Senior Support Worker – STEP – Homeless Oxfordshire, Oxford

Job Title:

Senior Support Worker

Hours:

37.5 hours (Shift Pattern
and Rota’d including
Status:
weekends and bank
holidays)

Accountable to:

Team Leader – STEP UP

Remuneration:
Per annum

Location:

£28,428

Responsible for:

Permanent

Case management &
move on of Step Provision
clients.

Office Based – Oxford and Banbury

How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Senior Support Worker role with Homeless Oxfordshire.
This document contains the application instructions, followed by the Job Description and Person Specification.
Please read all sections carefully before applying.
To apply, please submit the following:
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Your CV

•

A cover letter (optional)

•

A separate supporting statement document responding to the questions below
Your responses should clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, and values meet the requirements set out
in the Job Description and Person Specification below (Applications that do not include answers to all questions
will not be considered).

Application Questions
1. What is your current Right to Work in the UK? Would you require sponsorship for this role?
2. The role can be emotionally demanding. Drawing on the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Job
Description below, what helps you manage stress, reflect on your practice, and continue to work positively in
challenging situations? (Maximum 300 words)
3. What attracts you to working with people experiencing homelessness, and why are you applying for this role with
Homeless Oxfordshire? (Maximum 300 words)
4. Please outline your relevant skills and experience, making clear reference to the Job Description and Person
Specification below. (Maximum 300 words)
Job Description Template - Page 1 of 5

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 The Job:
Our Step provision service provides two differing support models that offer accommodation-based support
and assessment This is for people who are being discharged from the hospital using the discharge to assess
model. The Step-Down provision in Oxfordshire is run in partnership between Homeless Oxfordshire and
Connection Support. The Step-Up service provides accommodation-based support which acts on a model
to prevent people having the need to go into hospital.
Working as part of a small dynamic and enthusiastic team to deliver a safe and supportive service to all
residents, identifying need and delivering the case management of clients with complex needs working in
partnership with other agencies to create holistic, individualized support and move on plans for clients who
are temporarily housed due to their health needs.

Main Areas of Responsibility:
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To be part of a team running a new and dynamic service assessing and managing risk for individuals
and in the service.
Ensure the effective delivery of high-quality care, support and housing management according to
Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure the delivery of holistic wrap around support.
To work in partnership with Connection Support Step provision and Out of Hospital Team.
To work with other agencies to provide client centered support & risk management plans for
clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.
To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including evenings and weekends.
Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures.
To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.
Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Job Description Template - Page 2 of 5

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Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.
Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners,
contractors and the local community.
To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of
Homeless Oxfordshire.
Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures
Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are
enabled to do their best.
Contribute to the work of the broader team.

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 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.

Person Specification:

Factors

Essential

Knowledge,
Experience,
Qualifications,
Professional
Memberships &
Training

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An understanding of the needs of homeless people
Experience of working in a face-to-face environment
Experience of working with people with complex needs
including, mental health, physical health, drug or alcohol
needs.
Knowledge and understanding of trauma.

Desirable

Recruitment
Selection
Method
(Application,
Interview,
Assessment)

Understanding of
move on and move
on options for
residents

Job Description Template - Page 3 of 5

Communication
Engagement &
Relationships

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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

AI

Job Description Template - Page 4 of 5

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Analytical, Problem
Solving &
Judgement Skills
and organisational
skills

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Standards &
Compliance

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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 deal with challenging behaviour
Thrives on working with others: is motivated by working
closely with other people, building and managing
relationships and meeting new people
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
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
IT literate with knowledge of Microsoft packages in order to
produce letters & reports and store/retrieve information
from databases.
To be able to operate competently regarding managing data
and information in accordance with the Data Protection Act
(DPA) (2018) and the General Data Protection regulations
(GDPR)

AI

AI

Job Description Template - Page 5 of 5