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...Admin Assistant

19/1/2018

 
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On a typical day I arrive at the office ready for 9am and check we have enough milk to keep our hard-working staff in tea and coffee throughout the day! If we’re short then I’ll go to the shop to top up.

I will then update our system with the names of any staff who are working off-site so we can track their appointments and ensure they’re safe.  After that I will update the office calendar as to who is off either on leave, training or sick.

If it is a Monday or a Wednesday I will make sure that the folders are ready for the drop-in sessions that we hold twice a week at the Harwell Centre.  The door entry buzzer will often sound numerous times a day signalling the arrival of people wanting to attend the drop-in, clients who have appointments or other visitors.  In between I will take many phone calls, which are often from people wanting advice or information so I forward them on to the relevant worker for support if it’s something I can’t answer myself. 

During the drop-in sessions I will take a form down to each client to fill in whilst they are waiting to be seen. This is a really good use of time because it means - once an advice worker is able to see someone - we can start helping them more quickly. 

I will check my emails and calendar reminders and action items as necessary throughout the day. There are certain tasks that need to be done on a schedule such as the weekly fire alarm test, setting up of the meeting room and the weekly health and safety check and there are ad-hoc tasks such as moving furniture around, fixing computer issues and dealing with any clients who come in without an appointment.  

​A typical day could also include making up bedding and tenancy packs or meeting removal men at our storage unit to unload items.

It is such a varied role that really anything could happen!

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...A Rough Sleeper Worker

18/8/2017

 
Setting the alarm clock for 5am is not a problem for Emily – one of Path’s Rough Sleeper workers.
She’s a fan of early mornings, which helps when her working day starts at 6am.

It begins with checking at the usual sites where rough sleepers can be found around Plymouth.
“We make sure we get across the city during the week,” said Emily, who started her career by volunteering at Devonport House when she was at university.

“We make referrals, point people to the appropriate services and to where they can have breakfast, get a change of clothes and have a  shower.”

Sometimes people don’t want help and usually, Emily says “they will tell us politely to go away”. "Some people are not very receptive, so we do a welfare check and leave it at that – we can’t force people to accept help, which can be frustrating.”

After the initial couple of hours checking in with people - always done in pairs, with colleagues at Path aware at all time where they are – it’s on to Shekinah Drop-in Centre where calls are made and accommodation arranged for that night and a variety of other appropriate support is explored.

“It might sound strange but there can be a really nice atmosphere at the drop-in centre.

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"I really enjoy talking to people and no two stories about rough sleeping are the same. What’s most striking is how easy it is for someone to end up in that situation, whatever their background.”
Emily really enjoys her job, despite the challenges it presents.
"Of course it’s a bit harder when it’s cold and wet and you’re having trouble getting people to engage but we do all we can every day. When things go right, I know I’ve made a difference – that’s what makes this job.”
Find out more about the services  and help that Path offers.
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P.A.T.H. (Plymouth Access to Housing) Ltd.

Contact us
​28-42 Harwell Court
​Plymouth
​PL1  1PY
Email: info@pathdevon.org 
​Tel: ​​01752 255889
Connect with us
Company Number 4478819. Charity Number 1097772 ​
​© COPYRIGHT 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • What we do
    • About Homelessness
    • Our Services >
      • Plymouth Renting Support
      • Hardship Funds
      • Resettlement
      • Rough Sleeper Work
      • HISS Service
    • Refugee Integration Service
    • A Day In The Life...
    • Our Campaigns
  • What you can do
    • Donate to Path
    • Work with us
  • Landlords
    • EasyLet
    • Renting Support Service
    • HMOs
    • Tenancy Deposits
  • Information & Resources
    • Links and Resources
    • Housing Help
    • Property Standards >
      • Safety Standards
    • Rent, Benefits & Money
    • Energy Costs
  • Contact
  • Current Vacancies
  • Latest News & Articles