Support Worker

Brook Street; Carisbrooke; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Brook Street is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to assist vulnerable adults residing in accommodation. You will build trusting relationships, promote independence, and help clients access housing, healthcare, and community services.

Experience in housing or social care, strong communication, and safeguarding knowledge are essential. The role may require flexibility for evenings and weekends to meet client needs and deliver person-centred support.

Qualifications

• Experience in supported housing, homelessness services, social care, mental health, or related settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible with working patterns including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins where required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centred support tailored to individual needs and support plans.
• Support service users to access housing, healthcare, benefits, employment, training, and community services.
• Assist individuals in developing daily living skills, including budgeting, cooking, tenancy management, and maintaining accommodation.
• Conduct regular support sessions and welfare checks.
• Maintain accurate case notes and records.
• Promote safeguarding practices and safety of service users.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision and CPD.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

IT skills

Education

NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Tools

Electronic records systems

Job description

The Role

As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting vulnerable adults to maintain their accommodation, improve their wellbeing, develop independent living skills, and work towards achieving their personal goals.

You will build positive relationships with service users, offering practical and emotional support while promoting independence, choice, and inclusion.

This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same, offering the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people within the local community.

Key Responsibilities

• Caseload approximately 6-7
• Deliver person-centred support tailored to individual needs and support plans.
• Support service users to access housing, healthcare, benefits, employment, training, and community services.
• Assist individuals in developing daily living skills, including budgeting, cooking, tenancy management, and maintaining their accommodation.
• Conduct regular support sessions and welfare checks.
• Complete risk assessments, support plans, and outcome-focused reviews.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and records.
• Encourage service users to engage positively with services and achieve agreed goals.
• Support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse issues, and social isolation.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies and partner organisations.
• Promote safeguarding practices and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all service users.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, and continuous professional development.
• Ensure all support is delivered in accordance with The Salvation Army's values, policies, and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience working within supported housing, homelessness services, social care, mental health, or a related setting.
• Passion for supporting vulnerable adults to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to build trusting and professional relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.
• Strong record-keeping and organisational skills.
• Good IT skills and experience using electronic systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Flexible approach to working patterns, including evenings, weekends, and sleep-ins where required.

Desirable Criteria

• NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting individuals affected by homelessness.
• Experience working with people who have mental health needs or substance misuse histories.
• Knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed practice, or recovery-focused approaches.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.