At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness towards sustainable, independent living.
- Company: Join BCHA, a charitable housing association dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Full training provided; work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding role that transforms lives and supports vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex needs is a plus, but passion and commitment are key.
The predicted salary is between 25029 - 25861 £ per year.
BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness. We aim to achieve this through the building and provision of affordable and secure homes, and by supporting individuals to take control and lead independent, fulfilled lives. Whether we are developing sites or supporting people with housing, learning or living skills, we believe in equality, the importance of every individual and the right to be valued and treated with dignity and respect. Our doors are open to everyone.
We are currently recruiting a Complex Needs Support Worker to join our friendly, professional BCHA Floating Support Team in Plymouth. This is a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference to people’s lives. Working closely with Plymouth City Council, you will support customers who are experiencing homelessness and are living in emergency accommodation, including Bed and Breakfast placements. Your role will be to help customers move forward from crisis towards sustainable, independent living. You will support people at the very start of their homelessness journey. This may include:
- Maximising income
- Supporting social housing applications
- Advocating for supported accommodation
- Signposting to external services
- Applying for grants
- Assisting with paperwork
- Providing practical and emotional support throughout
Our work is underpinned by trauma-informed practice and therapeutic interventions, as part of our commitment to creating Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE). Previous experience of working with people who are homeless or otherwise socially excluded, along with an understanding of safeguarding, would be an advantage. However, this is not essential—full training will be provided for applicants who demonstrate the right values, personal qualities, and commitment to supporting others.
In return, we offer you the opportunity to:
- Use and develop your experience within homelessness or related support environments
- Gain real job satisfaction in a challenging and rewarding role
- Build meaningful, trusting relationships with customers
- Receive comprehensive training in trauma-informed approaches, mental health, substance misuse, and housing services
- Work collaboratively with external agencies to access the best possible support for customers
BCHA Safer Recruitment: Safeguarding children and adults is our first priority and we will ensure we follow safer recruitment procedures. As an employer, we will do everything possible to prevent unsuitable people obtaining employment with BCHA. Our overall aim is to deter unsuitable applicants from applying for roles with children and adults, and we will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with current legislation. BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: July 15th
A working knowledge of the issues affecting people with complex needs and the potential impact on people’s physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Able to demonstrate that you put the Alliance First Principle and One Common Goal at the heart of all you do.
Able to demonstrate you are an effective team worker (and able to work effectively on your own, if required).
Able to make sound decisions.
IT literate.
A completer/finisher.
A creative, flexible, compassionate, patient and sensitive approach to working with people who have experienced multiple disadvantages.
Innovative and proactive. Looks at ways to improve systems and procedures for the benefit of the customer and to be more efficient.
Emotionally intelligent.
Flexible to change.
Complex needs support worker- crisis and emergency accommodation outreach (salary:£25,029.28 - [...] in Plymouth employer: Bournemouth Churches Housing Association
BCHA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing homelessness. With a strong commitment to equality and dignity, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training in trauma-informed practices and collaboration with external agencies. Located in Plymouth, our team enjoys the satisfaction of building trusting relationships while contributing to a vital mission of ending homelessness in the South West.
Contact Details:
Bournemouth Churches Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Complex needs support worker- crisis and emergency accommodation outreach (salary:£25,029.28 - [...] in Plymouth
✨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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association.
✨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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association!
✨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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association, 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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association 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 Complex needs support worker- crisis and emergency accommodation outreach (salary:£25,029.28 - [...] in Plymouth
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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bournemouth Churches Housing Association! 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 Bournemouth Churches Housing Association
✨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.
