Complex NeedsSupport Worker Active Opportunity Pathway (AOP)
About The Housing Network
The Housing Network (THN) provides "More than a Roof", delivering accommodation and support to vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the UK.
With over 220 employees, we support 5,300+ residents every night, working alongside 100+ Local Authorities and the Ministry of Justice to deliver person-centred housing solutions.
As part of our Strategy 2024–2029, we are expanding our services to provide over 10,000 units of accommodation across 75% of Local Authority areas, making this an exciting time to join our growing organisation.
Role Overview
As a Support Worker within our Active Opportunity Pathway (AOP), you will provide person-centred support to people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, including mental ill health, substance misuse, offending history and complex support needs.
Using strengths-based, trauma-informed and MEAM principles, you will help residents build independence, sustain accommodation and improve their health and wellbeing.
Working within an accommodation-based service, you will combine intensive housing management with practical and emotional support, helping residents manage tenancies, finances, benefits, appointments and move-on planning.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference while helping shape an innovative specialist service.
Key Responsibilities
Resident Support
- Build positive, trusting relationships using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.
- Develop, review and deliver outcome-focused support plans and risk assessments.
- Help residents identify and overcome barriers to independence.
- Promote safeguarding and follow all relevant procedures.
- Maintain accurate case records using THN's digital systems.
- Deliver one-to-one and group support sessions.
- Support residents to access health, mental health, substance misuse, employment and community services.
- Promote harm reduction and positive risk-taking where appropriate.
- Encourage independent living skills and positive behavioural change.
- Act as a positive role model, motivating residents to achieve realistic goals.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to maximise resident outcomes.
Intensive Housing Management
- Process referrals, assessments and admissions.
- Support residents with tenancy sign-up and housing documentation.
- Monitor rent accounts and support residents with budgeting, Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.
- Help residents manage finances and prevent rent arrears.
- Carry out accommodation inspections and support residents to maintain their homes.
- Encourage tenancy sustainment and prepare residents for successful move-on accommodation.
- Ensure accurate recording within housing management systems.
Working Relationships
Internal
- Support Team
- Concierge
- Maintenance & Facilities
- Service Manager
- Head of Service
- Senior Leadership Team
- Residents
External
- Local Authorities
- Housing Officers
- Police & Probation
- DWP
- Housing Benefit Teams
- Health Services
- Third Sector Partners
- Employment and Community Services
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, multiple disadvantage or complex needs.
- Experience within supported housing or accommodation-based services.
- Knowledge of tenancy sustainment, rent management and move-on planning.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding and risk assessment.
- Experience developing and reviewing support plans.
- Ability to work in a strengths-based, trauma-informed and non-judgemental way.
- Knowledge of mental health, substance misuse, offending behaviour and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Good IT skills and experience using digital case management systems.
- Excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
Additional Information
- 40 hours per week on a 7-day shift rota.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use required.
- UK-wide travel may occasionally be required.
- DBS check required (level confirmed during recruitment).
- Flexible approach to additional duties in line with the role.
- THN is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people with lived experience.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Paid volunteer time
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Shift:
Application question(s):
- Do you hold an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social care or equivalent?
Experience:
- Trauma informed support: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Manual Driving License (required)
Work Location: In person
