Housing Support Practitioner (Croydon)
Caridon
Supporting people at risk of homelessness to build stable, independent futures
About Caridon
Caridon provides supported accommodation and housing-related support services across Brent, Croydon and Harlow. We work with individuals who are unable to secure or sustain accommodation without structured support, many of whom face multiple disadvantages including homelessness, poor mental health, trauma, substance misuse, offending histories, and social exclusion.
Our approach is person-centred, trauma-informed and strengths-based, recognising that safe and stable housing is the foundation for recovery, independence and improved life outcomes. We are committed to delivering high-quality support in line with Housing Benefit Regulations, the Quality Assessment Framework (QAF), safeguarding legislation, and best practice in supported housing.
Job Details
Job Title: Support Practitioner
Salary: £28,000
Location: Croydon
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday (On site)
Contract Type: Full-time
Purpose of the Role
The Housing Support Practitioner role is a frontline, tenant-facing position focused on preventing homelessness and supporting individuals to sustain their tenancies, manage risks, and progress towards independence.
You will work with tenants who may present with complex needs, delivering practical, emotional, and safeguarding-focused support within supported accommodation. The role requires a holistic approach, recognising that housing stability is closely linked to wellbeing, finances, health, relationships, and access to community and statutory services.
You will hold a caseload of tenants and be responsible for coordinating support, maintaining professional boundaries, and working collaboratively with internal colleagues and external partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Tenant Support & Engagement
- Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with tenants through consistent, respectful engagement
- Deliver regular planned one-to-one support sessions, as well as responsive support where risks or needs escalate
- Work in a person-centred and strengths-based way, empowering tenants to make informed choices and develop independence
- Support tenants to identify personal goals related to housing, wellbeing, education, employment, relationships, and life skills
2. Tenancy Sustainment & Homelessness Prevention
- Support tenants to understand their tenancy rights and responsibilities
- Proactively identify and respond to risks to tenancy sustainability, including rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, disengagement, or deterioration in wellbeing
- Assist tenants with:
- Budgeting and financial management
- Rent payments and addressing arrears
- Income maximisation, including benefits applications and Universal Credit
- Work intensively with tenants at high risk of eviction or abandonment, using early intervention to prevent homelessness
- Support tenants to maintain their accommodation and engage positively with neighbours and the wider community
3. Support Planning & Risk Management
- Complete and regularly review Support Plans, Personal Housing Plans, and risk assessments
- Ensure support plans are:
- Person-centred
- Outcome-focused
- Proportionate to risk
- Regularly reviewed and updated
- Identify emerging risks and adjust support accordingly
- Promote harm reduction strategies and safer decision-making
4. Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Actively identify, record and respond to safeguarding concerns, in line with Caridon policies and local safeguarding procedures
- Maintain professional curiosity and escalate concerns appropriately
- Work in partnership with safeguarding teams, local authorities, and other agencies where risks are identified
- Ensure accurate and timely recording of safeguarding concerns, actions, and outcomes
- Contribute to a culture of safeguarding awareness and shared responsibility
5. Multi-Agency & Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with a wide range of partner agencies, including:
- Local authorities and housing teams
- Adult social care
- Mental health services
- Substance misuse services
- Probation and criminal justice services
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Support tenants to engage with external services through:
- Referrals
- Advocacy
- Joint working and coordinated support
- Attend multi-agency meetings, case conferences, and reviews where required
6. Health, Safety & Property Standards
- Conduct regular property inspections and health & safety checks
- Identify, report and follow up on repairs and maintenance issues
- Support tenants to maintain safe, clean, and habitable living environments
- Promote health, safety, and wellbeing within the accommodation
7. Move-On Planning & Transitions
- Support tenants to develop realistic and achievable move-on plans
- Assist with applications for alternative accommodation where appropriate
- Prepare tenants for independent living or lower levels of support
- Manage planned and unplanned tenancy endings in a supportive and solution-focused manner, working to minimise negative outcomes
8. Recording, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional case records in line with:
- Data protection legislation
- Confidentiality requirements
- Internal policies and procedures
- Contribute to monthly reporting, outcomes monitoring, and service audits
- Ensure compliance with Housing Benefit regulations and the Quality Assessment Framework (QAF)
- Participate in supervision, training, and reflective practice
9. Team Working & Professional Practice
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality support delivery
- Demonstrate flexibility to meet service needs and support team priorities
- Uphold Caridon values, policies, and code of conduct
- Engage positively in learning, development, and continuous improvement
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience of working with vulnerable adults or individuals at risk of homelessness
- Ability to deliver holistic, person-centred support
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and willingness to follow safeguarding procedures
- Strong interpersonal, communication and engagement skills
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise effectively
- Good written skills, including accurate and professional record keeping
- Basic IT skills and confidence using digital systems
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable Criteria
- Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care (or working towards)
- Experience in supported accommodation, housing-related support, or homelessness services
- Knowledge of housing legislation, welfare benefits, or homelessness prevention
- Experience of multi-agency working
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice, risk management, and harm reduction
Safeguarding & Recruitment
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Caridon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Why Work for Caridon?
At Caridon, you will be part of an organisation that genuinely values its staff and the people it supports. We invest in our teams and provide opportunities for learning, progression, and professional development.
What We Offer
- Health benefits package including life cover and cashback on medical treatments
- Competitive pension scheme
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Paid sick allowance
- Employee referral scheme
- Discount platform for major brands and services
- Company events and team-building activities
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
