At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in accessing safe accommodation and building independence.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team committed to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people break cycles of crime and addiction.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and understanding of complex needs.
Are you an experienced, positive and solutions-focused individual with a passion for preventing homelessness, reducing reoffending and supporting people to create meaningful change? We are recruiting a Housing Interventions Worker to join the Camau Service, working full time (35 hours per week) across Bridgend Community and HMP Parc. You will support men involved with the Criminal Justice system to access safe, sustainable accommodation, develop independence and successfully move forward with their lives.
Delivered by Forward Trust in partnership with Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Camau Service provides specialist housing support across South Wales, helping individuals prepare for release and reintegrate into the community. Working alongside probation colleagues, housing providers and partner agencies, you will provide a high-quality, person-centred service that prevents homelessness and helps reduce reoffending.
What you will be doing:
- Delivering 1-2-1 housing advice and interventions for men on probation and those preparing for release from custody
- Completing housing assessments and creating personalised action plans
- Supporting individuals to access suitable accommodation and sustain tenancies
- Delivering housing workshops to increase awareness of housing rights and available support
- Helping service users build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to live independently
- Building effective relationships with landlords, housing providers, local authorities and community services
- Supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, unemployment, mental health challenges and substance use issues
- Working collaboratively with prison, probation and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes
What we are looking for:
- Knowledge of housing and welfare benefits systems
- Experience providing advice, guidance or support services
- Experience working with adults with complex needs
- Experience creating support plans to help individuals maintain accommodation
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, recovery needs or involvement with the Criminal Justice system
- A compassionate, empowering and solutions-focused approach
At Forward Trust, we believe everyone has the potential to change. We welcome applications from people with a range of backgrounds, including those with lived experience of recovery, addiction, offending or homelessness. You will be part of a supportive and progressive team where your skills and experience can help people break cycles, build independence and create positive futures. If you are ready to make a difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
All probation-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 6-8 weeks to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks. Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing of the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave
Housing Interventions Worker - Bridgend employer: The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful employment. Located in Medway and Gravesham, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and professional development opportunities. Join us to lead a passionate team, make a real difference in the community, and enjoy generous benefits including annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and wellbeing days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Interventions Worker - Bridgend
✨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 The Forward Trust.
✨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 The Forward Trust!
✨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 The Forward Trust, 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 The Forward Trust 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 Housing Interventions Worker - Bridgend
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 The Forward Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Forward Trust! 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 The Forward Trust
✨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.
