At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals at risk of homelessness and help them find stable accommodation.
- Company: Join Porchlight, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable people thrive.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Full training provided; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
Within this role you will work as part of a team with the aim to support people who are at risk of homelessness. You’ll help to provide support to people who could be experiencing a range of issues, including mental health, substance misuse and domestic abuse. This role will include working with clients in supported accommodation and those experiencing unstable housing in the community. You will support them over an agreed period to find suitable and sustainable accommodation and provide ongoing support to help them manage their future accommodation/tenancy.
The role requires:
- Excellent communication and people skills
- Experience of working with people living in Porchlight Supported accommodation and in community settings; however, candidates without this experience/knowledge will still be considered as full training and ongoing support will be provided
- An understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerably housed people
- Experience of helping vulnerable and complex people and supporting them through a process of change
- A sound understanding of the support needs of people who are experiencing homelessness or with low incomes, including rent payments/arrears
- A commitment to supporting people by helping them to build on their strengths
- Driver with own transport
Working pattern: 37.5 per week (on a rota working 7-days a week with mainly 8-4 shifts, but some 12.30 - 8.30 shifts)
Location type: On-site
Contract type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2027 (with the potential to be extended - subject to funding)
Interview date: 15th September 2026
The contract for this role runs until 31st March 2027. We hope to extend the contract if new funding is obtained, but this isn't guaranteed at the time of writing this job advert.
Please note, salaries are pro-rata for part-time positions. Our application form and interview process have been designed to assess your transferable skills rather than direct experience. This helps remove barriers for people who may have the right values, abilities, and potential but may not have formal experience in the role they’re applying for. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
Please have a look at the application guidance and job description at the bottom of the page to give you the best chance of being shortlisted. For further information about the role, or to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager, please contact Charlotte Datlen on 07525 990246 or email charlottedatlen@porchlight.org.uk.
For any further information regarding the application process please contact hr@porchlight.org.uk.
The charity Porchlight is a charity supporting people who are homeless, vulnerable, and isolated. At Porchlight, we are passionate about helping vulnerable people to reach their full potential. We strive for a fairer society where vulnerable people find stability, the most excluded are included, and where homelessness and poverty are things of the past. Porchlight is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
The benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlements
- Generous pension scheme
- Occupational sick pay
- Occupational maternity and support pay
- Employee assistance programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to mental health first aiders
- Sponsorship for professional qualifications
- Staff loans
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Life assurance
Housing And Recovery Worker in Canterbury employer: Porchlight
Porchlight is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the organisation offers generous benefits such as annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to mental health first aiders, ensuring that staff feel valued and cared for. Located in Kent & Medway, the Mental Health Together Navigator role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from professional growth and development within a collaborative team of passionate individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing And Recovery Worker in Canterbury
✨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 Porchlight.
✨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 Porchlight!
✨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 Porchlight, 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 Porchlight 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 And Recovery Worker in Canterbury
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 Porchlight:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Porchlight! 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 Porchlight
✨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.
