Hostel Support Worker in Twickenham

Central Recruitment is currently working with a London based charity whose mission is to support people experiencing homelessness to find secure accommodation and work towards a positive future. Our client is currently recruiting for two permanent Hostel Support Workers, to work in the Twickenham area. The hostel is a 14-bed service that provides 24-hour support to people affected by homelessness or rough sleeping to move off the streets and into safe, secure housing.

Job Details

• 37.5 hours per week Monday – Sunday (on a rota basis)
• Shifts: Early (08:00 - 16:00) and late (14:00- 22:00)
• £32,995 per annum
• Permanent roles

This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in the lives of adults with a history of homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold a small caseload of key clients and conduct regular key working sessions
• Deliver trauma-informed, person-centred support, recognising the impact of past trauma, adverse experiences, and systemic disadvantage on residents' behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing
• Complete and regularly review risk assessments, safety plans, and support plans, ensuring risks are clearly identified, managed, and communicated
• Build positive, professional relationships with residents, encouraging engagement in meaningful activities, appointments, or routines where appropriate
• Monitor residents' involvement in the general cleanliness and upkeep of the hostel, promoting shared responsibility and maintaining a healthy living environment
• Manage the project's petty cash and rent floats during shifts, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded, receipts are maintained, and all expenditure is properly authorised
• Remain vigilant for signs of abuse, neglect, self-harm, exploitation, or deterioration in mental or physical health
• Support residents in crisis, using de-escalation techniques and ensuring they access appropriate follow-up support
• Conduct room and communal area checks as required, sensitively identifying and addressing issues such as fire safety risks, hoarding behaviours and unsafe electrical items
• Work collaboratively and professionally with external agencies, partners, and colleagues
• Carry out routine administrative tasks, including submitting staff expenses, managing petty cash, and maintaining other operational records in line with agreed financial procedures

What We're Looking For

• Experience supporting people affected by homelessness or rough sleeping, including those with complex needs such as mental ill-health, substance use, or trauma
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessment, with the ability to identify, respond to and elevate concerns promptly
• Understanding of the issues, barriers and behaviours that people experiencing homelessness may display, and the ability to respond with compassion and psychologically informed strategies
• Ability to build positive relationships and motivate individuals who may initially be wary of services
• Ability to work with clients who may display challenging behaviour, using de-escalation and support techniques
• Organisational skills and confidence using IT systems for case notes and monitoring data
• Knowledge of local services and community resources supporting homeless or vulnerable people
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and recovery approaches
• Awareness of health and safety requirements in a residential setting and ability to apply them practically

Further Requirements

• Current valid right to work in the UK
• Minimum 12 months of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
• A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
• Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

How to Apply

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration. Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position.