At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals at risk of homelessness with tailored, trauma-informed assistance.
- Company: Join a leading provider of care and housing services in Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided to help you grow and succeed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, understanding, and a full driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: £28,640 per year
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract, until 31st May 2027
What you'll be doing: As a Housing Support Specialist you'll work alongside a multi-agency 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 for people who have experienced homelessness 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: You'll be joining one of the largest providers of care, support and housing services in Sussex, which we're proud to say we've been doing for over 50 years! In exchange, we can offer some great benefits, including:
- 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 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 required for this role along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle 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 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. 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 Slough employer: Southdown
Southdown is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to the community, employees benefit from generous perks such as health cost cash-back schemes, interest-free loans, and extensive training opportunities, all while working in the picturesque location of Lewes. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, while enjoying a fulfilling career in the social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Specialist in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Southdown, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Specialist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Southdown. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Southdown. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Southdown.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Housing Support Specialist role at Southdown, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Southdown that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
