At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support caseworkers while providing advocacy for vulnerable women facing multiple disadvantages.
- Company: A dedicated organisation focused on supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a supportive team and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on trauma-informed care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of women experiencing complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in casework and a passion for supporting vulnerable communities.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Team: Casework
Location: Argon House, 2 Argon Mews, London SW6 1BJ, at our partner sites and from home
Duration: Permanent
Reporting to: Head of Casework
Responsible for: Caseworkers based across our partner Day Centres plus some budget allocation for MD casework expenses
Hours of work: 40 (5 days per week including lunch break)
Occupational Requirement
Due to the nature of this role, which includes leading and providing direct support within our Women’s Night Shelter, this post is open to women only under the occupational requirement provisions of Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The post holder will work closely with vulnerable women who have experienced multiple disadvantages, including domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. We consider that being a woman is a proportionate occupational requirement for this role in order to maintain the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the women using the service and to deliver effective trauma-informed support. Please note the successful candidate will also work alongside colleagues and provide support to guests, of all genders, as part of their wider duties.
Overview of the role
The Senior Caseworker – MD Lead plays a dual role in delivering high-quality casework services while providing specialist support and guidance to colleagues working with guests experiencing multiple disadvantages. The role provides advice, advocacy and casework support to a caseload of guests across our homelessness and vulnerable housing services, with a particular focus on those presenting with long-term, complex and multiple needs. The postholder will share their knowledge, skills and experience to support colleagues, strengthen their understanding of complex needs, and develop their confidence and ability to work effectively with guests. The role will also contribute to a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring guests receive coordinated, person-centred support.
Internal relationships
All staff, volunteers and guests
External relationships
External service providers and partner organisations
Areas of responsibility
- Providing an advice and advocacy service to a caseload of guests from across all our services for the homeless and vulnerably housed who present with long-term and complex needs, caseworking a smaller and more consistent caseload than other members of the team but working with them more intensively.
- Employing creative thinking and practices to ensure that guests are supported and motivated to achieve their goals, primarily to access and maintain accommodation and develop durable support networks.
- Attending appointments with guests as needed and carrying out home visits.
- Working with Caseworker colleagues to strengthen their understanding of complex needs, developing their confidence and ability to work effectively with guests.
- Creating best practice guidelines to ensure consistency and accessible support.
- Working with colleagues to ensure acceptable workloads are maintained.
- Providing advice, advocacy and support to Emergency Night Shelter Guests; visiting Emergency Night Shelters in the evening as required.
Internal liaison
- Building and maintaining working relationships with Caseworker colleagues.
- Liaising with the Fundraising & Comms team to develop meaningful case studies to assist with fundraising campaigns.
- Working with the Operations team to ensure the Emergency Night Shelters are successful and building relationships with Night Shelter staff to encourage communication and team building.
External liaison
- Referring guests to accommodation providers, health services and other relevant support services, as necessary, and actively facilitating their ongoing engagement with these.
- Maintaining good communication with the Managers of our partnered Drop-in Centres, Glass Door colleagues and local statutory and non-statutory services.
- Attending meetings with the casework team, external service providers and partner organisations when required, engagement with Reflective Practice sessions.
- Liaising with volunteers at both Night Shelters.
Senior Caseworker - Multiple Disadvantage Lead in London employer: Homeless Link
The Housing Network is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and a mission-driven culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents facing complex needs. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative atmosphere that values safeguarding and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Caseworker - Multiple Disadvantage Lead in London
✨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 Homeless Link.
✨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 Homeless Link!
✨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 Homeless Link, 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 Homeless Link 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 Senior Caseworker - Multiple Disadvantage Lead in London
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 Homeless Link:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Homeless Link! 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 Homeless Link
✨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.
