At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals to sustain tenancies and live independently.
- Company: Response, a leading provider of mental health and housing services.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, understanding of homelessness, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 27560 - 30680 £ per year.
Our mission at Response is to enable people of all ages to live a more fulfilled life by providing excellent mental health services, housing, and supported living.
Salary: £27,560 - £30,680 per annum (Salaries vary depending on experience)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Department: Adult Service Delivery
Location: Oxfordshire – Hybrid working with regular visits to client accommodation
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Provide intensive support and housing management service to a caseload of 9 or 10 clients through proactive floating support.
- Ensure each client has a comprehensive support plan with achievable goals and outcomes, and a robust risk assessment, updated regularly with input from client and other professionals.
- Provide person-centred support and recognise that clients are experts by experience.
- Work with each successful referral to identify interventions that allow the client to move into accommodation, sustain their home, and plan for factors that might destabilise their tenancy.
- Support clients with benefit applications, affordability assessments and repayment plans.
- Conduct regular visits to accommodation and support clients with practical skills such as budgeting, cleaning, etc.
- Ensure clients engage with agencies addressing needs such as substance misuse, offending, accessing education, employment and training.
- Encourage clients to engage in meaningful activities.
- Ensure properties are safe and compliant with Health and Safety regulations.
- Inform internal and external stakeholders and partnership agencies about progress of each client.
- Provide a housing management service including dealing with rent arrears, managing anti-social behaviour, other breaches of tenancy agreement, serving notices and reporting and ordering any repairs.
- Be aware of early signs of abuse, potential safeguarding and ensure reporting procedures are followed when safeguarding is triggered.
- Provide regular reports on the progress of each case.
- Support client with understanding move-on options and create a realistic move-on plan including increasing living skills, preparing for and finding work, budgeting, substance misuse and more.
The Successful Applicant:
- GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent) and a commitment to undertake continual personal development.
- Solid understanding of homelessness and related issues.
- Ability to effectively engage with clients and provide non-judgmental support and advice.
- Good communication skills, written, verbal & listening.
- Safeguarding awareness.
- Understanding of complex trauma and personality disorder.
- Experience working with clients with history of homelessness, substance use, offending, challenging behaviour.
- Ability to act calmly in a professional manner whilst dealing with unpredictable and challenging behaviour.
- Ability to engage with and build appropriate working relationships.
What We Offer:
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Blue Light card and other discounted shopping
- Employee Assistance Plan – access to free counselling
- Cycle to Work Scheme (after probation)
- Enhanced family friendly leave
- Flexible and agile working opportunities (role dependent)
- Professional qualification sponsorship and study leave
- £500 refer a friend bonus scheme
- Optional health cash care plan with money off prescriptions and treatments
- Wellbeing hub and mental wellbeing support app – approved by NHS
- Free flu jabs
- Free DBS application
If this Homeless Support Worker position sounds like the role for you, please apply today! This vacancy may close early. Closing Date – 18/02/2026. All our roles require an enhanced DBS check, two references from most recent employers and you must have the right to work in the UK. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud of an inclusive culture.
Homeless Support Worker in Oxford employer: Response
Contact Detail:
Response Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Support Worker in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Response and their mission. Understanding their values and how they support vulnerable people will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the key skills mentioned in the job description, like communication and safeguarding awareness. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills, so you can share them confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The role of a Homeless Support Worker is all about building relationships with clients. Show your personality during the interview – let them see your passion for helping others and your ability to engage with people from all walks of life.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to joining our team at Response. Plus, you’ll be among the first 25 applicants considered!
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Support Worker in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Homeless Support Worker role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Response, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since good communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and effectively. We’re looking for someone who can engage with clients and stakeholders alike, so let your personality shine through!
Highlight Your Understanding of Homelessness: We want to know that you understand the complexities of homelessness and the challenges faced by those experiencing it. Share any relevant experiences or insights that show your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in their journey towards independence.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered among the first 25 applicants. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Response
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding homelessness and the support services available. Brush up on your knowledge about mental health, housing management, and the specific challenges faced by vulnerable clients. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to engage with clients in a non-judgmental way. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with individuals facing challenges. This is crucial for a Homeless Support Worker, so let your compassion shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face as a Homeless Support Worker. Think about how you would handle difficult behaviours or crises. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems in place, or the types of training offered. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.