Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Worker - Adults

Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Worker - Adults

Location: Can be based at either;
Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury offices. Role will be covering East Somerset (South Somerset and Mendip).

Transform lives, champion dignity & support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Build your career. Make a difference. Create lasting change.

Following the success of our pilot introducing Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Workers working directly with people on the streets, Somerset is now embedding this role as a trailblazing and innovative addition to our Adult Social Care service.

This is a fixed-term position initially for 18 months
, with the expectation of extension, reflecting our commitment to developing new ways of working to better support individuals experiencing long-term rough sleeping.

This is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of people who are entrenched in rough sleeping and experiencing long-term, complex and often unmet needs.

• 18 months FTC with an expected extension subject to funding
• Location:
  
  Can be based at either;
  Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury offices. Role will be covering East Somerset (South Somerset and Mendip).
• Starting salary £37,280 rising annually, currently up to £41,777.
• Full time, 37 hours per week
• 30 days annual leave entitlement

As a Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Worker, you will work directly with individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness
, many of whom have been living on the streets for extended periods and may feel disengaged or let down by services.

You will be working with a government-defined Target Priority Group (TPG), supporting people with complex and overlapping needs, including:

• Mental health
• Substance misuse
• Trauma (including historical and ongoing trauma)
• Histories of hospital or mental health admissions

This role requires a relentless, relationship-based approach
, working persistently to build trust, break down barriers and support individuals who may not initially want help or engage with services.

This is a pioneering post
, designed to identify unmet needs, challenge traditional approaches and improve outcomes for a cohort who often sit outside of conventional systems.

• Undertake strengths-based Care Act assessments
  , reviews and support planning, including risk assessment
• Complete Mental Capacity Assessments
  , Safeguarding Enquiries and Court of Protection work where required
• Manage a small caseload of highly complex individuals
  , ensuring focused and personalised support
• Provide outreach-based support
  , working flexibly to engage individuals who may be reluctant or resistant to services
• Build and maintain trusted relationships
  , using persistence, empathy and professional curiosity
• Identify hidden needs and risks
  , using observation, judgement and in-depth assessment
• Respond to referrals and urgent situations, including crisis intervention
• Prepare clear, professional assessments and reports to support decision-making
• Work collaboratively with housing, health, substance misuse services and voluntary sector partners
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with legislation and policy

We’re looking for a Social Worker who is resilient, curious and driven to challenge social injustice
, with a strong belief in advocating for those whose voices are often unheard.

This is a role for someone who:

• Builds strong,
  authentic relationships in the most challenging circumstances
• Is persistent and does not give up easily
  , even when faced with resistance or barriers
• Can recognise hidden needs and underlying trauma beyond presenting behaviours
• Is confident using professional curiosity and asking difficult questions
• Brings strong emotional intelligence
  , with the ability to respond empathetically and build trust in complex situations
• Is motivated to challenge systems and advocate for change
  , focusing on the rights and needs of individuals

You will also demonstrate strong legal literacy
, with the confidence to apply the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation in creative and flexible ways
, supporting individuals whose needs do not always align with traditional…