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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and support individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them access vital services.
- Company: Join a respected organisation dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working collaboratively with various partners.
- Qualifications: Experience with homeless individuals and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a respected, community-focused organisation known for delivering effective, compassionate support to people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping, and complex needs. The organisation promotes a values-driven, trauma-informed approach and works collaboratively with local authorities, health providers, housing teams and voluntary sector partners to create meaningful, lasting change.
Staff are supported to grow professionally through supervision, reflective practice and training, making this an environment where you can make a genuine difference every day.
Your new role
This is a varied, impactful role for a dedicated Outreach Worker / Homeless Recovery Coordinator who is passionate about working with individuals experiencing street homelessness. You will identify, engage and support people living on the streets, sleeping rough or sofa surfing, helping them access appropriate accommodation, health services and substance misuse support.
The role combines assertive outreach, advocacy, multi-agency working and short-term case coordination to ensure individuals receive consistent, effective help as they transition into safer and more stable environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Outreach & Engagement
- Identify and engage with rough sleepers, beggars and individuals living a street-based lifestyle across various locations and times.
- Provide assertive outreach to individuals who are entrenched or disengaged from services.
- Support hospital discharge planning for homeless individuals, helping them move into suitable accommodation.
- Assessment, Planning & Case Coordination
- Establish effective communication and referral pathways between rough sleepers, hostels, healthcare providers and wider support services.
- Carry out strengths-based assessments, develop short-term recovery plans and hold cases for 4-6 weeks during key transition periods.
- Coordinate care with councils, hostels, voluntary agencies and local service providers.
- Ensure continuity of care for individuals moving between areas, including liaison with new services and arranging appropriate handover.
- Harm Reduction & Health Support
- Provide advice around substance misuse using recognised approaches such as Motivational Interviewing.
- Support individuals to access drug, alcohol and mental health services.
- Offer culturally appropriate engagement and interventions for hard-to-reach communities.
- Partnership Working & Advocacy
- Build effective relationships with mental health teams, housing providers, community organisations and health services.
- Attend multi-disciplinary meetings and contribute to joint case planning.
- Assist with local monitoring activity such as rough sleeper counts and data collection.
- Record Keeping & Professional Standards
- Maintain accurate records in accordance with organisational policies.
- Work flexibly, including early mornings, evenings and adverse-weather outreach when required.
What you’ll need to succeed
- Experience working with people who are homeless, rough sleeping or sofa surfing.
- Ability to communicate effectively with service users, hostel teams, health and social care professionals.
- Able to work confidently both autonomously and as part of a team.
- Skilled in supporting individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviour.
- Strong understanding of substance misuse, mental health or multiple disadvantage.
- Confident with IT systems, recording and reporting.
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple agencies.
Desirable
- Knowledge of local services, housing options and mutual aid networks.
- Previous outreach experience within homelessness or substance misuse sectors.
What you’ll get in return
- A supportive, collaborative and values led workplace.
- Access to ongoing training and professional development.
- Regular supervision and wellbeing support.
- Opportunities to influence service development and partnership work.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Outreach Worker in Reading employer: HAYS Specialist Recruitment
Contact Detail:
HAYS Specialist Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Worker in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, and think about how your experiences align with their goals. This will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the role and the company culture. They might even give you tips on what to highlight in your interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about real-life situations you've faced in outreach or support roles, and be ready to discuss how you handled them. This shows your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Outreach Worker role. Highlight any previous work with homeless individuals or in multi-agency settings, as this will show us you understand the challenges and needs of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting people experiencing homelessness. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. In your application, demonstrate how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups or collaborated with various agencies. This will help us see that you can build those essential relationships with service users and partners.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community-focused organisation!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS Specialist Recruitment
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Empathy
When discussing your past experiences, focus on how you've engaged with vulnerable individuals. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively and provide compassionate support. Remember, this role is all about building trust and rapport, so let your passion for helping others shine through.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle various situations related to outreach work. Think about scenarios involving rough sleepers or individuals with complex needs. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to ensure effective support and advocacy.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with multiple agencies and professionals. Be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built and how you’ve navigated challenges in multi-agency environments. Showing that you can work well with others will be key to your success.
