Rough Sleeping Outreach Officer

Location:

East Suffolk (predominantly Lowestoft and surrounding market towns)

Contract:

Interim until January 2027

Rate:
Flexible DOE

Working Pattern:
Full Time | Outreach-Based Role | Up to 1 Day Home Working per Week

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Enhanced DBS Required

Make a Real Difference in Your Community

We are currently recruiting for an experienced and passionate Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer on behalf of our local authority client in East Suffolk.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience supporting vulnerable adults, homelessness services, housing support, outreach work, or complex needs case management to play a key role in tackling rough sleeping across the district.

Funded through the Government's Rough Sleeping Initiative, this role is focused on engaging with some of the most vulnerable individuals within the community, helping them access accommodation, support services, healthcare, and opportunities that can positively change their lives.

Working across East Suffolk, with a key focus on Lowestoft and the surrounding market towns, you will provide assertive outreach support to individuals sleeping rough or at risk of rough sleeping.

You will proactively investigate rough sleeping reports, respond to Street Link referrals, undertake assessments, coordinate support plans, and work closely with housing teams and partner agencies to secure sustainable outcomes.

Due to the nature of outreach work, the role will involve early mornings, evenings, and occasional unsociable hours.

• Identify and engage with rough sleepers across East Suffolk.
• Build positive relationships and establish trust with service users.
• Respond to Street Link referrals and rough sleeping alerts.
• Carry out assessments to identify support needs, local connection, and reconnection opportunities.
• Develop and actively manage support plans for clients.
• Signpost and refer individuals to appropriate support services.
• Support access to accommodation, healthcare, substance misuse services, benefits, employment, education, and training opportunities.
• Participate in rough sleeping counts, estimates, and spotlight exercises.
• Liaise with housing officers and multi‑agency partners to coordinate support.
• Build effective working relationships with hospitals, prisons, probation services, social care teams, and other agencies to prevent rough sleeping.
• Arrange transport and practical support where necessary.
• Monitor outcomes and contribute to the ongoing development of rough sleeping services.

We are keen to hear from candidates who have experience within:

• Homelessness services
• Rough sleeper outreach
• Housing support
• Supported housing
• Community support
• Mental health services
• Substance misuse services
• Social care or safeguarding environments

You will also have:

• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals with complex needs.
• Strong assessment and case management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• The ability to work independently and manage a challenging caseload.
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and support pathways would be highly advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).

• Competitive and flexible pay rate.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact within the local community.
• Autonomous and rewarding role.
• Hybrid working available (typically up to one day per week from home, subject to service needs).
• Supportive multi‑agency working environment.
• Contract secured until January 2027.

All offers will be subject to satisfactory compliance screening, including right to work in the UK and references. In addition, due to the nature of the role the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure will be undertaken