Social work services

Social Work in Housing

The role of Social Work within housing has evolved over the years in response to the emerging needs of vulnerable groups and individuals. Originally focused on Traveller-specific work, the role has expanded to include referrals requiring assessment and intervention for the following client groups:

• Existing tenants and approved applicants who meet criteria for referral
• Older persons – changing needs, disability, etc.
• Vulnerable adults – liaison role (Safeguarding)
• Child protection and welfare liaison work
• Disability – intellectual, physical, sensory, and autism
• Mental health – complex cases
• LGBTQI+ clients (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex)
• Other marginalised and vulnerable individuals and groups

(Ref: Independent Review of the Role of Social Workers Employed in Local Authorities, Commissioned by the Housing Agency, 2020)

Additional Areas of Social Work Involvement

The Social Work team also reviews referrals from housing colleagues in relation to:

• Social Work Assessment
• Crisis Intervention
• Bereavement and Loss
• Advocacy
• Concerns regarding client capacity

(Ref: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015)