Intensive Floating Support Worker – HARP, Southend's Homeless Charity, Southend

Applicants for this position must be available for interview 19 November 2026.

You will help shape the new Floating Support model. What you notice, record and learn will feed directly into the service’s formal reviews at three, six and nine months, and into wider decisions about how HARP supports people. The role will suit someone who works well through relationships, is comfortable using their judgement on site, and wants to help build something new.

This role will be based on site every weekday on-site in central Southend-on-Sea, you will hold a caseload of up to nine people and see them every day, through a mix of one-to-one key work and group work.

Help people move forward from homelessness. As HARP’s Intensive Floating Support Worker in Southend and South Essex, you’ll provide daily, trauma-informed support to a small caseload of up to nine adults, building trusted relationships and helping residents gain the skills, confidence and connections to thrive. You’ll also play a key part in shaping an innovative new service that makes a lasting difference.

• Level 3 qualification in a housing or a related field, or willingness to work towards one – Desirable


• Commitment to ongoing training, including trauma-informed practice, safeguarding and first aid – Essential


• Experience of supporting people facing multiple disadvantage, such as homelessness, mental ill-health, substance use or trauma. This can be paid, voluntary or lived experience – Essential


• Experience of assessment, support planning and managing risk with the people you support – Essential


• Experience of planning and running group sessions or activities – Desirable


• Experience of working in supported housing, including housing management tasks – Desirable


• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and PIE, and how to use it in everyday contact – Essential


• Able to build trusting relationships while holding clear, kind boundaries – Essential


• Able to manage conflict and de-escalate calmly, including between residents – Essential


• Good recording and IT skills, and the ability to write clear, accurate notes – Essential


• Working knowledge of welfare benefits and local support services – Desirable


• Comfortable working independently on site, using good judgement and knowing when to escalate – Essential


• Calm, patient and reliable, including when things are difficult – Essential


• Honest, reflective and open to feedback – Essential


• A genuine belief in people’s capacity to change, and a commitment to people-first practice – Essential


• Lived experience of homelessness or related disadvantage – Desirable