Senior Support Worker – Mawle Court – Homeless Oxfordshire, Banbury

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:

Senior Support Worker (Cherwell)

Hours:

37.5 hours (Rota’d
including working bank
holidays but no weekends)

Accountable to:

Cherwell Manager

Remuneration:
Per annum

Location:

£28,428
£29,849

Status:

Permanent

Responsible for:

N/A

Banbury

About us:
We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and
disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across
Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and
welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives.

Main purpose of job:
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team in a dual-role capacity, supporting
two vital services run in partnership with Homeless Oxfordshire and Connection Support. The role covers both
our Step Down provision—designed for individuals discharged from hospital under the Discharge to Assess
model—and our service at Mawle Court, which provides temporary accommodation and support for people
with complex needs, including those preparing for more independent living or in need of emergency provision.
Working as part of a small, dynamic, and enthusiastic team, you will be responsible for delivering a safe and
supportive environment across both services. You will lead on the case management of clients with complex
needs, working collaboratively with partner agencies to develop and implement holistic, individualised support
and move-on plans. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a tangible difference
in the lives of vulnerable individuals, helping them on their journey towards stability and independence.

Job Description - Page 1 of 5

Main Areas of Responsibility:
• To proactively and dynamically assess, monitor, manage and respond to risk for individuals and in the service.
• To assess risk and suitability of referrals to the service and book new clients in.
• Ensure the effective delivery of high-quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless
Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
• To work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the creation and delivery of holistic wrap around
support and risk management plans for clients with complex needs as well as to ensure clients have access to
appropriate healthcare as needed.
• To work collaboratively with clients to identify and work towards suitable move on.
• To work with other agencies to provide client centred support & risk management plans for clients with
complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.
• To work alongside the Client Engagement Co-Ordinator to ensure clients have access to opportunities to be
empowered, build their confidence and develop independent living skills; to facilitate groups and activities as
part of this.
• To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required clear, concise and up to date record keeping is maintained
and ensure information is shared with the team and external agencies as required.
• To represent Homeless Oxfordshire at interagency meetings, as required.
• Manage challenging situations and report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures
and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled
to do their best.
• To be a supportive and effective part of the team, including contributing to the induction of new colleagues
and work of the broader team.
• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied with and promoted in
carrying out duties of the post.
• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.
• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless
Oxfordshire.

Job Description - Page 2 of 5

Safeguarding statement:
Homeless Oxfordshire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults, children and young
people who are at risk of harm and that come into contact with our services. We believe that all adults, children
and young people have an equal right to protection from abuse, regardless of their age, race, religion, ability,
gender, language, background or sexual identity and consider the wellbeing of the vulnerable adult, child or
young person is paramount. As a result, we have a robust safeguarding policy to ensure everyone is treated fairly
and a whistleblowing policy to enable people raise any concerns confidentially. We expect everyone (employees,
trustees, associates, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of the Company) to share this commitment and
read, understand and adhere to this policy and related procedures.

Equal Opportunities:
We employ people on the basis of their abilities. We strive to attract and develop talent that is representative of
our clients and all sections of the society, and do not discriminate based on of age, faith, disability, race, gender,
sexuality and socio-economic, regional or cultural background. If you are shortlisted and need us to make any
adjustments to help you attend for interview, please let us know.

Job Description - Page 3 of 5

Job Description
Person Specification:

Factors

Knowledge,
Experience,
Qualifications,
Professional
Memberships &
Training

Essential

Desirable

•

•

•
•

•
•

•
•
Communication,
Engagement &
Relationships

•
•

•

•

Team Skills

•
•
•

An understanding of the needs of
homeless people
Experience of working in a face-to-face
environment
Experience of working with people with
mental health, drug or alcohol needs.

•

Recruitmen
t Selection
Method
(Application
, Interview,
Assessment
)

Knowledge and
understanding of
trauma.
Experience of
working in a hostel,
or similar,
environment.

Ability to connect with, motivate and
drive others
Modifies own style and approach in
order to achieve goals and
effectiveness.
Focused on the views and needs of
clients and other stakeholders.
Displays self-awareness and integrity in
all relationships.
Ability to make quick and effective
decisions
Excited by and passionate about
delivering impact for people
experiencing homelessness.
IT literate with knowledge of Microsoft
packages in order to produce letters &
reports and store/retrieve information
from databases.
Open attitude to change and ability to
facilitate, enable and encourage the
engagement of residents in the change
process
Ability to lead, inspire and engage team Team Skills
to own and deliver on Homeless
Oxfordshire’s Vision and Objectives
Ability to deal with challenging
behaviour
Thrives on working with others: is
motivated by working closely with

A, I

A, I

A,I

Job Description - Page 4 of 5

Job Description

•
•

•

•
•

Analytical,
Problem Solving &
Judgement Skills

•

•

Planning &
Organisational
Skills

•

•

•
Personal /
Professional
Development

•
•

other people, building and managing
relationships and meeting new people
Thrives in a fast-pace environment,
with a 'can do' attitude
Self-motivated and open: reflects on
self, willing to be open and honest
about self-reflection and seeks
personal improvement
Enthusiasm, energy and willingness to
meet challenging demands and work to
deadlines
Commitment to the Values and
Objectives of Homeless Oxfordshire
Ability to work across the whole
organisation with other services and
departments as appropriate
Able to identify and resolve risk
management issues according to
policy/protocol
Able to methodically plan, manage,
monitor, advise and review risks and
issues and provide resolution
Ability to organise, plan and prioritise
on own initiative, for self and others,
including when under pressure and
meeting deadlines
Ability to keep comprehensive case
files and notes
Commitment to developing skills
required to progress in role
Ability to apply new information and
learn from experiences.
Shares knowledge and learning with
others and recognises own strengths
and areas for development

Analytical, Problem Solving
& Judgement Skills

A,I

Planning &
Organisational Skills

A,I

A,I

This post is part of Oxfordshire’s Homeless Alliance. Its members are people with lived experience of homelessness, service providers,
and local authorities. The Alliance has come together to end rough sleeping and improve services so that they make a positive
difference to the lives of people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness in Oxfordshire. The job description is a broad reflection
of current duties and it is not exhaustive. It will be reviewed regularly to reflect priorities and developments as the need arises.

Job Description - Page 5 of 5