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- Tasks: Support individuals in finding housing and provide outreach services.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in East Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car user allowance, and additional shift allowances.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support or outreach work is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27942 - 27942 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 6 May 2026
Department: Housing Support
Location: East Sussex – Hailsham
Compensation: £28,640 / year
Description
Location: Hailsham
Salary: £28,640 per year, plus £1,000 essential car user allowance, plus £820 Rough Sleepers Allowance, plus Unsociable Hours shift allowance.
Hours: 37 per week. The working pattern includes two early morning shifts, starting at 5.00 am (Summer) or 6.00 am (Winter) Monday – Friday. Other working days are 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday – Friday.
What you’ll be doing
Are you passionate about ending the cycle of rough sleeping for people who are experiencing homelessness? Are you interested in a career in housing support, mental health recovery and wellbeing development? Southdown’s Outreach and Move On teams support those who are rough sleeping to move away from homelessness by accessing accommodation options.
As a Housing Support Specialist you’ll work alongside a multiagency team, supporting people who have experienced the trauma of homelessness, to make positive and lasting changes in their lives. You’ll provide early morning street outreach to people sleeping rough in Hailsham, combined with move on / tenancy support as your clients take steps away from homelessness and into accommodation.
You’ll provide flexible, trauma‑informed support, focusing on ending rough sleeping by identifying the support each person needs. This may include support with substance dependency, mental and physical health needs, domestic abuse, current or historical offending.
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.
- Rough Sleepers Allowance – £820 per year.
- Essential car user allowance – £1,000 per year.
- Unsociable hours allowance – an extra £4.51 per shift.
Skills, knowledge and experience
What you need for the role
- Available to work unsociable hours (2 early morning shifts per week starting at 5 am or 6 am)
- A personalised care approach, with empathy and understanding
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
- A full driving Licence is essential along with access to your own car or a car insured for you
What would be nice
- Knowledge of complex and diverse support needs relating to homelessness, mental health and substance misuse
- Awareness of the causes of rough sleeping and the barriers preventing people who are rough sleeping from engaging in services
- Experience working in a supported housing or homelessness setting
- Experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs
Training
Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, 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 5 May and interviews will be held on 13 May.
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.
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Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker) employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing support field, especially those who work in outreach roles. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips on landing that perfect position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for housing support roles. We recommend practising your answers with a friend or even in front of the mirror. Confidence is key, and knowing your stuff will help you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to supporting individuals in need. This role is all about making a difference, so let that enthusiasm come through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Housing Support Specialist role. We want to see how you can make a difference in outreach and support for those in need.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're passionate about supporting individuals in housing crises. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this position, as it really helps us understand your commitment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for our team.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Housing Support Specialist inside out. Familiarise yourself with outreach strategies and the specific challenges faced by rough sleepers in East Sussex. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
In this role, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in difficult situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with clients and provide the support they need.
✨Be Ready for Early Mornings
Since the job involves early shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you manage your time. You might want to mention any previous experience with early starts or how you plan to adjust your routine to meet the demands of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of cases you'll handle, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.