2 x Independent Living Mentors

The Brick; Wigan; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday incl. bank holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

The Brick is seeking a dedicated support worker to help people experiencing homelessness within our accommodation projects in Wigan. You will support individuals with their immediate needs, help build independence and assist them to secure move-on to suitable housing.

This full-time role includes a 37.5-hour week over five days (rota including weekends), 30 days annual leave, and close collaboration with Wigan Council, health services and other partners.

Qualifications

• Ability to network and build enabling relationships across the Wigan Borough.
• Understand complex needs and facilitate support for vulnerable individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English; evidence outcomes using case management systems.
• Can-do attitude with willingness to handle varied workloads.
• Resilient and able to manage challenging behaviour.
• Empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Understanding homelessness and support needs including health and addiction concerns.
• Awareness of public health messages and safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in a positive way to develop personal skills and independence.
• Work as part of a team and liaise with Wigan Council and partners to achieve best interests.
• Identify future housing options and co-produce a support plan.
• Ensure health needs are understood and access healthcare.
• Promote attendance at groups and training; maintain privacy and dignity.
• Build knowledge of local community resources and maintain relationships with agencies.
• Attend meetings and case conferences; share information accurately and timely.
• Hold weekly support sessions and complete administrative tasks; raise safeguarding alerts.

Skills

Networking

Multi-agency work

Communication skills

Empathy

Understanding homelessness

Trauma-informed approach

Job description

Hours:37.5 hours per week over 5 days including weekends on a rota basis

Contract Length: Full Time / Permanent

Holidays: 30 days including bank holidays. (Rotas will include equitable bank holiday working).

Based At: Wigan WN3

Responsible To: Operations Manager

Accountable To: Queens Hall Action on Poverty

Closing Date: 9th November 2026

Interview Date: Friday 13th November 2026

Job Summary: The Brick is an ambitious charity with big aspirations for people in need within our community. We provide RELIEF, RESTORATION and REFORMATION by offering tailored support, hope, and opportunity to those looking to improve their quality of life. Our core work is in homelessness, and these projects include emergency and supported accommodation, street outreach and homelessness prevention programmes.

Job Purpose: The key role will be to support The Brick and individuals we support in our accommodation who are at risk of or have experienced street homelessness. Your role will be to support the individuals with their immediate needs, assist them to develop independence and to eventually secure a move on to appropriate medium- and long-term stable accommodation.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE: To support people in a positive way by focusing on their personal development. The aim is to equip people with the skills and confidence to progress into independent living. To work as part of a team, internally and externally with Wigan Council and other partners in order to achieve the best interests for each individual, liaising with other professional agencies. To identify future housing options and co-produce a support plan to achieve this. To ensure that individuals understand their health needs and can access relevant health care. To ensure that individuals are safe, inspired and engaged to reach any goals they have set for themselves. To understand that individuals may have experienced tough life experiences and trauma, and as a result may require a greater level of understanding, thoughtfulness and empathy. To work with people to identify their abilities. Promote and encourage the attendance of internal and external groups and training where appropriate. Ensure that privacy and dignity is always maintained. Develop knowledge of local community resources. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies including, but not limited to, housing agencies, social services, mental health team, tenancy support services and alcohol and drug services. Provide information requested by internal and external stakeholders accurately and on time. Attend promotions, external meetings and case conferences about the service. Liaise with other service providers, both statutory and non-statutory, to ensure that individuals can access and use all appropriate services to meet their needs. Hold weekly support sessions, and complete admin tasks as appropriate. Raising and following up on safeguarding alerts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Suitable candidate should have: Ability to network, build enabling relationships and work effectively in a multi-agency context across the Wigan Borough. Understand complex needs and how support can be facilitated to those most vulnerable. An ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (English) and to collate and evidence work/ outcomes using case management databases. A can-do attitude and willingness to undertake a varied workload. A resilient nature and the ability to handle challenging behaviour. Ability to show empathy with individuals while maintaining professional boundaries. An understanding of the needs and challenges of those experiencing homelessness, including those who have support needs including drug, alcohol and mental health needs. An awareness of key public health messages relating to contagious and spreadable disease. Experience of working with and supporting volunteers and staff with lived experience.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING The Brick is committed to delivering Wigan Council’s Progress with Unity approach and as such we are asking for applicants who are committed to delivering: Create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses Together, we will break down the barriers that create financial, health, education and environmental inequalities in our borough. Make all our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them Together, in genuine partnership with our residents and businesses, who know our communities best, we will help each town and neighbourhood in the borough to celebrate and maintain their identity whilst understanding and helping to achieve what is needed to thrive.

OTHERHealth and Safety In line with Health and Safety and Lone Working Policies, take reasonable care of personal health and safety and the health and safety of colleagues, mentors and service users and other persons who may be affected by acts and omissions. Reporting any incidents and Safeguarding concerns in a timely and effective manner following the Wigan tier report system.

Diversity Understand and implement The Brick’s Equality and Diversity Policy Queen’s Hall Action on Poverty are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all young people and adults, In line with our Safeguarding policies. We will carefully select, train and support all those with any responsibility within the Charity, in accordance with our rigorous recruitment and selection policies. The Brick is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of our workforce. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and support or staff from different backgrounds.