At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals with complex needs in their homes and communities.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive support services.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while helping those facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 27780 - 27780 £ 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.
We have a permanent vacancy for a motivated, driven, experienced Intensive Floating Support Worker (Outreach Worker), supporting people who have complex needs. Delivering trauma‑informed, wrap‑around, client‑led support in the community and in client’s own homes.
It is essential that you have experience of working with vulnerable people in the community or in a residential setting. Working as part of the team, you will manage a case‑load of clients and be committed to providing a holistic and intensive support package, a quality day‑to‑day service with a focus on promoting harm minimisation, crisis management, basic life skills and emotional support.
Essential qualities and skills
- ESSENTIAL – Car Driver and must hold a valid UK driving licence
- 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
- Blue Light Card
Application closing date: Friday 24th July 2026
SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Intensive Floating Support Worker The Society of St James 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 Intensive Floating Support Worker The Society of St James 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.
