Job Purpose
To provide practical and emotional support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, helping them to access housing, maintain tenancies, and develop the skills needed for independent living.
Key Responsibilities
Client Support
- Deliver person-centred support to service users with complex needs, including mental health, substance misuse, and social isolation.
- Develop and implement individual support plans tailored to client goals.
- Carry out regular one-to-one key work sessions to monitor progress.
- Support clients in building life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and maintaining a home.
Housing Support
- Assist clients in accessing appropriate permanent accommodation.
- Support tenancy sustainment and prevent eviction.
- Liaise with landlords, housing providers, and local authorities.
Safeguarding and Wellbeing
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policies.
- Promote health and wellbeing, including access to healthcare services.
- Support clients in accessing external services (e.g., benefits, counselling, addiction support).
Case Management
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records and documentation.
- Complete risk assessments and ensure support plans are regularly reviewed.
- Monitor outcomes and contribute to reporting requirements.
Partnership Working
- Build positive relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
- Attend multi-agency meetings and case reviews.
- Advocate on behalf of service users where necessary.
General Duties
- Ensure compliance with health and safety policies.
- Participate in team meetings, training, and supervision.
- Contribute to the overall development of services.
- Adhere to the on-call rota system.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience working with vulnerable individuals, ideally within homelessness or social care.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to manage a caseload and work independently.
- Understanding of issues affecting homeless populations (e.g., trauma, addiction, benefits system).
- Good IT and record-keeping skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Driving licence required or working towards.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant qualification (e.g., Health & Social Care, Housing, Social Work).
- Knowledge of local services in Sunderland or the North East.
- Experience in tenancy support or housing advice.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Empathy and compassion
- Problem-solving and resilience
- Organisation and time management
- Ability to handle challenging situations calmly
- Team collaboration
Working Conditions
- May involve shift work, evenings, or weekends and bank holidays.
- Work across multiple sites or in the community.
- Lone working may be required.
Safeguarding Statement
This role involves working with vulnerable adults and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals.
Pay: £16.28 per hour
Work Location: In person
