At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and support vulnerable adults facing exploitation through proactive outreach and relationship building.
- Company: Catalyst Support, dedicated to recovery and wellbeing for all.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to fairness and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable adults and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Assertive Outreach Worker to engage and support vulnerable adults who are at risk of, or currently experiencing, cuckooing (where perpetrators take over a person's home for criminal exploitation). The role requires proactive, persistent, and person-centred outreach to build trust with individuals who may be reluctant to engage with services, with the aim of improving safety, reducing harm, and supporting sustainable recovery and independence.
Location: Nankeville Court, Woking, with travel across Surrey
Salary: £29,220 pro rata (£17,532 actual)
Hours: 21 hours per week, with flexibility to work across the work week
Contract type: Permanent
About the organisation:
Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.
Key responsibilities:
- Outreach & Engagement
- Deliver assertive outreach, including home visits, community-based engagement, and multi-agency operations.
- Build trusting relationships with individuals experiencing exploitation, often with complex needs (e.g., substance misuse, mental health, homelessness).
- Engage service users who may be resistant or disengaged from traditional support services.
- Safeguarding & Risk Management
- Identify, assess, and respond to safeguarding risks related to cuckooing and exploitation.
- Develop and implement risk management and safety plans in collaboration with service users.
- Act promptly on safeguarding concerns in line with local authority procedures.
- Work closely with police and safeguarding teams to disrupt exploitation and protect victims.
- Case Management
- Manage a caseload of service users, maintaining accurate and timely records.
- Complete needs assessments and co-produce support plans tailored to individual needs.
- Monitor progress and adjust interventions accordingly.
- Multi-Agency Working
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies including housing providers, police, social services, and substance misuse and mental health services.
- Attend multi-agency meetings (e.g., MARAC, safeguarding meetings, case conferences).
- Advocate on behalf of clients to access services, housing, and support.
- Prevention & Education
- Deliver awareness sessions to professionals and communities about cuckooing and exploitation.
- Support early intervention strategies to prevent exploitation.
- Practical Support
- Assist service users with securing safe accommodation, accessing benefits and healthcare, and re-establishing tenancies.
- Provide crisis support where required.
- Working Conditions
- Regular lone working and community-based visits, including high-risk environments.
- Flexible working hours, which may include evenings and weekends.
- Requirement to follow all health and safety and lone working procedures.
About you:
- Essential experience of working with vulnerable adults, particularly within substance misuse, homelessness, and criminal exploitation/safeguarding.
- Demonstrable experience of assertive outreach or intensive engagement work.
- Strong understanding of cuckooing, county lines, and exploitation.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedure.
- Ability to assess risk and manage complex, high-risk situations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Resilience and ability to work in challenging environments.
- Empathy and non-judgemental approach.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Effective record-keeping and IT skills.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (if required).
- Ability to work flexibly across area.
- Have authentic attributes of Kindness, Commitment and Integrity.
- Ability to maintain Equal Opportunity standards at all times.
Benefits:
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
- Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions).
- Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible.
- Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources.
Safeguarding & Checks:
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate. All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK.
Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Assertive Outreach Worker in Woking employer: CATALYST SUPPORT
As a Community Connector - Mental Health Professional, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals within the community. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in people's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career. Located within vibrant GP practices, you will benefit from a strong network of resources and support, making this an excellent place to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assertive Outreach Worker in Woking
✨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 CATALYST SUPPORT.
✨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 CATALYST SUPPORT!
✨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 CATALYST SUPPORT, 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 CATALYST SUPPORT 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 Assertive Outreach Worker in Woking
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 CATALYST SUPPORT:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CATALYST SUPPORT! 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 CATALYST SUPPORT
✨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.
