***Only applications emailed to [email protected] with a covering letter clearly stating the role you are applying for will be considered***
Closing Date: 29th July 2026
Position Title: Homeless Response Assistant
Location: Hartlepool
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: (£13.29ph)
Job Summary:
The Homeless Response Assistant will support the delivery of Cornerstone’s Homeless Response Service, assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping and housing crisis.
The role will involve supporting outreach activities, emergency accommodation provision, community hub services, practical support, administration and homelessness prevention activities. The postholder will work flexibly across the service to support the Homeless Response Lead and wider team in delivering effective, person-centred support.
This is an assistant role and the successful candidate will work under the direction of the Homeless Response Lead and senior management team.
Key Responsibilities
Outreach & Rough Sleeper Support
- Assist with planned outreach sessions across Hartlepool and surrounding areas.
- Support the identification and engagement of individuals who are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping.
- Assist with rough sleeper verification and welfare checks.
- Provide practical assistance, information and signposting during outreach sessions.
- Support individuals to access emergency accommodation and relevant support services.
- Accurately record outreach activity and outcomes.
- Work alongside colleagues and partner agencies to support vulnerable individuals into accommodation and support services.
Flexible Outreach Response
- Participate in early morning and evening outreach sessions as required.
- Support responses to rough sleeper alerts received through StreetLink, local authorities, partner agencies and members of the public.
- Work flexibly to assist with ad hoc outreach activity and welfare concerns.
- Assist with emergency welfare visits and interventions when required.
- Be willing to adjust working hours to meet the needs of the service and individuals requiring support.
- Participate in outreach activity during weekends and bank holidays where required.
- Assist with severe weather emergency responses and emergency accommodation placements when operationally necessary.
Emergency Accommodation Support
- Assist with the operation of First Steps emergency accommodation.
- Prepare rooms for new admissions and ensure accommodation is ready for occupation.
- Carry out room checks and welfare visits.
- Report repairs, health and safety concerns and safeguarding issues promptly.
- Support service users to understand occupancy agreements and house rules.
- Assist with maintaining safe and suitable accommodation standards.
Community hub Support
- Support the daily operation of the Community Hub and drop-in services.
- Assist with food provision, clothing distribution, laundry facilities, showers and donations.
- Welcome visitors and service users in a professional and supportive manner.
- Assist with community engagement activities, awareness campaigns and events.
- Help maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
Practical Support
- Assist service users to attend appointments where appropriate.
- Support individuals to access healthcare, benefits, housing and other support services.
- Assist with the collection, delivery and distribution of donations.
- Support furniture deliveries, collections and practical tasks where required.
- Assist with transporting supplies and resources between services and properties.
Administration & Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate records using organisational systems.
- Complete support notes, welfare records and activity records within required timescales.
- Assist with data collection, monitoring information and service reports.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR requirements.
- Support general administrative tasks as required.
Safeguarding & Health and Safety
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns immediately.
- Follow safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
- Report accidents, incidents and near misses promptly.
- Comply with organisational health & safety requirements.
- Promote the wellbeing and safety of service users, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Team Support
- Work positively as part of the Homeless Response Team.
- Support volunteers, students and placement workers where required.
- Attend supervision, team meetings and training sessions.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience working with the public, customers, service users or vulnerable individuals.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive professional relationships.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Basic IT skills including email, Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet service needs.
- Ability to work early mornings and evenings when required.
Desirable
- Experience within homelessness, housing, support services, customer service, retail, care or community services.
- Knowledge of homelessness and rough sleeping issues.
- Experience of outreach or community-based work.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Safeguarding training.
- First Aid qualification.
Additional Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.
- Ability to work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and occasional bank holidays.
- Willingness to respond to ad hoc outreach alerts and emergency welfare concerns where operationally required.
- Ability to travel across Hartlepool, County Durham and surrounding areas.
- Commitment to Cornerstone’s values and person-centred approach.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £13.29 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
