At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals at risk of homelessness, providing tailored, trauma-informed assistance.
- Company: Join a leading care and housing provider in Sussex with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided to help you grow your career in social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Empathy, a full UK driving licence, and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Salary: £28,640 per year
Hours: 22 hours per week
What you’ll be doing:
As a Housing Support Specialist you’ll work alongside a multiagency team, supporting people who have experienced trauma and are at risk of homelessness or have experienced homelessness, to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. You’ll provide flexible, trauma-informed support, focusing on identifying the support each person needs.
The Housing Support Specialist provides in-person, short-term tenancy support for people at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. You will hold a client caseload and provide flexible, trauma-informed housing support through one-to-one support sessions and life skills interventions. Full induction and training provided for all successful candidates.
We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Support Worker, Outreach Worker, Community Specialist, Case Manager, Social Worker, Housing Support Worker, Social Care Prescriber, Community Health Worker, Community Outreach Coordinator or Care Coordinator. However, this is not essential and we will provide a full induction and training programme for all successful candidates.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
- Travel expenses in work will be paid.
Skills, knowledge and experience:
What you need for the role:
- A full manual UK driving licence is essential (Own Vehicle)
- A personalised care approach, with empathy and understanding
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
What would be nice:
- Knowledge of complex and diverse support needs relating to homelessness, mental health and substance misuse
- Awareness of the causes of homelessness and the barriers preventing people who are homeless from engaging in services
- Experience working in a supported housing or homelessness setting
- Experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs
Training:
You’ll receive a comprehensive induction followed up with regular training from our award-winning in-house team. We’ll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is 22nd October 2026 and interviews will be held on 3rd November 2026. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Housing Support Specialist in Chichester employer: Southdown Careers
Southdown is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Lewes, where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With a strong focus on employee growth, our award-winning in-house training team provides opportunities for professional development, while our comprehensive benefits package, including health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans, ensures that your well-being is prioritised. Join us and be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives to create a positive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Specialist in Chichester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Southdown Careers, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Southdown Careers. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Southdown Careers's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Specialist in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Southdown Careers. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Southdown Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Careers
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Southdown Careers.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Housing Support Specialist at Southdown Careers.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Southdown Careers that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Housing Support Specialist role.
