to support your wellbeing

Staff wellbeing days and team building activities

Training and professional qualifications relevant to your role

About DENS

Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community.

We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. We provide a range of services so that people can develop the resilience, skills, and confidence to take the next step in their lives.

DENS Culture & Values

Integrity at DENS means being authentic, honest, and reliable. We demonstrate this through accountability, open communication, clear processes, and setting realistic expectations.

Respect at DENS means being kind, honest, and trustworthy. We value others' opinions and celebrate their uniqueness by maintaining a non-judgmental and unbiased attitude towards clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Collaboration at DENS means unity and partnership. We believe that working together strengthens communication and relationships. Our One Team/One Goal mission ensures we achieve the best outcomes for our clients.