At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness and help them build a brighter future.
- Company: Changing Lives, a nationwide charity dedicated to making positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension, life cover, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and empower them towards independence.
- Qualifications: Compassionate professionals with a commitment to supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position not right for you? Share it with someone you know.
Reference: JUL
Expiry date: 17:00, Mon, 27th Jul 2026
Location: Sunderland
Salary: Competitive
Maternity Leave: 20 weeks fully paid + up to 52 weeks leave total.
Paternity Leave: 4 weeks paid.
Adoption: same as Maternity Leave.
25 Days Holiday, +2 Wellbeing Days + your Birthday & Bank Holidays off.
Pension, Life Cover at X4 Salary & Private Health Insurance.
Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.
Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.
Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.
About the Service - Housing & Homelessness Services
A safe home is the solid base from which you build your life. We support people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as providing specialist accommodation and outreach services for rough sleepers, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, women and young people. Accommodation to us doesn’t just mean a roof over your head and shelter from the elements. It needs to be a welcoming and flourishing environment, offering opportunities for all those we support to feel comfortable and develop. You can make a difference and support people on their journey towards a brighter future. At Changing Lives, we offer a home rather than just a shelter.
About the Job
The Homeless Support Project in Sunderland provides accommodation and person-centred support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The service works with people facing a range of complex needs. Our dedicated team supports individuals to develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to maintain stable accommodation, improve wellbeing, and work towards greater independence. Through a strength-based approach, we empower people to achieve positive outcomes while working collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. This service is run in partnership with Sunderland City Council and requires a great deal of committed and collaborative working practice.
Specialist Support Worker in Sunderland employer: Changing Lives
Changing Lives in Newcastle upon Tyne is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on trauma-informed care, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, offering employees opportunities to develop their skills while making a difference in the lives of women and children. Our commitment to employee well-being and the unique challenges of this role create a rewarding environment for those passionate about social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker in Sunderland
✨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 Changing Lives.
✨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 Changing Lives!
✨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 Changing Lives, 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 Changing Lives 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 Support Worker in Sunderland
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 Changing Lives:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Changing Lives! 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 Changing Lives
✨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.
