Rough Sleeper Support Worker – AR

Job Description

Job Title:

Rough Sleeper Support Worker

Grade: G6
Service Area: Housing & Welfare Services
Reports to: Senior Housing & Welfare Officer
Location: Civic Centre Zone 1J
Special Conditions: Flexible working required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as needed. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work use is essential.

The Rough Sleeper Support Worker will provide intensive support to vulnerable homeless adults, with a focus on rough sleepers, former rough sleepers, offenders, and individuals with complex needs who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The role aims to reduce repeat homelessness by helping individuals secure and maintain stable accommodation, develop life skills, and build the confidence and independence needed for sustained independent living.

• Carry out outreach work across the borough to identify and engage with people sleeping rough
• Respond to referrals and follow up on reported cases of rough sleeping
• Build trusting relationships with vulnerable individuals who may be reluctant to engage with services

• Undertake holistic risk and needs assessments
• Develop, implement, and regularly review personalised support and risk management plans
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action

• Support service users to access emergency, temporary, or settled accommodation
• Assist individuals in maintaining their tenancies and preventing repeat homelessness
• Provide ongoing support after accommodation has been secured

• Support individuals to develop essential life skills, including budgeting, daily living skills, and tenancy management
• Assist with benefit claims to maximise income and financial stability
• Encourage engagement with health services, training, education, and employment opportunities
• Support individuals to rebuild family and community networks where appropriate

• Provide responsive support during periods of crisis
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and service users’ welfare is protected
• Work collaboratively with external agencies including health, probation, and voluntary services

• Facilitate access to specialist support services
• Accompany service users to appointments where appropriate
• Work closely with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for service users

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including support plans and case notes
• Record outcomes and progress using relevant IT systems
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements

• Promote service user involvement in support planning and service delivery
• Support induction of new staff, volunteers, trainees, and students where required
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and continuous professional development

• Comply with Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies and procedures
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusive service delivery
• Work in line with council policies, procedures, and strategic objectives
• Contribute to continuous service improvement

• Ability to complete holistic risk and needs assessments
• Strong communication skills with diverse and vulnerable groups
• Ability to remain calm and effective in challenging or crisis situations
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to develop and deliver life skills support programmes
• Competent use of IT systems and accurate record keeping
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends

• Understanding of issues affecting vulnerable adults (e.g. homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, offending)
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals in support settings
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing legislation, and debt support
• Experience working in partnership with external agencies (desirable)

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Ethical, respectful, and professional approach
• Accountability for own work and decisions
• Transparency and collaborative working style
• Commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality

• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including out-of-hours and weekends
• Commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults