At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in securing stable housing and reducing reoffending through practical interventions.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a progressive social enterprise making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led organisation that believes in second chances.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and a compassionate approach to complex needs.
Location: South Wales
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Delivered by The Forward Trust in partnership with HM Prison and Probation Service, the Camau Service supports men involved in the Criminal Justice system to secure stable housing and build positive futures. Change lives. Every day. If you’re experienced, solutions-focused and passionate about preventing homelessness and reducing reoffending, this could be the role for you.
You’ll be co-located within probation offices in Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd on a Full-Time basis (35 Hours), working directly with men on probation and those preparing for release from custody. Through practical housing interventions and strong partnership working, you’ll help people take meaningful steps toward stability.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll deliver targeted, housing-focused support that prevents homelessness and improves long-term outcomes:
- Provide 1-2-1 housing advice and interventions
- Complete holistic housing needs assessments and structured action plans
- Source private rented accommodation (HMOs, shared housing, studios, 1-bed properties)
- Liaise with landlords, negotiate tenancy agreements and rental terms
- Build relationships with housing providers accepting Universal Credit/Housing Benefit
- Work closely with probation and prison colleagues to reduce reoffending
- Ensure properties meet Rent Smart Wales and legal safety standards
- Contribute to team targets and service objectives
This is a hands-on, collaborative role where no two days are the same, and every day matters.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong knowledge of housing and welfare benefits systems
- Experience delivering housing or welfare advice
- Ability to assess adults with complex needs (homelessness, substance use, mental ill health)
- Experience developing practical support plans that sustain tenancies
- Confidence working with people experiencing multiple disadvantage
- A resilient, compassionate and partnership-driven approach
We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people with lived experience, including recovery from addiction, co-dependency, gambling, previous offending or homelessness. At The Forward Trust, you’ll be part of a progressive, values-led organisation that genuinely believes in second chances, for the people we support and for our staff.
We offer enhanced benefits, ongoing professional development and real opportunities for progression, all within a supportive environment where your contribution is recognised and your impact is visible. Here, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have the opportunity to make measurable, lasting change in people’s lives. Break cycles. Build futures. Be the difference.
About Us:
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important.
Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
To Apply:
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Housing Intervention Worker - Merthyr Tydfil & Pontypridd employer: Forward Trust
At The Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while our flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits package ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered. Join us in South Wales as a Housing Intervention Worker, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of those we support, all within a progressive and values-led organisation that believes in second chances.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Intervention Worker - Merthyr Tydfil & Pontypridd
✨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 Forward Trust.
✨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 Forward Trust!
✨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 Forward Trust, 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 Forward Trust 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 Housing Intervention Worker - Merthyr Tydfil & Pontypridd
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 Forward Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Forward Trust! 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 Forward Trust
✨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.
