Types of Workers HYHG Currently Employ

Crisis Intervention (Advice & Support)
Advice and Support Workers advise and support young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. An Advice and Support Worker is usually the first person a service user will meet when they attend an Area office, and normally undertakes the initial assessment and follow-up work for each new service user. An Advice and Support Worker needs to be knowledgeable in areas such as homelessness legislation, the Children Act, welfare benefits, local housing provision and access to employment and training opportunities. Networking with other local statutory and non-statutory agencies is vital to this role.

Tenancy Sustainment

Resettlement
Once a service user is placed in temporary accommodation, such as bed & breakfast, a hostel, etc., it is the role of Resettlement Workers to support a service user and prevent repeat homelessness where possible. A Resettlement Worker will normally visit the young people in their accommodation and help with budgeting and paying bills. Regular payment of rent, management of benefits and procurement of furniture are difficulties that Resettlement Workers can help with. They can also make referrals to other agencies such as drug and alcohol services, mental health, Children Schools and Families, and training providers. Visits to service users take place as required, whether this be twice a week or once a month, depending on the service user’s needs.

Floating Support
Floating Support Workers work on a similar basis to Resettlement Workers once a service user has been given their own tenancy and placed in permanent local authority accommodation. A Floating Support Worker will need to support young people with the same sort of issues as a Resettlement Worker although for a higher percentage of service users. Severe debt and rent arrears will be one of the major issues for concern.

Young Persons Caseworkers

Young Persons Caseworkers operate within the relevant local housing authority (LA) offices. Their main role is to prevent homelessness in the first instance, accepting referrals from the housing needs officers within the LAs.
If homelessness cannot be prevented then a referral to HYHG Advice & Support is made

Young Offenders Support
The Young Offenders Support Worker receives referrals from the Youth Offending Teams for young people aged 16-18 years old who have offended or are at risk of offending and require accommodation and support with the aim of stopping or reducing re-offending. The Support Worker meets the young person and carries out a housing assessment at either their current accommodation, the Y.O.T. office, or in prison. Assessing the most suitable accommodation for a young person will depend on the individuals’ support needs, history of offending and their previous accommodation.

Mediation
Mediators work with young people aged 16 and 17 to help both the young people and their families find solutions to relationship problems. Mediation can improve communication, is impartial, and is free and confidential. Mediators listen to the young person and their family without taking sides or making judgements. Mediators do not give advice or tell anyone what to do.

Crashpad Hosts
Crashpad Hosts offer a spare room in their family home to a young person aged 16 or 17 who is homeless, for up to three weeks. Referrals are made by either HYHG workers or Housing Needs Officers at your local council. A Host is expected to provide breakfast and an evening meal to the young person with all expenses paid to the host by the referring area/project. All Crashpad Hosts are police checked, personal interviewed and trained to enable them to offer an essential support to a young person in crisis. Crashpad Host homes are subject to a risk assessment.

To find out more about becoming a Crashpad host please see the documents below. If you would like to apply to become a Crashpad host or for further information please call the Crashpad office on 01707 272769

What are Crashpad Hosts
Crashpad Host recruitment process
Crashpad Host Selection Criteria
Crashpad Task Description

Dual Diagnosis Support
The Dual Diagnosis Support Worker works with people aged 16 years and over who have dual diagnosis and multiple needs issues. The service is aimed at people living in temporary accommodation.

Counselling
The Counselling Co-ordinator manages twelve counsellors (student and qualified) to cover all areas across Hertfordshire. The scheme is aimed at people aged 16 and over with accommodation issues, wishing to engage in counselling.

Deposit Guarentee Scheme
The Deposit Guarantee Scheme helps young people who are privately renting with a guarantee in lieu of a deposit.
To be eligible for the scheme you need to be:
• Aged between 18-25
• Not have any rent arrears with other accommodation
• Agree to regular support visits from HYHG
The benefits for the young people are:
• You do not need to find cash for a deposit before moving into your accommodation
• You will receive advice on finding letting agents and landlords
• Support in setting up your home e.g. bills, housing benefit.
The benefits for the landlords are:
• More responsible tenants who have ongoing support
• Support with any disputes between landlord and tenant
• Paying rent is part of the agreement made with DGS
• Help with tenants’ housing benefit claims (if appropriate) to ensure rent is paid