Housing support Officer

Nacro; Colchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Nacro in Colchester is recruiting for a Community Accommodation with Support role on a full-time, permanent basis. The role covers Colchester and surrounding areas and requires regular travel, a full driving licence and access to your own vehicle with business insurance.

Working hours are 37.5 per week, with a rota covering 08:00–22:00 on weekdays and Saturdays 09:00–17:00. The role forms part of CAS-2 and involves assessing service user needs, assisting with housing applications and benefits,

Qualifications

• Experienced in a support or housing-related role.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and individuals with complex needs.
• Strong communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to build positive professional relationships and motivate others.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of housing support, tenancy sustainment, and welfare benefits.
• Ability to work independently and within a multi-agency team.
• Resilient with the ability to maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
• Creative problem-solver who can overcome challenges.
• Emotionally intelligent and responsive to individual needs.
• Strong team player who collaborates effectively.
• Ability to engage with people and adapt communication styles.

Responsibilities

• Support Service Users: assess needs, create plans, assist with housing applications and rent payments.
• Property Management: ensure properties meet standards and address maintenance issues.
• Collaboration: work with probation services, court staff, housing providers and other agencies.
• Tenancy & Independence: help service users develop life skills and move to independent living.
• Risk & Safeguarding: identify anti-social behaviour and safeguarding concerns; document actions.
• Record Keeping & Compliance: maintain timely case records and comply with requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Record keeping

Organisational skills

Multi-agency working

Safeguarding knowledge

Independent worker

Problem solving

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

• Total Salary: £26,807 Per Annum. This comprises a base salary of £26,807 and £1,000 unsociable hours allowance.
• Contract: Full Time – Permanent
• Location: Colchester
• Covering: Colchester and surrounding areas
• DBS requirement:Enhanced DBS check and HMPPS check required
• This role does not offer eligibility for visa sponsorship.

Working Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week. Shift patterns and flexibility will be discussed during the interview. The provision of the contract is between 08:00 and 22:00 Monday- Friday and Saturday 09.00 -17:00 on a rolling rotational basis.

This role requires regular travel across an allocated area and therefore, a Full Driving License and access to your own vehicle with business insurance are essential.

This role offers a starting salary within Nacro’s pay structure of£26,807Pro rota Entry with expected progression to £27,477Pro rota Established within the first year, subject to meeting clear criteria and performance standards, with further pay progression available in the future. Nacro’s pay framework provides transparent progression points and supports ongoing professional development and career growth

We are Nacro, we believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

This role is part of theCommunity Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2)programme, directly commissioned by theMinistry of Justiceand operating nationwide across England and Wales. The service provides accommodation and support for low/medium-risk people eligible for home detention curfew or bail, helping to keep people out of prison (when living in the community on licence is an option) and to support prison leavers to re-establish (crime-free) independent lives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Service Users : Assess individual support needs, create person-centred support and safety plans, and assist with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments to support independence and tenancy sustainment.
• Property Management : Ensure all properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, promptly address maintenance issues, and provide guidance to service users on maintaining safe and appropriate living conditions.
• Collaboration : Work closely with probation services, court staff, housing providers, and other agencies to deliver coordinated support and achieve the best outcomes for service users.
• Tenancy & Independence Support : Help service users develop practical life skills, manage their accommodation, and prepare for successful move‑on into independent living.
• Risk & Safeguarding : Identify and manage anti‑social behaviour, safeguarding concerns, and tenancy risks, ensuring all actions are recorded and handled in line with policy.
• Record Keeping & Compliance : Maintain accurate, timely case records and support service delivery in line with contractual and organisational requirements.

About you:

• Experienced in a support or housing‑related role
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and individuals with complex needs
• Strong communication, organisation, and record‑keeping skills
• Ability to build positive professional relationships and motivate others
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
• Knowledge of housing support, tenancy sustainment, and welfare benefits
• Ability to work independently and within a multi‑agency team
• Resilient, with the ability to maintain a healthy work‑life balance
• Creative problem‑solver who can overcome challenges
• Emotionally intelligent and responsive to individual needs
• Strong team player who collaborates effectively
• Strong interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
• Ability to work professionally whilst balancing service user needs and Nacro’s wider mission.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Competent ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) – internal systems training provided.

At Nacro, we believe in the power of a diverse and inclusive team.We are a Ban the Box employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with criminal records. Convictions are not discussed at application stage and will only be considered later if relevant to the role, assessed fairly, proportionately and confidentially. For advice, contact our confidential Criminal Record Support Service on 03001231999 or [e-mail].