Senior Support Worker - STEP & Cherwell in Banbury

About You: Those who know you describe you as kind, understanding, and open-minded. You listen without judgement and treat everyone with dignity and respect. In the workplace, you are recognised as reliable, approachable, and professional. You communicate clearly, remain calm under pressure, and are confident managing competing priorities. You have a natural ability to encourage, empower, and motivate others to make positive changes, even in challenging circumstances. You are reflective and emotionally intelligent, with a strong desire to support individuals to achieve greater independence and wellbeing. Making a meaningful difference isn’t just important to you – it’s what drives you. You may already have an understanding of the complex challenges faced by people who are vulnerable or at risk of exclusion. This experience could come from previous employment, volunteering, training, or your own lived experience, and you are keen to use this knowledge to support others. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to join our dedicated and supportive team.

Main Purpose Of Job: We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team in a dual-role capacity, supporting two vital services run in partnership with Homeless Oxfordshire and Connection Support. The role covers both our Step Down provision – designed for individuals discharged from hospital under the Discharge to Assess model – and our service at Mawle Court, which provides temporary accommodation and support for people with complex needs, including those preparing for more independent living or in need of emergency provision. Working as part of a small, dynamic, and enthusiastic team, you will be responsible for delivering a safe and supportive environment across both services. You will lead on the case management of clients with complex needs, working collaboratively with partner agencies to develop and implement holistic, individualised support and move-on plans. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals, helping them on their journey towards stability and independence.

Main Areas Of Responsibility:

• To proactively and dynamically assess, monitor, manage and respond to risk for individuals and in the service.
• To assess risk and suitability of referrals to the service and book new clients in.
• Ensure the effective delivery of high-quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
• To work collaboratively with partner agencies to ensure the creation and delivery of holistic wrap around support and risk management plans for clients with complex needs as well as to ensure clients have access to appropriate healthcare as needed.
• To work collaboratively with clients to identify and work towards suitable move on.
• To work with other agencies to provide client centred support & risk management plans for clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.
• To work alongside the Client Engagement Co-Ordinator to ensure clients have access to opportunities to be empowered, build their confidence and develop independent living skills; to facilitate groups and activities as part of this.
• To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required clear, concise and up to date record keeping is maintained and ensure information is shared with the team and external agencies as required.
• To represent Homeless Oxfordshire at interagency meetings, as required.
• Manage challenging situations and report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.
• To be a supportive and effective part of the team, including contributing to the induction of new colleagues and work of the broader team.
• To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied with and promoted in carrying out duties of the post.
• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.
• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.

About Us: We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.