Job Description

Summary

U-turn is looking for a peer worker to join their Claremont Service Centre team immediately. The peer-worker position is a one-year full-time position. They will report directly to the centre manager and work alongside the social worker.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term, productive member of society.

To help people overcome homelessness, we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training, and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills, and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Social Enterprises

Actual work experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn's social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long-term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turn's Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development-based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling, and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and worksite managers, assists clients along the full Life Change journey.

Key areas of responsibility

Lead outreaches to homeless individuals on the street, encouraging them that change is possible. Form supportive and accountable relationships with homeless individuals, referring them to relevant services within U-turn. Assist with service delivery at the service centre, purposefully engaging those on the earlier phases of the journey. Run an Ignite session under the guidance of the clinical team Complete baseline assessment with new clients. Discuss cases with the Social Worker/Occupational Therapist and get input regarding relevant referrals. Attend Interdisciplinary meetings and give input regarding cases Accompany clients on relevant referrals and assist with accessing the necessary support services. Complete relevant data capturing and reports Use and contribute to existing planning and record-keeping systems to ensure continuous improvement of your areas of responsibility.

Experience and Skills

Adept in computer skills such as emails, online documents, sheets and presentations A collaborative team player - concerned with the team's success as well as individual performance Emotionally mature individuals who are not easily flustered.

Personal attributes

Passion for U-turn's mission and values. Strong leadership with a collaborative mindset. Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

If in recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support, and practicing recovery behaviour If employed as a Professional - affiliation with a professional board, continued personal development, and accessing supervision Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible, and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/selfstudy. The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge and skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.

IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person