At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness with tailored, trauma-informed care in their own homes.
- Company: Join London’s leading homelessness charity making a real difference every day.
- Benefits: Access to learning opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team focused on meaningful change.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to transforming lives and challenging injustice.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role: Housing First changes what is possible for people who have been shut out, moved on and let down for too long. Single Homeless Project's (SHP’s) Camden Housing First service is expanding, and we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Project Worker to join an innovative team supporting people with long histories of rough sleeping, multiple exclusion and co‑occurring needs. This includes a new and important focus on supporting couples who have been rough sleeping and will be accommodated separately in their own self‑contained flats, while receiving intensive, relational and trauma‑informed support.
Based from King’s Cross, you’ll work across the community and in people’s homes, carrying a small caseload so you can offer flexible, persistent and person‑centred support that is shaped around each person’s strengths, safety, needs and goals. You’ll build trust with people who may have had difficult experiences of services, working at their pace while keeping a strong focus on housing sustainment, wellbeing, risk, choice and recovery. You won’t be doing this work alone. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team and will work closely with statutory services, housing partners and specialist colleagues including health, psychology, Solace, occupational therapy and perpetrator support. With safety at the heart of the work, you’ll play a key role in supporting people where relationships, trauma, exploitation, abuse or external risk may be part of their lives.
At SHP, you’ll also have access to learning, reflective practice and development opportunities that help you keep growing your skills while doing meaningful, complex and life‑changing work.
About you: You have experience supporting people facing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, trauma, mental ill health, substance use, contact with the criminal justice system or long‑term exclusion from services. You know how to build trust with people who may be wary of services, using patience, consistency and creativity to keep people engaged without forcing change before they are ready. You understand the links between severe and multiple disadvantage, VAWG, coercion, abuse, exploitation and safety, and you can respond in a way that is trauma‑informed, boundaried and safeguarding‑focused. You are a confident advocate and communicator, able to work with partners, negotiate well, challenge when needed and keep the person’s voice at the centre. You are organised and self‑sufficient in your day‑to‑day work, with the written, IT and recording skills needed to manage a caseload, update systems clearly and keep support plans moving.
About us: We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done. In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans‑inclusive, disability‑friendly, and actively striving to be anti‑oppressive and equitable. We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.
Important info: Closing Date: Sunday 19th July at Midnight Interview Date: Tuesday 28th July online via Microsoft Teams Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed.
Specialist Housing First Worker in London employer: Assistancedogs
Assistance Dogs is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a flexible hybrid working model, generous leave allowances, and a commitment to personal development, you will find a supportive work culture that values empathy and collaboration. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals but also provides opportunities for further training and advancement within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Housing First Worker in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Assistancedogs.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Assistancedogs!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Assistancedogs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Assistancedogs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Housing First Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Assistancedogs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Assistancedogs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Assistancedogs
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
