Portsmouth Rough Sleeping Services
Waking Night Support Worker - Beckett Hill Night Shelter
42 hours per week on a rota of 4 nights on, 4 nights off
Working hours: 8pm – 8am
Salary Point 20: (£28,140 per annum) includes unsocial hours premium
Fixed Term 5 Month Contract
About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.
The Role
The Society wishes to recruit a Waking Night Support Worker to work in Becketts Hill Night Shelter in Portsmouth. Here we offer a wide range of support to people with histories of homelessness, substance and alcohol problems, mental health problems and other complex needs.
You will need to have some experience and knowledge of the needs of vulnerable people with histories of homelessness, severe alcohol/substance dependency and mental health problems.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who brings the following core competencies and skills:
* Communication & Engagement: Proven ability to listen and communicate effectively and empathetically with clients.
* Risk Management: Demonstrated ability to remain calm in difficult situations, adhere to risk assessments, and follow established risk management and lone working plans.
* Safeguarding & Policy: Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures for vulnerable adults, health and safety protocols, and lone working best practices.
* Vulnerability Awareness: Sound knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity principles, with respect to both staff and clients.
* Encouragement & Motivation: The skill to encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle choices and engage positively with support.
* Administration: Strong literacy and IT skills sufficient to write clear letters, emails, and accurate client notes.
Highly Desirable Experience
* Complex Needs: Prior experience working with people with complex histories, including homelessness, mental health problems, and substance misuse.
* Crisis Management: Experience dealing with challenging, difficult, or potentially dangerous behaviour in a professional and measured manner.
Staff Benefits
We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:
* A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
* Flexible working options
* Buying additional annual leave
* Comprehensive induction and training
* Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
* Company cycle to work scheme
* Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers
To apply, please send your CV & cover letter explaining why you would be suitable for the position.
Please note that CV's alone will not be considered during shortlisting.
SSJ are an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Application closing date: Friday 17th October 2025
Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.
Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months
Pay: From £28,140.00 per year
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person