Job Purpose
The Rough Sleeper Support Worker will provide person-centred support to vulnerable adults who are homeless, rough sleeping, at risk of homelessness, or have complex support needs. The role focuses on reducing repeat homelessness by engaging individuals through outreach, completing assessments, developing tailored support plans, and helping service users build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to achieve and maintain independent living. The postholder will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to improve outcomes and support long-term housing stability.
- Conduct outreach across the borough to identify and engage with rough sleepers and respond to referrals received by the service.
- Complete holistic risk and needs assessments and develop effective support and risk management plans.
- Provide practical and emotional support to vulnerable adults, including those with complex needs, offending histories, substance misuse issues, or mental health challenges.
- Deliver life skills and social skills support through both one-to-one and group-based interventions.
- Support service users to access education, training, employment, and volunteering opportunities.
- Encourage and facilitate the development of positive family, community, and support networks.
- Assist individuals in securing and sustaining suitable accommodation and provide ongoing tenancy support.
- Respond to crisis situations and provide regular support sessions to service users.
- Promote safeguarding and take appropriate action to protect vulnerable adults.
- Support service users in accessing benefits, welfare support, healthcare, and other specialist services to maximise income and wellbeing.
- Accompany service users to appointments where appropriate and advocate on their behalf.
- Maintain accurate records, support plans, case notes, and outcome information in line with organisational requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, and stakeholders to deliver coordinated support.
- Support the induction of new staff and assist with the supervision of volunteers, trainees, and students when required.
- Participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing advice, guidance, and support as required.
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults, homeless individuals, rough sleepers, or people with complex needs.
- Experience carrying out assessments, developing support plans, and managing risk.
- Knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable individuals, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health, offending behaviour, and social exclusion.
- Understanding of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and debt-related issues.
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with a diverse range of service users and stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain accurate written and electronic records.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
- Competent IT skills and experience using case management systems and standard software packages.
- Ability to work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and confidentiality.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Experience working within homelessness, housing support, supported accommodation, outreach, or community support services.
- Experience supporting volunteers, students, or trainees.
- Experience delivering life skills, employability, or social inclusion programmes.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to housing, support work, or homelessness services.
- Hours: 37 hours per week.
- Location: Civic Centre, Walsall, with regular outreach work across the borough.
- Pay: Bi-weekly payments.
