Job Description
We are seeking a proactive and compassionate Support Coach to provide outreach-based coaching and support to residents living in interim accommodation (IA). This role involves regular face-to-face engagement, as well as support via telephone and other communication methods.
20 hours per week, 12 months fixed term contract with the possibility of extending further. There may also be an option to increase to full time if additional work becomes available working with single people at risk of becoming homeless or already homeless.
The primary purpose of this role is to empower individuals in IA to improve their wellbeing and build long-term emotional and financial resilience. A key focus is supporting residents to access local community services and integrate into their communities.
The overall aim of this role is to build the wellbeing and financial resilience of those in IA.
Support Coaches will:
· Be provided with a list of residents in interim accommodation (IA) in their area directly by Cornwall Council or via the IA Project Manager, which will be updated regularly. When this information is provided those on the list will be deemed as ‘referred’ to the Support Coach unless information is provided alongside to the contrary.
· Seek to make themselves known to all new residents in IA of referral excluding periods of annual leave. It is recognised that contact with the initial cohort referred may take longer.
· Understand the challenges being faced by each individual and the support they currently receive through workers in other organisations.
· Coordinate, provide and/or advocate for coaching and support to maximise effectiveness.
· Build supportive coaching relationships with residents with a view to helping them improve their wellbeing and develop new skills and longer-term emotional and financial resilience.
· Encourage and enable residents to engage with support offered by local community organisations. This may include the development of new support (such as transport) or activities for which further funding may be available.
· Work with residents to assess their eligibility if Crisis Support is being considered so that limited funds are used effectively. Unless suitably qualified, the Support Coach must not undertake any FCA-regulated activities but instead will refer to an appropriate agency.
· Use warm handovers for any referrals made so that residents do not have to re-tell their experiences.
· Identify, with residents, an initial period for which any recurring Crisis Support will be in place and a re-assessment date to avoid creating dependence.
· Identify, with residents, what other skills need to be developed in order to avoid or reduce the need for Crisis Support in future and help them develop these skills.
· Liaise with others as necessary to put the Crisis Support in place and inform the IA Project Manager of the arrangement.
· Refer residents to other services as appropriate using the Warm Handover Form or equivalent so that individuals do not have to re-tell their story.
· Collect data required for reporting under the scheme.
· Attend and participate in 3-4 IA Scheme Training Days per annum.
· Be supervised by, and work to the policies of, the employing organisation.
· Undertake or organise any other appropriate activities that work to improve the wellbeing and resilience of IA residents
Skills Required
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to engage proactively with residents through face-to-face outreach, telephone, and other communication methods
- Confidence in working independently within residents’ homes and community settings
- Compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgemental approach to supporting vulnerable individuals
- Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a caseload effectively
- Ability to assess individual needs and develop tailored support plans
- Confident in coordinating support and working collaboratively with external agencies and community organisations
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond flexibly to changing needs and circumstances
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to use digital systems for record-keeping and communication
- Ability to maintain accurate records and collect data for reporting purposes
- Understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a wider team
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
(Desirable but not essential – training will be provided)
- GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above
- Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualification or experience
- Safeguarding training
- First Aid certification
- Mental Health First Aid qualification
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Experience (Desirable):
- Experience working with vulnerable adults
- Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and temporary accommodation
- Experience working with people with mental health needs
- Experience in outreach, coaching, or support-based roles
- Knowledge of local community services and support networks
Pay: £13.63 per hour
Work Location: In person
