Support Officer in Darwen

We are currently seeking a Support Officer to join our team in Darwen. As a Support Officer within our Supported Housing service, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families who have experienced homelessness to rebuild their lives and move towards independence. You will deliver person-centred, outcome-focused support that empowers customers to develop the skills, confidence and stability needed to sustain safe accommodation and improve their overall wellbeing.

Working within accommodation-based schemes or providing floating support, you will manage a varied caseload, responding to both planned support needs and crisis situations with professionalism and compassion.

We are committed to having a Diverse and Inclusive workforce. We would therefore welcome applications from candidates with any of the nine protected characteristics. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Outline of key responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred housing-related support to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, enabling them to sustain tenancies and move towards full independence.
• Assess individual needs and risks, co-produce support plans, and regularly review progress to ensure goals and outcomes are achieved.
• Provide both planned and responsive support, including during periods of crisis, using early intervention strategies to reduce risk and prevent repeat homelessness.
• Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners including Housing Options teams, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, health professionals and community organisations to coordinate holistic support.
• Support customers to explore suitable housing options and prepare for move-on accommodation, promoting long-term stability.
• Safeguard individuals and families by identifying and responding to concerns in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Encourage independence by supporting customers to develop life skills including budgeting, tenancy management, maintaining accommodation and accessing employment, education or training.
• Maintain accurate, timely case records including risk assessments, support plans, incident reports and monitoring data in line with GDPR requirements.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle (Desirable).
• Experience supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness or complex disadvantage.
• An awareness of safeguarding.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A compassionate, resilient and proactive approach with the ability to manage a varied caseload.

In return, we are offering the successful candidate in the Support Officer role:

• Starting salary of £25,748.
• 27 days holiday (rising to 32 over 5 years’ service) + bank holidays.
• Based role in Darwen.
• You will be working 8am to 4pm or 10am to 6pm Monday-Friday.

Due to the nature of the role involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.