At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rough sleepers through outreach and connect them with vital services.
- Company: Join Spelthorne's Community Wellbeing team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, pension scheme, and at least 23 days paid leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious plan to end homelessness in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36555 - 38866 £ per year.
12-month Fixed term
Salary £36,555 - £38,866 pa plus Essential user car allowance
36 hours per week
It’s an exciting time to join the Community Wellbeing team within Spelthorne with new supported accommodation to help with move on accommodation and an ambitious plan to purchase more properties. We aim to end the use of bed and breakfast accommodation, promote independence and wellbeing and maximise the use of the private rented sector for homelessness prevention and relief as well as keep rough sleeping as close to zero as possible.
As a Support Officer, you will undertake an assertive outreach service to rough sleepers both inside and outside of standard office hours, if required. You will ensure that contact is made and sustained with rough sleepers in Spelthorne, appropriate assessments and referrals are undertaken and that all clients are engaged with services in order to receive support towards ensuring they move from the streets, and into accommodation or reconnection services.
You must be able to network and build strong relationships with partner agencies, community and faith-based groups. Whilst you don’t need to have direct experience of providing an outreach service to street homeless people, you must have experience of working in a customer-facing role with a complex and diverse client group. Much of your work will be around communication, and so you must be able to communicate effectively. You must be self-motivated, flexible and responsive to the needs of the clients in your caseload.
This is an exciting opportunity to make your mark in Spelthorne, and in doing so, support some of the most vulnerable residents in our community. This post is identified as a hybrid post supporting both office and home working in line with Spelthorne Borough Council’s policy. The post holder will be required to attend the office in line with a rota and any service requirements. Flexible, and hybrid working subject to regular review. Postholder must be able to visit clients where they may be living or bedding down.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for customer facing posts. These posts fall within the scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector workers. The Council, therefore, has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please contact Human Resources. Please note as part of the employment checks this post will be subject to a Basic Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Please note that as part of the employment checks, this post has an essential car user allowance attached to it. A valid driving licence, and access to a vehicle insured for business use will be required.
Spelthorne Borough Council use the Microsoft Authenticator app as a secure way of accessing our network. Successful candidates will be required to use their own mobile device to download and use Authenticator. In return, we can offer excellent conditions of service with a benefits’ package that includes flexible working hours, pension scheme and at least 23 days’ paid leave per year (pro rata for part time).
Closing date: 4 September 2026 (5pm)
Interview date: 11 September 2026 - Interviews will be held in person at the Council Offices.
To apply please use the ‘apply online’ button below. CVs can only be accepted in support of a completed application form. Unfortunately, we are unable to reply to all candidates. If we have not contacted you within 3 weeks of the closing date then your application has been unsuccessful. All shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email after the closing date.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Spelthorne Borough Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027.
Working towards equal opportunities
Strictly No Agencies
Support Officer (Rough Sleeping) in Surrey employer: Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies
Spelthorne Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment where dedicated professionals can thrive. As a Principal Planning and Infrastructure Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the borough's future while enjoying benefits such as flexible working hours, a pension scheme, and at least 23 days of paid leave per year. Join a passionate team committed to sustainable growth and community wellbeing in a dynamic role that fosters collaboration and professional development.
Contact Details:
Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Officer (Rough Sleeping) in Surrey
✨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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Officer (Rough Sleeping) in Surrey
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 Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
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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 Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies. 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 Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies
✨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 Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies.
✨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 Support Officer (Rough Sleeping) role at Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies, 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 Spelthorne Borough Council Job Vacancies that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
