Development Worker (Housing Support worker)

Morgan Hunt Recruitment; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Development Worker for the Rent Deposit Scheme to assist young people in securing housing in the private rental sector. Key responsibilities include promoting the scheme, building relationships with key partners, and providing practical support to tenants. The ideal candidate will have experience in housing services and excellent communication skills. Flexibility for regional travel is required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people or working in a housing-related service.
• Good understanding of private renting and tenancy rights.
• Strong interpersonal and partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support young people with securing accommodation and initial payments.
• Promote the rent deposit scheme to referral agencies.
• Advise on tenants' rights and assist with benefit applications.

Skills

Supporting young people

Interpersonal skills

Partnership building

Communication skills

Record keeping

Education

Relevant qualification in housing, social care, or youth work

Job description

Job Title: Development Worker - Rent Deposit Scheme

Career Family: Support & HousingReports To: Programme Manager

Role Overview

This role is focused on supporting young people to secure housing in the private rental sector through the provision of rent deposits and upfront rental payments. The post holder will promote the rent deposit scheme internally and externally, build strong relationships with letting agencies and referral partners, and support young people to establish and maintain sustainable tenancies. The role involves property checks, financial coordination, and practical tenancy support, with regular travel required across the region.

Key Responsibilities1. Housing Access & Tenancy Support

• Assist young people with securing accommodation by arranging deposits and initial rent payments.
• Ensure all properties meet minimum standards, with appropriate safety certifications and licenses.
• Provide practical assistance during the move-in process and low-level tenancy setup.

2. Partnership Working & Scheme Promotion

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with referral agencies, housing providers, and local partners.
• Promote the rent deposit scheme to appropriate internal and external audiences.
• Expand and maintain a bank of letting agents who are supportive of the scheme.

3. Tenancy Education & Practical Support

• Advise young people on their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
• Help secure available grants and support with furniture and utility setup.
• Assist with benefit applications and provide budgeting support where needed.

4. Monitoring, Recording & Compliance

• Accurately record all relevant tenant and financial data in line with privacy and data protection standards.
• Ensure timely logging of safeguarding concerns and incidents, following internal procedures.
• Comply with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.

5. Team Contribution & Service Development

• Contribute positively to team meetings, supervision sessions, and service reviews.
• Participate in training and continuous professional development.
• Travel within the region and to occasional national meetings or events as required.

Key Outcomes & Success Indicators

Area

Outcome Indicator

Housing Outcomes

Contribute to annual targets for successful housing placements and positive move-ons.

Financial Support

Support young people to access grants and benefits and successfully manage setup costs.

Partnership Development

Increase and maintain referral relationships and letting agency engagement.

Service Improvement

Participate in reviews and offer constructive input to improve delivery.

Property Standards

Maintain a strong pool of safe, suitable properties that meet compliance requirements.

Additional Duties

• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and all internal procedures.
• Keep records up to date and aligned with best practices in data protection and reporting.
• Stay informed on relevant legislation and housing policy to provide accurate guidance.
• Provide flexible regional support and travel as required for meetings and training.

Person SpecificationEssential

• Experience supporting young people or working in a housing or tenancy-related service.
• Good understanding of private renting, tenancy rights and housing responsibilities.
• Familiarity with safeguarding, health and safety, and tenancy compliance.
• Strong interpersonal and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competency in using IT systems for record keeping and communication.
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team.
• Willingness to travel regionally and occasionally further afield.

Desirable

• Experience working with people at risk of homelessness or housing vulnerability.
• Knowledge of the welfare system, grants, and financial support available to young people.
• Familiarity with data protection legislation (e.g. GDPR) in a housing or support context.
• Relevant qualification in housing, social care, youth work, or a related field.