Senior Support Worker

Nacro; Colchester; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Nacro is seeking a Community Accommodation with Support lead in Colchester. The role requires travel across an allocated area and is based on a full-time, permanent contract with a base salary around £28,851, plus progression within the first year, and an enhanced DBS/vetting requirement. Driving license and vehicle with business insurance are essential.

The post emphasises safeguarding, strong team leadership, and financial awareness, with a focus on improving service standards and compliance.

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience as a Support Worker (Enhanced DBS required).
• Strong leadership skills to guide and support a team.
• Proven ability to ensure quality, compliance, and accurate record-keeping.
• Operationally skilled in managing incidents, caseloads, and property standards.
• Financially aware and accountable for income, voids, and arrears.
• Flexible, reliable, and willing to deputise for managers.
• Upholds safeguarding, equality, and organisational values.
• Committed to professional growth and team development.

Responsibilities

• Support the Service Lead to raise standards of service provision, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements.
• Guide and support a team of Support Workers in operational delivery, quality, compliance, property management, and income maximization.
• Collaborate with the Service Lead and Regional Manager to manage Support Worker resources for consistent, high-quality service delivery across the area.
• Team Leadership: Provide direct input to Support Workers on practice, performance, and quality matters.
• Quality & Compliance: Conduct record and compliance audits, including Health & Safety and property standards.
• Incident Management: Manage incidents and liaise with external agencies as needed.
• Caseload Support: Carry a caseload if required, ensure team compliance with void management processes.

Skills

Team Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Accountability

Professionalism

Continuous improvement

Job description

• Salary : £29,051 Per Annum (Base Salary £28,851 + £200 unsociable hours payment
• Contract : Full Time – Permanent
• Location: Colchester
• 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£28,851 Pro rota Entry with expected progression to £29,572Pro 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 the Service Led to raise standards of service provision, ensuring alignment with contractual requirements.
• Guide and support a team of Support Workers in operational delivery, quality, compliance, property management, and income maximization.
• Collaborate with the Service Lead and Regional Manager to manage Support Worker resources for consistent, high-quality service delivery across the area.
• Team Leadership: Provide direct input to Support Workers on practice, performance, and quality matters.
• Quality & Compliance : Conduct record and compliance audits, including Health & Safety and property standards.
• Incident Management: Manage incidents and liaise with external agencies as needed.
• Caseload Support: Carry a caseload if required, ensure team compliance with void management processes.
• Service Delivery: Drive performance in weekly housing support and support production of robust Support and Safety Plans.
• Financial Management: Review income maximization processes and support claims/documentation.
• Performance Reporting : Escalate financial challenges, report performance information.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records and produce required reports.
• Professional Development: Commit to ongoing learning and development.

About you:

• At least two years’ experience as a Support Worker (Enhanced DBS required)
• Strong leadership skills to guide and support a team
• Proven ability to ensure quality, compliance, and accurate record-keeping
• Operationally skilled in managing incidents, caseloads, and property standards
• Financially aware and accountable for income, voids, and arrears
• Flexible, reliable, and willing to deputise for managers
• Upholds safeguarding, equality, and organisational values
• Committed to professional growth and team development
• Team leadership: Able to guide, support, and motivate colleagues.
• Communication: Clear, confident communication with service users, teams, and external agencies.
• Organisation: Strong ability to manage caseloads, rotas, and record-keeping.
• Problem-solving: Effectively manage incidents and resolve challenges.
• Attention to detail: Ensures quality, compliance, and accurate reporting.
• Flexibility: Willing to adapt to changing duties and service needs.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of performance targets and responsibilities.
• Professionalism: Upholds safeguarding, equality, and company values.
• Continuous improvement: Committed to learning and professional development

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].