Complex Needs Keyworker – Calico Homes, Lancaster

Complex Needs Keyworker 

Location: Lancaster

Salary: £26,611

Contract Type: Permanent 

About Us 

At The Calico Group, our purpose is clear: to make a real difference to people’s lives. Whether supporting individuals in recovery, helping communities thrive, or enabling employees to grow, we are committed to creating opportunities that transform lives. 

We embrace diversity in all its forms and take pride in employing a workforce that reflects the rich and varied communities we serve. Your skills and experiences could make all the difference – join us to be part of something extraordinary. 

Gateway provides help for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, including people sleeping rough, families struggling to remain in their homes and refugees who have left their country because of war. We work with each person to understand the support they need to live safely and build a better future. Gateway is part of The Calico Group. 

About Our Team  

Gateway is an award-winning homelessness project providing short-term supported accommodation for single people and couples experiencing homelessness and complex needs. The project supports people who experience repeated homelessness or rough sleeping, or who find it difficult to secure and maintain independent living. 

The Opportunity 

We are looking for a Complex Needs Keyworker to provide person-centred, trauma-informed housing management and support. You will help residents make positive changes, build stability and prepare for a successful move into their own tenancy. The role includes one-to-one keywork sessions, move-on planning, support and risk management plans, welfare checks, referrals, case notes, safeguarding, partnership working and group activities that build life skills, tenancy sustainment and harm-reduction awareness. 

For further information about the role, please visit the Role Profile. 

What We’re Looking For 

We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have: 

Essential: 

• Experience delivering services to people with a diverse range of needs, particularly homelessness, substance misuse, offending behaviour, and mental and physical health needs
• Experience working in a similar fast-paced environment
• Experience completing assessments and identifying needs and risks
• Experience achieving outcomes and understanding contractual KPIs
• Experience creating and updating support plans and risk management plans
• Knowledge of external service pathways relevant to individual support needs
• Confident interpersonal communication skills
• Effective time management and the ability to prioritise work without close supervision
• Accurate data entry, record keeping and report writing skills
• The ability to build relationships and support people in a non-judgemental way
• An understanding of the factors that cause homelessness and how to support positive change

Desirable: 

• Experience facilitating bespoke or specialist groups
• Relevant lived experience that supports an understanding of barriers faced by people accessing housing or support services
• Experience of lone working and safe working practices
• Knowledge of trauma-informed principles in practice
• Knowledge of current housing, supported housing and welfare legislation
• Strong ICT skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams
• Awareness of UK GDPR and confidentiality requirements
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution

If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you! 

What’s in It for You? 

At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits: 

• Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants. 

• Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.  

• Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum. 

• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active. 

• Pension Options – with employer pension contributions. 

• Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones. 

• Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances. 

• Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs. 

• Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.  

• Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access. 

• One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings. 

• Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career. 

And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most. 

How to Apply 

Click Apply Now to complete your application online. Applications close on 21/10/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you to our team! 

Inclusive Hiring at Calico 

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know at careers@calico.org.uk  

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies. 

Don’t Leave it Too Long! 

We don’t want you to miss this opportunity, the closing date for applications is 21/10/2026