Peer Advocate Worker
Wandsworth, London – £17,968 for part-time work, 22.5 hours per week
ABOUT US
We are SPEAR, a charity working tirelessly to end homelessness across South West London and beyond. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring, and we work every day to make that a reality. Our services include street outreach, assessment hubs, supported accommodation, and tenancy support, helping people move off the streets and into safe, secure housing. We take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, building trust and supporting people to achieve long-term stability and independence. You will be part of a passionate, skilled team dedicated to ending homelessness. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.
ABOUT YOU
As a Peer Advocate Worker, you'll be the driving force connecting rough sleepers and homeless clients across the borough to vital primary care, mental health, and substance misuse services — often for the first time.
You’ll build strong relationships with supported housing and homelessness providers, generate referrals, and act as the go-to point of contact for case management across the service. You’ll carry out sensitive, high-quality casework and assessments for clients with complex needs, and work hand-in-hand with local authorities and health and housing services to break down the barriers that keep people from getting care.
This role is about more than referrals — it's about persistence, trust-building, and making sure no one falls through the gaps.
You’ll need excellent communication and organisational skills, a knack for building relationships with clients and stakeholders alike, and a genuine drive to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
THE ROLE
This role promotes the Homeless Health Link Programme across the borough, building relationships with supported housing and homelessness service providers to generate referrals, and managing case communication and liaison with all engaged providers. You’ll deliver high-quality engagement with homeless clients, including rough sleepers, connecting them into primary care, mental health, and substance misuse services. The role involves carrying out thorough casework and assessments for individuals with complex needs, including challenging mental and physical health conditions. Our health link service supports rough sleepers to access the health and social care services they often struggle to reach, addressing both their mental and physical health needs.
YOUR BENEFITS
- Generous holiday – 26 days (pro rata) plus public holidays, rising to 31 days with length of service
- Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money and legal advice
- Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required)
- Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice
- Season ticket loan – Interest‑free loan for annual travel passes
- Moving house day – Extra day’s leave when you move home
- Financial security – Life assurance (4x salary) and interest‑free emergency staff loan
- Family‑friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options
- Career development – Ongoing training, learning and progression opportunities
- Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants and services
Peer Advocate Worker employer: Homeless Link
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer ongoing professional development opportunities and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
