Homeless Support Worker

The Society of St James; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Buying additional annual leave

Comprehensive induction and training

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Society of St James in Southampton is seeking a compassionate and adaptable support worker to help adults with complex needs transition from emergency beds to stable, supported accommodation. You will cover two hostels, partner with local services, and provide consistent, person-centred assistance while managing caseloads and safeguarding responsibilities.

Excellent communication and IT skills are essential, along with a valid driving licence and access to a car for travel between sites on a

Qualifications

• Requires strong communication and IT skills with the ability to work across multiple sites.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults is preferred, with safeguarding awareness.
• Driving licence and access to a car are essential for moving between hostels.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional, practical and high-quality support across two hostels.
• Collaborate with onsite teams and partner agencies to move individuals from emergency beds to permanent supported accommodation.
• Manage caseloads and documentation, while safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Driving licence

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

You will work across two of our key hostels providing the vital emotional, practical and consistent, high-quality support needed to help individuals with complex needs regain their footing. You will collaborate with onsite teams and partner agencies to transition people from emergency beds into the stability of permanent supported accommodation. Whether it's navigating mental health challenges or helping someone manage substance misuse, your presence directly contributes to ending the cycle of homelessness.

We're looking for a positive, flexible and resilient individual with great communication skills, a passion for helping vulnerable adults and a belief that safe housing is a fundamental human right. You will have good organisational and IT skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team. You must have experience of or interest in:

• The issues faced by people experiencing homelessness.
• Dealing with difficult and challenging behaviour.
• The effects of alcohol and substance use on mental health.
• Equality and diversity.
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults., Knowledge & Interest: A deep understanding of (or a strong desire to learn about) homelessness, substance misuse, and the intersection of addiction and mental health.
• Professionalism: Proven ability to manage challenging behaviours and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults.
• Operational Skills: Strong IT and organisational skills to manage caseloads and documentation effectively.
• Values-Driven: A dedicated commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
• Driving Licence: A valid driver's license and access to a car is essential as you will be working across our 2 hostels on a 3 days on / 3 days off work pattern, starting at Southampton Street 8am- 12pm and then onto Patrick House 12.30pm-6.30pm.

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.

Benefits

• 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