At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in regaining independence and confidence through personalised plans.
- Company: Join Southwark's dedicated Reablement Service making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with 36 hours per week, competitive pay, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to achieve their goals and build a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Passion for frontline support and experience in housing or community services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Could you help someone rediscover their independence and take the next step towards a more confident future? Do you believe that great support is not about doing things for people, but about helping people recognise their own strengths, rebuild confidence and achieve goals they may once have thought were out of reach? If yes, we have a great opportunity for you!
Southwark’s Reablement Service is looking for a passionate and dedicated Reablement Officer to join our team and support residents to achieve greater independence. This is an opportunity to work directly with people at important moments in their lives — helping them regain skills, overcome barriers and develop the confidence needed to live as independently as possible. Our service is built around prevention, early intervention and strengths-based practice. We support residents following periods of illness, crisis, housing instability or significant life changes, working alongside them to develop personalised plans that reflect their individual goals, abilities and aspirations.
Within Housing Needs and Support, you will be part of a service committed to improving outcomes for residents through prevention, tenancy sustainment and effective move-on support. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across housing, health and community services to ensure residents receive the right support at the right time. At Southwark, we believe in treating people with dignity and respect, recognising individual strengths and creating opportunities for residents to achieve their potential. You will be joining a service where your work has a direct impact on helping people build confidence, strengthen their independence and create more secure futures. You will also become part of a supportive and forward-thinking team that values collaboration, professional curiosity and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide practical, person-centred support to residents in their homes and within the wider community.
- Work alongside residents to understand their circumstances, strengths and aspirations, creating personalised reablement plans that support independence.
- Help residents develop confidence, practical life skills and the ability to maintain independent living.
- Support residents moving on from supported accommodation or experiencing challenges that place their tenancy at risk.
- Provide proactive, community-based support that helps prevent repeat homelessness and reduces the need for longer-term intervention.
- Manage a caseload of residents with a range of needs, ensuring support is coordinated, reviewed and focused on achieving positive outcomes.
- Build effective partnerships with housing officers, landlords, housing associations, health professionals, voluntary organisations and community services.
- Connect residents with local resources, community networks and wider support that promotes long-term wellbeing and resilience.
- Maintain accurate records, monitor progress and contribute to improving service delivery through effective practice and partnership working.
You will be a visible and trusted presence within the community, building relationships with residents and helping them overcome barriers, recognise their strengths and achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them.
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who is passionate about frontline support and understands that successful reablement is about working with people rather than simply doing things for them.
- Builds positive, trusting relationships and engages effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Has experience supporting individuals with diverse needs, particularly within housing, social care, community support or related services.
- Understands strengths-based and person-centred approaches and can translate these into practical support.
- Is confident working independently, managing a caseload and responding effectively to changing priorities.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
- Takes a proactive and solution-focused approach, helping residents achieve sustainable outcomes.
- Values equality, inclusion and ensuring every resident is treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
You will enjoy working in the community, meeting people where they are and helping them take meaningful steps towards independence. This is an opportunity to join a service where your work genuinely matters. Every day, you will help residents build confidence, develop skills and move towards a more independent future.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact our Housing Needs inbox via email.
Additional Information
Working hours: 36 hours per week
Location: 25 Bournemouth Road, Peckham, London, SE15 4UJ
Type of contract: Permanent
Benefits And More Information
Recruitment Timeline
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Friday 14 August 2026
Shortlisting date/s: 17 - 19 August 2026
Interview date/s: Week commencing 7 September 2026
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Reablement Officer in London employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reablement Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Southwark Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Southwark Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Southwark Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Southwark Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Reablement Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Southwark Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southwark Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
