The Role
We are seeking a support worker with experience of working in the homeless sector. The role requires a strong commitment to fostering positive change and working collaboratively with individuals to create tailored support plans. Empathy and resilience are essential qualities for providing support and empowering individuals in their ongoing journey to independent living.
Experience with addiction and an understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by drug and alcohol issues is desirable.
JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Service
Wytham Hall in North Westminster is a charitable supported housing organisation which provides support and accommodation for people with a history of homelessness, with the aim of enabling individuals to return to independent living.
The service supports residents with low to medium level support needs who are abstinent from alcohol and drugs. We have launched a new project to support individuals who have recently become abstinent. Their support worker will assist them in maintaining long-term recovery.
Wytham Hall operates with a resident-first approach, placing individuals’ needs at the centre of their support and progress. We take the time to understand residents’ unique personalities, backgrounds, and health needs to provide appropriately tailored support.
Purpose of the Role
To work as part of a small, dedicated team providing housing and support services for up to 25 homeless clients across four supported housing properties. The postholder will deliver person-centred support, with preferrable experience and training in drug and alcohol misuse.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide keywork support to residents, including completion of Support Plans, Needs Assessments, and Risk Assessments, with particular attention to substance misuse and related risks.
- Support the day-to-day running and management of four supported housing properties under the Supporting People Contract.
- Maintain accurate administrative and monitoring systems to meet Supporting People and organisational standards.
- Assess referrals, carry out prospective resident assessments, and manage admission and discharge procedures.
- Work in partnership with external agencies, including drug and alcohol services, healthcare providers, and housing agencies, to deliver holistic support.
- Promote health, safety, and wellbeing across all properties and undertake fire marshal responsibilities (training provided).
- Chair and minute monthly house/flat meetings and room checks, encouraging resident engagement and responsibility.
- Manage financial tasks such as weekly service charge collection and petty cash handling.
- Attend and contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and quarterly reviews with Supporting People.
- Provide cover for colleagues when required, ensuring effective communication and continuity of care.
- Work flexibly, including occasional lone working and duties outside normal hours.
- Undertake any other duties as required in line with the needs of the service.
Essential Skills
- Experience of working with clients affected by drug and alcohol misuse and an understanding of the associated challenges and risks.
- Experience of working with homeless or vulnerable individuals with complex needs.
- Ability to produce and maintain accurate records, assessments, and support plans.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with residents and external agencies.
- Basic IT and word processing skills.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and diversity in service delivery.
- Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and lone working.
- Motivated and enthusiastic to work with this resident group.
- Patient, understanding and able to treat others with respect in a non-judgemental manner.
- Able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Able to work in a supportive and facilitative capacity with people from all backgrounds.
- Creative and flexible to meet other’s needs.
- Able to learn in the role and be committed to personal development.
- Able to work with an attention to detail and maintain accurate records.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively will be key to success in the role.
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of Supporting People standards.
- Experience in property or tenancy management.
- Understanding of health and safety compliance within residential settings.
- Ability to work well in a small team and on occasion working alone, e.g. visiting one of the properties.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Bonus based on performance.
- Annual cost of living increase.
- Employer contribution pension scheme (typically employee contribution is 4% or 6.4%).
- Free DBS check.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Reflective practice sessions to support mental health and wellbeing.
- Working at home offered (typically once a week).
- Flexible working arrangements supported to suit need.
- Training opportunities provided.
- No working on bank holidays. No shift work.
- 25 days annual leave. Additional leave offered dependent on service.
- Access to Blue light benefits
OTHER INFORMATION
Wytham Hall is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of clients and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
This role provides regulated activities under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Therefore, post holders are required to undertake a regular DBS check.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. All previous criminal convictions must be declared.
Additional information is available upon request.
