Housing Support Worker

Nacro; Bedford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Housing Support Worker, where you will play a vital role in supporting individuals in need of housing assistance. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with service users, assess their needs, and create tailored support plans while working collaboratively with probation and court staff. You'll manage your schedule flexibly, ensuring that properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and addressing maintenance issues. With a focus on resilience and problem-solving, this role is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying generous benefits and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Free eye tests and glasses contribution

Employee assistance program

Generous leave entitlement

Occupational sick pay

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.
• Strong organizational and ICT skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support service users by assessing needs and creating support plans.
• Assist with housing applications and ensure properties meet standards.

Skills

Resilience

Problem-solving

Emotional intelligence

Teamwork

Organizational skills

ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Job description

Working Hours: 8 hours per day (shift patterns and flexibility will be discussed during the interview). The working hours are between 08:00 and 22:00.

Location: Bedford, Luton & Watford

A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential for the role.

The role is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) program, commissioned directly by the Ministry of Justice, operating nationwide across England and Wales. This high-profile program provides accommodation and support for low- to medium-risk offenders eligible for home detention curfew or bail, preventing them from being held in prison due to lack of housing.

Role Overview:

As a Housing Support Worker, your days will be varied, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on both service users and the community. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing your schedule to meet the needs of the role.
• Supporting service users by assessing their needs, creating support and safety plans, and collaborating with probation and court staff.
• Assisting with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments.
• Ensuring that properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and addressing any maintenance issues.

Who Would Enjoy This Role:

• Resilient individuals who can leave work at work and focus on self-care.
• Curious problem-solvers who ask questions before finding solutions.
• Emotionally intelligent people who can understand and respond to human behaviour.
• Confident and positive individuals, eager to learn and collaborate with others.
• People with strong teamwork skills and personal values aligned with Nacro’s mission.
• Genuine interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
• Ability to work within professional boundaries while acting in the best interests of both the service users and Nacro.
• Strong organizational skills, able to manage competing priorities, and update systems in a timely manner.
• ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) with training provided for internal systems.

Non-Negotiable Requirements:

• Full, clean UK driving license.
• Access to a vehicle (mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile).
• Willingness to travel for business purposes.
• Business car insurance will be required.
• An enhanced DBS check and Prison Clearance will be necessary for this role.
• Applications from individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system are encouraged, and a criminal record may not necessarily disqualify you.

Benefits & Rewards:

• Free eye tests and a £50 contribution towards glasses.
• Access to an employee assistance program.
• Generous leave entitlement, including additional special leave.
• Occupational sick pay exceeding statutory requirements.
• Flexible working arrangements, including the ability to work from home between property visits.

This role can serve as an excellent stepping stone into other professions within criminal justice and offers experience with various criminal justice agencies, local housing benefit departments, and the DWP.

This position does not offer visa sponsorship. For further details about working rights in the UK, please visit GOV.UK.