Support Worker

HBHR; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Society of St James in Portsmouth is seeking a Homelessness Support Worker to join our Homeless Temporary Supported Accommodation. You will work with people facing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges, providing tailored support and guidance.

We value compassion, resilience, and the ability to empower clients to access housing, services, and pathways to independence while maintaining dignity and respect for every individual.

Qualifications

• Literacy and IT skills to write letters and emails.
• Understanding of equality and diversity in staff and clients.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with clients.
• Adherence to risk assessments and risk management plans.
• Encourages clients to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.

Skills

Literacy

IT skills

Communication

Risk assessment

Empathy

Calm under pressure

Working with homeless

Education

Literacy and IT skills

Job description

Employment Type

Full Time, Part Time, Permanent, Full & Part Time

Application Start Date

01-10-2026

Application End Date

11-10-2026

Location

Portsmouth

PO5 1LR

Work Style

On-site

Non-profit charitable organisations

Experience

Experience of working with people with histories of homelessness, poor mental ill health and substance use (desirable)

Education

Literacy and IT skills sufficient to demonstrate ability to write letters and emails (essential)

Support Worker

£26986 - £27780 pro rata Starting at (£13.99ph) plus unsocial premium

Permanent

Portsmouth Rough Sleeping Service

Various Part Time positions including

• 8am – 12 noon - 18.5 hours per week
• 3.30 pm – 10.30 pm – 22.5 hours per week
• 2.30pm – 10.30pm – 15 hours per week

About the role

This is a great opportunity to join the Society of St James as a Homelessness Support Worker to work in our Homeless Temporary Supported Accommodation in Portsmouth.

The Society of St James provides a wide range of support to people from all walks of life experiencing homelessness, substance use which is impacting their daily living, poor mental ill health and other complex needs. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most vulnerable and socially excluded members of society. The Society of St James’ mission is to prevent and end homelessness while helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives, regain independence, and live with dignity.

At our hostels, we like to tailor our support to our clients’ individual strengths, goals and choices rather than applying a one-size fits all approach. Joining us at a crucial part of our clients’ journeys is both a rewarding and varied role. We focus on empowering our clients through supporting them build life skills, navigate local services and secure sustainable long-term housing.

Our main aim and priority are to find people with values, behaviours and attitudes to match our own.

It will be beneficial to have some experience and knowledge of the needs of vulnerable people with histories of homelessness, alcohol/substance dependency and poor mental ill health.

Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity, with respect to staff and clients

Ability to listen and communicate effectively with clients

Ability to adhere to risk assessments and follow risk management plans

Literacy and IT skills sufficient to demonstrate ability to write letters and emails (essential)

Ability to encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle choices

Ability to remain calm in difficult situations

Experience of working with people with histories of homelessness, poor mental ill health and substance use (desirable)