At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rough sleepers with tailored plans to secure accommodation and rebuild their lives.
- Company: A high-performing local authority dedicated to preventing homelessness.
- Benefits: 24 days annual leave, hybrid working, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team where no two days are the same!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while growing professionally.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting vulnerable customers and knowledge of housing legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re committed to preventing homelessness and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. The Housing Options and Solutions team plays a vital frontline role, delivering targeted outreach, practical support, and life-changing interventions to rough sleepers across the District. As a Housing Outreach Support Worker, you’ll work directly with rough sleepers, providing person-centred support to help them secure suitable accommodation, address complex needs, and move towards stability and independence. Your work will have a direct and lasting impact; building trust, preventing repeat homelessness, and helping individuals take meaningful steps forward.
This is a rewarding and varied opportunity for an experienced and compassionate support professional. Based between Vine Court Road and the Council Offices in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, you’ll be part of a dedicated team focused on proactive outreach and sustainable housing solutions. You’ll work flexibly, including early mornings, daytime and late-night outreach sessions, engaging with rough sleepers where they are and supporting them through every stage of their journey off the streets.
What you’ll be doing:
- Identifying and engaging with rough sleepers through regular outreach sessions across the District.
- Building trusting relationships and identifying individual support needs, including mental health, substance misuse and other complex vulnerabilities.
- Developing and implementing tailored support plans in consultation with customers to address identified needs.
- Supporting customers to engage with health, social care, benefits, advocacy and other specialist services.
- Acting as a key point of contact for partner agencies and coordinating multi-agency interventions.
- Carrying out risk assessments and updating them as circumstances change.
- Supporting individuals into accommodation and providing clear guidance on tenancy responsibilities, sustainment and housing rights.
- Maintaining accurate case records using the Council’s housing case management systems.
- Assisting in emergency housing situations and contributing to wider homelessness initiatives and service improvements.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- At least two years’ experience supporting vulnerable customers in a comparable housing or support setting.
- Experience of working directly with rough sleepers and developing robust, outcome-focused support plans.
- Knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Housing Act 1996.
- Understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and professional boundaries.
- Excellent communication skills, with empathy and compassion in sensitive situations.
- Experience working collaboratively with statutory, voluntary and community partners.
- A proactive, flexible and resilient approach to outreach-based work.
- A housing, homelessness or support-related qualification (or equivalent) and local government experience would be desirable.
Why work with us?
We’re proud to be a high-performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people-first service. You’ll be joining a team that is committed to tackling rough sleeping through partnership, creativity and determination. We invest in our staff and encourage initiative, learning and continuous development. You’ll be supported to grow professionally while making a real difference in the community every single day.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking team delivering services that matter. No two days are the same, and the positive impact you’ll make will be immediate and visible. Our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing. Other benefits include:
- Enhanced annual leave of 24 days (excluding bank holidays)
- Additional leave after 5 years of service
- Hybrid working (where service needs allow)
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Opportunities to join in with social activities
- Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more
- Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
- Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service
Want to find out more? For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Stephen Tring Housing Options and Solutions Manager on +441732227184 or stephen.tring@sevenoaks.gov.uk, or Adele Copper Housing Options and Support Team Leader on +441732227111 or adele.copper@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
Interview dates: 20th, 21st and 22nd April 2026.
Housing Outreach Support Worker in Sevenoaks employer: Sevenoaks District Council
Sevenoaks District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive team environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on employee growth through training and development opportunities, along with generous benefits like enhanced annual leave and discounts, this role as a Benefits Assistant provides a rewarding career path in local government.
Contact Details:
Sevenoaks District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Outreach Support Worker in Sevenoaks
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and mission, especially around preventing homelessness. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your experiences with rough sleepers and how you've built trust in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Outreach Support Worker in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with vulnerable customers and rough sleepers. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Your Compassion:This role is all about empathy and support. Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by rough sleepers and how you can make a difference in their lives. We love seeing genuine passion for helping others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Housing Outreach Support Worker position.
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 for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sevenoaks District Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, especially the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Housing Act 1996. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges faced by rough sleepers.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about empathy and support. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trusting relationships with vulnerable individuals. Highlight how you’ve tailored support plans to meet their unique needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Expect situational questions that may involve risk assessments or emergency housing situations. Think through how you would handle these scenarios in advance, demonstrating your proactive and resilient approach to outreach work. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can think on their feet.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various partners in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve coordinated multi-agency interventions or contributed to service improvements, showing that you’re a team player who values partnership.
