The new coaching is aimed at ensuring people experiencing
homelessness, and those at risk of becoming homeless, get
access to all relevant services offered by the
department.
The managers will also act as a point of contact for
partner homelessness organisations in their local area,
focusing on building relationships with them and ensuring
people are signposted appropriately to additional, expert
support.
This is in addition to the support already available,
which includes helping homeless people to verify their ID
to set up claims for benefits, assistance with opening
bank accounts and pausing requirements to look for work
so they can concentrate on finding stable housing.
, Minister for Family
Support, Housing and Child Maintenance, said:
“People experiencing homelessness are some of the most
vulnerable in society and we are determined to help them
access the best possible support and improve their lives.
“Our jobcentre work coaches do an excellent job providing
a tailored service for homeless people, including finding
secure housing and helping them claim Universal Credit.
Our newly trained Customer Service Managers will be
instrumental in sharing best practice and building
crucial links to local organisations and to ensure a
joined-up package of support for our claimants.”
John Sparkes, Chief Executive at Crisis, said:
“Homelessness is something we know can be ended across
the country with the right policies and solutions in
place. The Jobcentre Plus network has a pivotal role to
play in this; especially in identifying and responding to
people’s housing needs quickly, ideally before they
become homeless in the first place.
“The roll out of training to all staff represents a
positive first step in ensuring people facing
homelessness receive the right support at a time when
they need it most. By helping to shape this training we
hope it will ensure that front line jobcentre staff are
better equipped work with people experiencing
homelessness. This also provides a good foundation for
potentially growing housing and homelessness expertise
amongst dedicated staff in local jobcentres where there
is greatest homelessness demand.”
Training will be fully completed across Great Britain by
the end of August.
Jobcentre Customer Service Managers provide crucial
support to customers with complex needs and will support
work coaches to identify and recognise the needs of
people who are experiencing homelessness.
The delivery follows a pledge to do so in the
government’s rough sleeping strategy.
Last year DWP created 2 guides
specifically to help people experiencing homelessness
access Universal Credit.
