Housing Outreach Support Worker

People First; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced annual leave 24 days +

Hybrid working

Free parking

Employee benefits including discounts

EAP (counselling)

Job summary

Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Housing Outreach Support Worker to engage with rough sleepers, assess needs and help secure suitable accommodation. Based between Vine Court Road and Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, you’ll join a dedicated team delivering targeted outreach and tailored support plans.

You’ll work flexible hours, including early mornings and late-night sessions, coordinating with health, social care and other services to prevent homelessness and promote stability.

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience supporting vulnerable customers in a housing or support setting.
• Experience working directly with rough sleepers and developing outcome-focused support plans.
• Knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation (e.g. Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996).
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills with empathy and compassion in sensitive situations.
• Experience working with statutory, voluntary and community partners.
• Proactive, flexible and resilient approach to outreach-based work.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage with rough sleepers through regular outreach sessions across the District.
• Build trusting relationships and identify individual support needs (mental health, substance misuse, complex vulnerabilities).
• Develop and implement tailored support plans in consultation with customers.
• Support customers to engage with health, social care, benefits, advocacy and other services.
• Act as a point of contact for partner agencies and coordinate multi-agency interventions.
• Carry out risk assessments and update them as circumstances change.
• Support individuals into accommodation and explain tenancy responsibilities and rights.
• Maintain accurate case records using housing case management systems.
• Assist in emergency housing situations and contribute to homelessness initiatives.

Skills

Outreach experience

Support vulnerable customers

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Safeguarding

Collaborative working

Flexible/resilient

Education

Housing-related qualification (desirable)

Tools

Housing case management systems

Job description

We’re committed to preventing homelessness and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

The Housing Options and Solutions team plays a vital frontline role, delivering targeted outreach, practical support, and life-changing interventions to rough sleepers across the District.

As a Housing Outreach Support Worker, you’ll work directly with rough sleepers, providing person-centred support to help them secure suitable accommodation, address complex needs, and move towards stability and independence. Your work will have a direct and lasting impact; building trust, preventing repeat homelessness, and helping individuals take meaningful steps forward.

Everything you need to know

This is a rewarding and varied opportunity for an experienced and compassionate support professional. Based between Vine Court Road and the Council Offices in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, you’ll be part of a dedicated team focused on proactive outreach and sustainable housing solutions.

You’ll work flexibly, including early mornings, daytime and late-night outreach sessions, engaging with rough sleepers where they are and supporting them through every stage of their journey off the streets.

What you’ll be doing

• Identifying and engaging with rough sleepers through regular outreach sessions across the District.
• Building trusting relationships and identifying individual support needs, including mental health, substance misuse and other complex vulnerabilities.
• Developing and implementing tailored support plans in consultation with customers to address identified needs.
• Supporting customers to engage with health, social care, benefits, advocacy and other specialist services.
• Acting as a key point of contact for partner agencies and coordinating multi-agency interventions.
• Carrying out risk assessments and updating them as circumstances change.
• Supporting individuals into accommodation and providing clear guidance on tenancy responsibilities, sustainment and housing rights.
• Maintaining accurate case records using the Council’s housing case management systems.
• Assisting in emergency housing situations and contributing to wider homelessness initiatives and service improvements

What you’ll bring to the role

• At least two years’ experience supporting vulnerable customers in a comparable housing or support setting.
• Experience of working directly with rough sleepers and developing robust, outcome-focused support plans.
• Knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Housing Act 1996.
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and professional boundaries.
• Excellent communication skills, with empathy and compassion in sensitive situations.
• Experience working collaboratively with statutory, voluntary and community partners
• A proactive, flexible and resilient approach to outreach-based work.
• A housing, homelessness or support-related qualification (or equivalent) and local government experience would be desirable.

Why work with us?

We’re proud to be a high-performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people-first service. You’ll be joining a team that is committed to tackling rough sleeping through partnership, creativity and determination.

We invest in our staff and encourage initiative, learning and continuous development. You’ll be supported to grow professionally while making a real difference in the community every single day.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking team delivering services that matter. No two days are the same, and the positive impact you’ll make will be immediate and visible.

Our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 24 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Hybrid working (where service needs allow)
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Equal Opportunities:

Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Sevenoaks District Council - main offices

Council OfficesArgyle RoadSevenoaksKentTN13 1HGUnited Kingdom

[phone]

Sevenoaks District Council - Dunbrik Depot