At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness to find accommodation and improve their lives.
- Company: Join a leading provider of housing support services in Sussex with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Receive comprehensive training and support in a dynamic, rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in housing support.
- Qualifications: Empathy, understanding, and a full driving licence are essential; experience is a plus but not required.
The predicted salary is between 27942 - 27942 £ per year.
Location: East Sussex - St-Leonards-On-Sea
Compensation: £28,640 / year
Application Deadline: 20 August 2026
Department: Housing Support
Location: East Sussex - St-Leonards-On-Sea
Compensation: £28,640 / year
Description
Location: office base in Hastings
Salary: £28,640 per year, 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 Hastings, 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.
- 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.
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Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker) in St Leonards employer: Southdown
Southdown is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant community of Worthing, our Service Manager role provides opportunities for meaningful engagement, ongoing training, and access to a range of benefits including health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker) in St Leonards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing support sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to housing support and rough sleeping. Practice your responses, focusing on your empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your motivation for wanting to help end rough sleeping. Your genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Specialist (Outreach and Move On Worker) in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role of a Housing Support Specialist and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:In your application, let us know why you're passionate about ending homelessness. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to support those in need. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. We want to see how you can specifically contribute to our Outreach and Move On teams.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently!
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 the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the support services available. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for making a difference.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with people on a personal level. Share examples from your past experiences where you've provided support or shown understanding towards individuals facing tough situations. This is crucial in a role that requires a personalised care approach.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to homelessness and mental health. Prepare some scenarios in advance, thinking about how you would provide trauma-informed support. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the types of cases you might encounter. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
