Outreach Worker

Outreach Worker

St Petrocs is recruiting an Outreach Worker for its Outreach Department in Truro, Cornwall.

Application Deadline: 15 December 2025

Location: Truro

Compensation: £29,352 / year

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Administrative

Industries: Non-profit Organizations

Description: As an Outreach Worker, you will find, engage, and build positive relationships with rough sleepers, sofa‑surfers, and those at risk of becoming homeless across Cornwall. You will ensure their basic needs are met (providing bedding, clothing and food parcels) while working with them towards finding accommodation solutions. This might include finding emergency accommodation and longer‑term housing solutions, as well as enabling access to healthcare, support for mental health, and access to services to recover from dependencies on alcohol or drugs. As part of the wider Resettlement team, you will be expected to provide cover at any of our Resource Centres – currently the Truro Resource Centre and the Breadline Centre in Penzance. The Outreach team is small, and each Outreach Worker has a significant “patch” of the county they are responsible for. Given the rural nature of the area and distances covered, access to a vehicle will be essential. Outreach can be a 7‑day service, and you will be required to work regular weekends (approx. 1 in 3) as well as occasional evening work as directed by the Non‑Residential Service Manager. This will include providing support to St Petrocs’ emergency “Winter Service” during the colder months. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 19th December 2025. Many of our staff work flexibly, including part‑time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Responsibilities

• Make contact and engage regularly with people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless across Cornwall.
• Work with clients to identify their support needs, and prepare comprehensive risk management and support plans.
• Keep case notes and maintain accurate client records.
• Liaise with partner and specialist agencies to enable clients to access their services (e.g. housing, benefits agencies, drug and alcohol, health, welfare rights and legal services).
• Liaise with ‘Health for Homeless’, primary and secondary health care services (including mental health services) to ensure clients receive timely and appropriate care to meet their needs.
• Maintain an effective referral process to all forms of accommodation for homeless clients.
• Negotiate access to appropriate accommodation, and ensure that ongoing client support is available.
• Work in other areas of the service as required.
• Attend events as a positive ambassador for St Petrocs, promoting and raising awareness of its services and inspiring existing and potential supporters.
• Carry out any other duties as reasonably requested.

Qualifications

Previous experience of working with vulnerable adults, along with a knowledge and appreciation of the many complex issues surrounding homelessness, is required. Importantly, we’re looking for someone who passionately believes in our mission of ending homelessness. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, and you must ensure you have appropriate business insurance, as you will frequently need to transport clients to their appointments. A successful Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.

Essential Criteria

• Commitment to our services and the people we serve
• Excellent time management skills
• Able to follow processes and maintain high standards
• Comfortable working independently
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Able to manage conflict and challenging behaviour
• Able to relate to and motivate disadvantaged individuals
• Energetic, creative and driven, with a proactive and positive approach

What it\’s like working with us

Family

• 33 days annual leave a year, including bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity, partner, shared parental and adoption pay
• Paid time off for neonatal care
• Paid time off for IVF treatment

Financial

• Competitive pension scheme
• Long‑service awards
• Non‑contributory life insurance (up to 3 x basic salary)
• Paid professional subscriptions (where relevant to role)

Wellbeing

• Enhanced sick pay scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) including access to counselling services
• Free eye tests and free vaccinations