At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in housing, helping them build independent lives and manage their accommodation.
- Company: Nacro, a champion for education, housing, and social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating lasting change and supporting those in need.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in support or housing roles, especially with vulnerable adults.
The predicted salary is between 27807 - 27807 £ per year.
About the Company
We are Nacro, we believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side. That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change. We see your future, whatever the past.
About the Role
This role is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) programme, directly commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and operating nationwide across England and Wales. The service provides accommodation and support for low/medium-risk people eligible for home detention curfew or bail, helping to keep people out of prison (when living in the community on licence is an option) and to support prison leavers to re-establish (crime-free) independent lives.
Responsibilities
- Support Service Users: Assess individual support needs, create person-centred support and safety plans, and assist with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments to support independence and tenancy sustainment.
- Property Management: Ensure all properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, promptly address maintenance issues, and provide guidance to service users on maintaining safe and appropriate living conditions.
- Collaboration: Work closely with probation services, court staff, housing providers, and other agencies to deliver coordinated support and achieve the best outcomes for service users.
- Tenancy & Independence Support: Help service users develop practical life skills, manage their accommodation, and prepare for successful move-on into independent living.
- Risk & Safeguarding: Identify and manage anti-social behaviour, safeguarding concerns, and tenancy risks, ensuring all actions are recorded and handled in line with policy.
- Record Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate, timely case records and support service delivery in line with contractual and organisational requirements.
Qualifications
- Experienced in a support or housing-related role
- Experience working with vulnerable adults and individuals with complex needs
Required Skills
- Strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills
- Ability to build positive professional relationships and motivate others
- Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
- Knowledge of housing support, tenancy sustainment, and welfare benefits
- Ability to work independently and within a multi-agency team
- Resilient, with the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance
- Creative problem-solver who can overcome challenges
- Emotionally intelligent and responsive to individual needs
- Strong team player who collaborates effectively
Preferred Skills
- Strong interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
- Ability to work professionally whilst balancing service user needs and Nacro’s wider mission.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Competent ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) – internal systems training provided.
Pay range and compensation package
Salary: £27,807 Per Annum (Base salary £26,807 + £1,000 Unsociable Hours) This role offers a starting salary within Nacro’s pay structure of £26,807 Pro rota Entry with expected progression to £27,477 Pro rota Established within the first year, subject to meeting clear criteria and performance standards, with further pay progression available in the future. Nacro’s pay framework provides transparent progression points and supports ongoing professional development and career growth.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Nacro is fair and inclusive employer. At Nacro, we believe in the power of a diverse and inclusive team. We are a Ban the Box employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with criminal records. Convictions are not discussed at application stage and will only be considered later if relevant to the role, assessed fairly, proportionately and confidentially.
Housing Support Worker - in Chelmsford employer: Nacro
Nacro is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, our transparent pay structure allows for clear progression opportunities, while our commitment to diversity ensures that all voices are valued. Working as a Housing Support Worker in this meaningful role not only contributes to the community but also offers a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals across England and Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Worker - in Chelmsford
✨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 Nacro.
✨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 Nacro!
✨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 Nacro, 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 Nacro 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 Support Worker - in Chelmsford
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 Nacro:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nacro! 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 Nacro
✨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.
