Support Worker – Changing Lives, Gateshead

About us

Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.

Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.

Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.

About the Service - Housing & Homelessness Services

A safe home is the solid base from which you build your life. We support people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as providing specialist accommodation and outreach services for rough sleepers, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, women and young people.

Accommodation to us doesn’t just mean a roof over your head and shelter from the elements. It needs to be a welcoming and flourishing environment, offering opportunities for all those we support to feel comfortable and develop. You can make a difference and support people on their journey towards a brighter future. At Changing Lives, we offer a home rather than just a shelter.

About the Job

About the Job

Being part of a great team means working alongside dedicated, supportive and motivated colleagues who share a common goal of making a positive difference in the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness. A strong team promotes collaboration, open communication, shared learning and mutual respect, enabling staff to support one another through challenging situations while continuing to deliver outstanding results for the people they support.

Despite these challenges, the role is incredibly rewarding. Seeing individuals progress from crisis and uncertainty towards stability, independence and sustainable accommodation makes the work worthwhile. Knowing that your support has helped someone rebuild their confidence, develop essential life skills and establish a more positive future provides a strong sense of achievement.

The role of a Support Worker is to provide person-centred support to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, assisting them to access temporary supported accommodation and work towards achieving stability, independence and long-term housing.

The role involves assessing each individual's needs, completing risk assessments and developing personalised support plans that identify their goals, strengths and areas requiring support. Support Workers work collaboratively with tenants to address barriers to independent living, promote emotional and physical well-being, and support access to relevant services, including housing, benefits, healthcare, mental health services and employment opportunities.

A key aspect of the role is to empower tenants by developing essential life skills, such as budgeting, managing finances, maintaining a tenancy, preparing meals, maintaining personal hygiene and keeping their accommodation safe and clean. Through regular support sessions, guidance and encouragement, Support Workers help individuals build confidence, resilience and the skills needed to live independently.

Support Workers are also responsible for monitoring tenants' progress, reviewing support plans, managing risks, responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with external agencies to ensure appropriate support is provided. They must be confident working independently, using their professional judgement to make informed decisions that promote tenants' safety, well-being and successful integration into the community. This includes recognising potential risks, responding appropriately to challenging situations and knowing when to seek advice or escalate concerns.

The role of a Support Worker can be challenging and demanding, as individuals may present with complex needs, difficult life experiences and varying levels of engagement. However, it is also an extremely rewarding role, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by helping them overcome barriers, regain confidence and move towards a more stable and independent future.

**Flexibility and travel requirements**

The position involves working across multiple supported accommodation locations throughout the Gateshead area. Support Workers must therefore be flexible, adaptable and willing to travel between different properties and locations to meet tenants' needs and ensure consistent support delivery. They must be comfortable managing their workload independently, prioritising visits and responding to changing circumstances while maintaining professional standards and safeguarding responsibilities.

The overall aim of the role is to support individuals to stabilise their circumstances, develop the skills and confidence required for independent living, and successfully transition from temporary supported accommodation into suitable, sustainable housing within the community.