At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults overnight, ensuring safety and providing emotional support.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and health support services.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and impactful work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of helping individuals transition away from homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable adults and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29453 - 29453 £ per year.
Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Application Start Date: 13-08-2026
Application End Date: 06-09-2026
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Work Style: On-site
Category: Non-profit charitable organisations
Waking Night Support Worker Night Shelter Southampton
42 Hours per week, on a rota basis of 4 on and 4 off
Salary Point: 20 (£29,453 per annum for 42 hours per week)
About Us: This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.
The Impact You’ll Make: As a Waking Night Support Worker, you will be on the frontline of providing a safe, trauma-informed service for vulnerable adults in Southampton who are rough sleeping or at immediate risk of it. You will be the steady presence throughout the night, ensuring service users who have no other safe housing options feel welcomed and secure. Your role is vital to the smooth running of the shelter, from the initial intake at 20:30 through to the morning transition. Whether you are conducting security patrols, assisting with housing management, or simply offering emotional support and de-escalation, your work directly contributes to a safe environment where individuals can begin their journey away from the streets.
Who We’re Looking For: We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals who understand the complexities of homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse. You should be someone who remains calm under pressure and can handle challenging behaviour with a professional, trauma-informed approach. As this role involves a "4 on, 4 off" night shift pattern, you must be comfortable working independently during the night while maintaining strong communication with your wider team and the Operational Security Team. We value staff who take initiative, maintain clear professional boundaries, and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our service users.
Essential Qualities and Skills: To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
- Experience & Knowledge: A background in working with vulnerable adults and an understanding of safeguarding, protection protocols, and lone working procedures.
- Communication: The ability to listen and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, including providing clear handovers regarding risks.
- Crisis Management: Confidence in using your initiative to respond to emergencies and the ability to carry out risk assessments and management plans.
- Administrative & IT Literacy: Sufficient IT skills to use data management systems (INFORM), update online handovers, and complete incident reports by the end of your shift.
- Commitment to Safety: A proactive approach to health and safety, including a willingness to undertake training in administering naloxone and acting as a Fire Warden or First Aider.
- Practicality: Willingness to assist with site management, including setting out breakfast, managing laundry/linen, and ensuring communal areas remain clean.
What we can offer you: We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:
- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
- Flexible working options
- Buying additional annual leave
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Company cycle to work scheme
- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
- Electric Car Scheme
SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union.
Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Waking Night Support Worker in Southampton employer: Society of St James
The Society of St James (SSJ) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals across Hampshire. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, SSJ offers generous benefits such as flexible working options, comprehensive training, and support services, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and empowers you to grow while making a difference in the community.
