At a Glance
- Tasks: Help homeless individuals navigate services and improve their quality of life.
- Company: Join SPEAR, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in London for over 35 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, enhanced leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while prioritising your mental wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Understanding of homelessness issues and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Full-time role with occasional shifts; driving licence preferred but not essential.
We are SPEAR, a charity dedicated to helping homeless people across six London boroughs to find secure accommodation and work towards a positive future. For over 35 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to support homeless people to recover from their personal issues and break down the barriers that they face. We recognise that homelessness is much more than just a housing issue, so we provide a range of accommodation and support services to help people reach their full potential.
We are looking at one of the biggest cost of living crises in years. With so many struggling, more and more of us will be unable to pay for gas, electricity, food or rent and may be in danger of becoming homeless. We support those most in need with a range of accommodation and support services to ensure that no one feels they are going through this alone.
As a Navigator, you will work as part of SPEAR’s integrated services to provide a high quality, efficient and effective service to clients who experience long-term entrenched homelessness and who often find it difficult to access services. Working alongside the SPEAR outreach workers, you will identify clients and then work to build meaningful rapport and assist them to undertake an assessment process to allow people to gain access to the relevant services required to increase their quality of life and ultimately enter accommodation-based services and move away from rough sleeping and the accompanying vulnerability that this presents.
Focusing on the presenting issues such as substance misuse, physical or mental health, you will work to create and implement specific plans to address any identified need.
Duties will include:
- Providing a continued and consistent point of contact whilst assisting clients in navigating the various change pathways
- To provide an environment where the client feels that positive life change is both within reach and achievable
- Organising and providing appropriate support to people who are sleeping rough
- Effective liaison with other relevant agencies, professionals and stakeholders
In order to apply for this role, you will have:
- An understanding of the issues that can lead to entrenched, long-term rough sleeping and a commitment to working creatively to address the issues
- The ability to manage challenging behaviour in a positive manner
- The ability to work professionally with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent planning and recording skills
This is a full-time role, which will include occasional shifts to reflect the clients’ rough sleeping habits. A driving licence is preferred, but not essential.
SPEAR welcomes and encourages applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.
Rough Sleeper Navigator employer: SPEAR
Contact Detail:
SPEAR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rough Sleeper Navigator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by rough sleepers in London. Understanding the local context and the barriers they encounter will help you demonstrate your commitment and insight during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the homelessness sector. Attend local events or workshops related to homelessness and outreach services. This can provide you with valuable contacts and insights that may give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenging situations. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to build rapport, as these are crucial for a Rough Sleeper Navigator role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SPEAR’s mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, and how you can contribute to their goal of supporting vulnerable individuals in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Rough Sleeper Navigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Rough Sleeper Navigator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about tackling homelessness. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment and ability to manage challenging situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on any previous work or volunteer experience related to social services, outreach work, or support roles. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to work with diverse groups, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at SPEAR
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Rough Sleeper Navigator. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by homeless individuals and be prepared to discuss how your skills can help address these issues.
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
Demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable individuals. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy, as this role requires a compassionate approach to support those in need.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage difficult behaviour or navigate complex service pathways, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Research SPEAR and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with SPEAR's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work for them specifically and how your personal values align with their commitment to tackling homelessness.