Rough Sleeper Support Worker – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title: Rough Sleeper Support Worker

Grade: G6
Service Area: Housing & Welfare Services
Reports to: Senior Housing & Welfare Officer
Location: Civic Centre Zone 1J
Special Conditions: Flexible working required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as needed. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work use is essential.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Rough Sleeper Support Worker will provide intensive support to vulnerable homeless adults, with a focus on rough sleepers, former rough sleepers, offenders, and individuals with complex needs who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The role aims to reduce repeat homelessness by helping individuals secure and maintain stable accommodation, develop life skills, and build the confidence and independence needed for sustained independent living.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Engagement

  • Carry out outreach work across the borough to identify and engage with people sleeping rough
  • Respond to referrals and follow up on reported cases of rough sleeping
  • Build trusting relationships with vulnerable individuals who may be reluctant to engage with services

Assessment and Support Planning

  • Undertake holistic risk and needs assessments
  • Develop, implement, and regularly review personalised support and risk management plans
  • Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action

Accommodation and Housing Support

  • Support service users to access emergency, temporary, or settled accommodation
  • Assist individuals in maintaining their tenancies and preventing repeat homelessness
  • Provide ongoing support after accommodation has been secured

Practical and Emotional Support

  • Support individuals to develop essential life skills, including budgeting, daily living skills, and tenancy management
  • Assist with benefit claims to maximise income and financial stability
  • Encourage engagement with health services, training, education, and employment opportunities
  • Support individuals to rebuild family and community networks where appropriate

Crisis Intervention and Safeguarding

  • Provide responsive support during periods of crisis
  • Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and service users’ welfare is protected
  • Work collaboratively with external agencies including health, probation, and voluntary services

Partnership Working

  • Facilitate access to specialist support services
  • Accompany service users to appointments where appropriate
  • Work closely with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for service users

Administration and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including support plans and case notes
  • Record outcomes and progress using relevant IT systems
  • Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements

Service Development and Team Support

  • Promote service user involvement in support planning and service delivery
  • Support induction of new staff, volunteers, trainees, and students where required
  • Participate in team meetings, supervision, and continuous professional development

Corporate Responsibilities

  • Comply with Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies and procedures
  • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusive service delivery
  • Work in line with council policies, procedures, and strategic objectives
  • Contribute to continuous service improvement

Person Specification Summary

Key Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to complete holistic risk and needs assessments
  • Strong communication skills with diverse and vulnerable groups
  • Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging or crisis situations
  • Strong organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to develop and deliver life skills support programmes
  • Competent use of IT systems and accurate record keeping
  • Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends

Knowledge and Experience

  • Understanding of issues affecting vulnerable adults (e.g. homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, offending)
  • Experience working with vulnerable individuals in support settings
  • Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and debt support
  • Experience working in partnership with external agencies (desirable)

Values and Behaviours

  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Ethical, respectful, and professional approach
  • Accountability for own work and decisions
  • Transparency and collaborative working style
  • Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality

Essential Requirements

  • Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including out-of-hours and weekends
  • Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults