We are SIFA Fireside, the support service for any adult in Birmingham that faces homelessness. For 40 years we have supported Birmingham’s most vulnerable people through Homelessness Intervention, Prevention and Recovery services.
We welcome applications from people with lived experience of some of the issues our clients face, including homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, or involvement with the criminal justice system.
SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre, based in Digbeth, delivers a range of services to people experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerably housed. The Peer Support Worker Service (PSWS) is a team of individuals who work with rough sleepers across the city of Birmingham, aiming to facilitate connection, motivate and inspire, and provide a non-judgemental listening ear. The service supports individuals facing Multiple Exclusion Homelessness (MEH), empowering them to make informed choices about their lives.
The Peer Support Worker role includes street outreach across Birmingham, building trust and rapport with the rough sleeping community. Many individuals have had negative experiences with services, leading to a lack of trust and reluctance to engage. Some may also have limited experience of managing accommodation or navigating support services. The role therefore centres on developing supportive, persistent, and compassionate relationships.
Key tasks (selection of)
1. Support people through street outreach, building trust and rapport with rough sleepers in Birmingham.
2. Build and maintain trust with individuals facing Multiple Exclusion Homelessness through social and community-based activities.
3. Support individuals in their positive behavioural change journeys using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that build confidence and wellbeing.
4. Work collaboratively with other frontline services across the city, engaging in day-to-day liaison to ensure a multi-disciplinary response.
5. Assist in crisis intervention and provide support in challenging situations, connecting individuals with appropriate professional help when required.