We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated, compassionate individual to join our Homelessness Team (part time, 27.5hrs per week; permanent). Salary: £23,842 – £24,842 pro rata (£18,733 - £19,518 for 27.5hrs per week)
We are looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated individual to work as part of our Homelessness Team, providing and maintaining a calm and welcoming atmosphere in St Petrock's Centre. You will provide essential survival services and signposting to people who are rough sleeping and/or vulnerably housed.
Previous experience of working with people who may exhibit challenging behaviour or who have experienced homelessness is desired but not essential.
Job Purpose:
The Homelessness Services Team are responsible for providing front-line delivery of all emergency survival and other support services to those experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness, including the vulnerably housed and those at risk of repeat homelessness. As a small team, each member is expected to work flexibly and collaboratively, bringing their particular skills, knowledge and strengths to deliver the best possible outcomes for those experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness, including the vulnerably housed, under the leadership of the Homelessness Team Senior Worker and Head of Client Services. They are also responsible for demonstrating the charity's values to those they support, and in the way they relate to staff and volunteers. The role of Homelessness Support Worker will focus on provision of the essential survival services at the Centre and via our Outreach. They will liaise with the Homelessness Project Workers to identify where in depth one to one keywork, assessment, safeguarding or referrals are needed as this would be provided by the Project Workers. This will include providing key information at daily handover / debrief.
Main Responsibilities:
* To work in line with the ethos of St. Petrock's
* Behaving at all times in a manner consistent with the Values of STP and to support the implementation of the charity's Values in every area of our work.
* Showing reasonable flexibility to ensure consistent service delivery by carrying out any other duties as required, including to cover staff absences;
* Complying at all times with all relevant legislation and regulation, together with STP's Policies and Procedures.
* Provision of survival services: To assist in the delivery of survival services to those experiencing rough sleeping and homelessness; including the vulnerably housed.
* Participation in the distribution of food and hot drinks, both by mobile outreach (on foot) and at the St Petrock's Centre;
* Distribution of clothing, sleeping bags, donated items etc., to those clients in genuine need;
* Provision of showers, laundry services and other hygiene support [but not personal care] to meet basic needs of those experiencing rough sleeping;
* Support to access digital or telephone services such as the client PC, and including charging client devices;
* To assist in the effective discouragement and management of any anti-social behaviour by STP clients in the Centre or in the vicinity of the STP Centre;
* Ensuring vulnerable individuals at high risk are identified to the Project Workers, and supporting liaising with appropriate statutory and other services to safeguard their welfare;
* Developing strong and effective partnerships with other homelessness, housing, health, police and relevant organisations to promote good joint working to the benefit of STP clients.
* Providing appropriate support to former clients who are vulnerably housed to enable them to not lose their accommodation;
* Providing clear handover of information so that support can be tailored to the individual whilst protecting the safety and welfare of staff, the client and others;
* Ensuring that all client records are kept securely to ensure client confidentiality;
* Build positive, professional relationships with clients through regular conversation and presence;
* Work alongside [other members of] the staff team to ensure the centre remains safe, calm, and inclusive;
* Maintain appropriate boundaries and uphold St Petrock's ethos of dignity, respect, and empathy;
* To assist in the development of additional services to support and demonstrate value to people experiencing homelessness.
* Assist in promoting the work of St. Petrock's and the welfare of our clients by attending appropriate internal and external meetings, networks and other events with local agencies and partners, and by supporting efforts to raise funds for our work.
Person Specification:
Essential:
• A genuine commitment to the Mission and Values of St Petrock's
• Calm, patient and professional manner
• Excellent team player with a flexible, proactive and adaptable attitude
• Trustworthy and discreet in managing sensitive personal information. Awareness of confidentiality in relation to electronic, paper and verbal communications.
• Non-judgemental attitude and ability not to be upset by clients who may be visibly distressed, frustrated or behave in challenging ways.
• Cheerful, positive disposition
• Self-motivated and able to work well with minimal supervision
• Willingness to carry out flexible additional tasks where necessary to facilitate deliver of St Petrock's services
• Honesty, reliability, creativity and flexibility
• Good level of physical fitness; able to walk up to 6 miles per day across differing terrains.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.
• Willing to work some bank holidays on a rota basis
• Experience of working in a similar 'frontline / face to face' role with people experiencing homelessness or multiple disadvantage
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet competing requests under pressure.
• Excellent people skills
• Very good written and verbal communication skills
• Very good and engaging telephone manner
• The ability to establish good working relationships with clients, colleagues, other stakeholders externally and to work well within a team.
• A good understanding of professional boundaries
• Relevant experience and good understanding of the issues involved in delivering effective support services to a range of vulnerable people
• An understanding of the complex issues contributing to homelessness and of the needs and aspirations of homeless people
• Entitled to live and work in UK
• Good basic education to GCSE standard or equivalent
Desirable:
• Good IT skills, including Outlook email, proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word & Excel).
• Working within the charity sector
• Working alongside volunteers.
• Managing challenging behaviours and / or confrontational situations in a calm and safe way.
• Working with people experiencing homelessness or other major hardship.
• Working with people with mental illness and/or substance misuse problems.
• Working with women experiencing multiple disadvantage.
• Awareness of current, relevant legislation and the impact of that legislation, including a working knowledge of the welfare benefit and housing benefit systems.
• NVQ level 2/3 in Social Care or other similar qualification
• Accredited Counselling qualification (BACP or equivalent)
• SIA Door Supervisor
For the full job spec, please visit: Jobs - St Petrock's
Closing Date: 30 September 2025