At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals facing homelessness and empower them towards independence.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity with over 50 years of impactful service in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex needs and knowledge of homelessness issues is essential.
The predicted salary is between 26305 - 26305 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.
Are you looking for a role that makes a real difference in people’s lives, that is both rewarding and fulfilling? The successful post holder will manage a caseload of vulnerable individuals for whom homelessness, a risk of homelessness or unsuitable housing is a real challenge. They may have issues relating to; substance misuse, mental ill health, (learning) disabilities or be in need of resettlement support. You will work as part of a team within Southampton as well as with partner agencies to motivate and support service users to: improve their daily living skills, retain and sustain their accommodation, engage with meaningful occupation or learning opportunities, and will promote empowerment and independence.
The successful candidate will have knowledge and/or experience of working with individuals with complex needs and have knowledge of homelessness and related issues. You will have good organisational skills and the ability to work on your own initiative. You will have good partnership working skills and IT skills.
Essentially a motivated individual who will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience/Knowledge of working with people with histories of homelessness, mental health problems and substance misuse.
- Experience of dealing with difficult and challenging behaviour.
- Understanding of the effects of alcohol and substance use on mental health.
- Understanding of equality and diversity, with respect to staff and service users.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and protection procedures and protocols for vulnerable adults.
We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping vulnerable people:
- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
- Flexible working options
- Buying additional annual leave
- Comprehensive induction and training
- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
- Company cycle to work scheme
- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
- Electric Car Scheme
SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.
At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union.
Application closing date: Friday 6th November 2026. Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Community Support Worker in Southampton employer: The Society of St James
The Society of St James (SSJ) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly in Hampshire. With over 50 years of experience, SSJ offers a supportive work culture that values its staff as its greatest assets, providing generous benefits such as flexible working options, comprehensive training, and well-being services. Joining SSJ means being part of a dynamic team committed to equal opportunities and making a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness and substance use challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Worker in Southampton
✨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 Society of St James.
✨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 Society of St James!
✨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 Society of St James, 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 Society of St James 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 Community Support Worker in Southampton
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 Society of St James:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Society of St James! 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 Society of St James
✨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.
