Client Support Worker, Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank

Guardian Jobs; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank is seeking a compassionate Client Support Worker for a one-year pilot project aimed at preventing crisis among vulnerable individuals. The role involves providing personalized support, managing referrals, and collaborating with local agencies to foster long-term stability for clients.

Benefits

33 days of annual leave

Pension scheme

Opportunities for professional growth

Competitive benefits

Qualifications

• Experience working with disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and build trust.
• Experience in a team environment, preferably in the voluntary sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to clients and manage referrals.
• Deliver practical help to prevent crisis and support stability.
• Contribute to data and research for project improvement.

Skills

Communication

Trust Building

Organizational Skills

Tools

AdvicePro

Job description

Client Support Worker

Location: W12 7DA
Department: Customer Services
Salary: £30,000 (Up to)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank is looking for a compassionate and proactive Client Support Worker to support our Tackling Destitution Together project, in partnership with Citizens Advice H&F.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new, one-year pilot focused on addressing the factors which prevent effective early intervention in the borough and lead to high numbers of disabled people reaching crisis and destitution.

You will work directly with individuals referred by local agencies, taking time to understand their situation, identify root causes, and build personalised plans that connect them to the right support. This role involves ‘handholding’ – a flexible and responsive approach that adapts to each person’s needs to help them move towards long-term stability and independence.

You’ll be part of a small, committed project team aiming to strengthen early intervention in the borough. Your role will include working closely with referring partners, signposting to services, and contributing to data and research to help us understand what works and why.

Your experience will show a strong ability to build trust, navigate complex systems, and work in partnership with other organisations. You’ll be a clear communicator, well-organised, and motivated by making a meaningful difference in people’s lives before crisis hits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-to-one support to clients, carrying out assessments and continued casework support, connecting clients to the right services.
• Deliver practical, personalised help to prevent crisis and support long-term stability.
• Manage referrals, record casework, and track outcomes using AdvicePro.
• Build strong links with referral partners and support the wider project team.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and contribute to a safe, effective service.

What You’ll Bring:

• A good understanding of the issues and the systems affecting those at risk of poverty. We do not expect advice-level experience, and this is not an adviser role.
• Experience of working on a 121 basis with disadvantaged, vulnerable or excluded people and have knowledge of local/national advice.
• Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders, preferably within the voluntary sector, including having worked within a team of staff and volunteers.

What We’ll Offer:

• Full time hours (37.5) per week, fixed-term contract of 12 months
• Competitive salary of up to £30,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
• 33 days of annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Competitive benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth.

Application Deadline:

The closing date for applications is initially set for Monday 9th June, but depending on the number of applications received, we may bring this forward. We encourage early applications.

Further details:

Location: Based at The Hub, 75 Bloemfontein Road, London W12 7DA, with regular visits to Foodbank centres and warehouse. Open to some flexible and hybrid working by agreement.

Requirements: An Enhanced Criminal Records check is required for this role as we work with vulnerable people in society.

Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank is an Equal Opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and volunteers. We serve a diverse part of London and would particularly welcome applications from residents of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Strictly no agencies, please.

About Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank:

We are the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, an independent charity and proud member of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network. Our mission is the prevention and relief from poverty. We provide a range of essential services, offering professional advice through our partners such as Citizens Advice H&F and Anchor Counselling. We believe in helping 'the whole person' when possible and aim to respond quickly to the needs we see around us.

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