Support Worker Homelessness Services

21 Health and Social Care; Whitecraig; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Care Support Scotland is seeking a dedicated Support Worker to join its homelessness services in Midlothian. You will provide person-centred support to individuals experiencing homelessness and help them develop independent living skills.

The role offers full-time permanent contracts with day and night shifts, focusing on building independence and wellbeing while coordinating with landlords, housing services and local authorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in social care or homelessness support is desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrates compassionate, resilient and person-centred approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently or in a team.
• Commitment to promoting dignity, respect and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Support service users to develop and sustain independent living skills.
• Assist with day-to-day routines, including budgeting, meal preparation and maintaining accommodation.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to build confidence and resilience.
• Help individuals access and sustain accommodation, including liaising with landlords and housing services.
• Support with attending appointments (e.g. health, benefits, housing, employment services).
• Encourage engagement with community resources, education, training or employment opportunities.
• Assist with benefit applications, money management and financial planning.
• Carry out risk assessments and follow safeguarding procedures to ensure safety and wellbeing of service users.
• Promote positive mental health and wellbeing, responding to crisis situations.
• Support individuals with substance misuse or complex needs where required.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and support plans in line with organisational policies.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies such as social workers, healthcare professionals and local authorities.
• Encourage service users to achieve personal goals and move towards greater independence.
• Participate in team meetings, training and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Compassionate approach

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Inclusion

Job description

Support Worker - Homelessness Services

Location: Midlothian (Dalkeith, Lasswade, Loanhead & Penicuik)
Contract Type: Permanent - Full time 36 hours (Day and Night shifts available)
Pay: £13.45 per hour

21 Health & Social Care are recruiting on behalf of Care Support Scotland for dedicated and compassionate Support Workers to join their Homelessness Services across Midlothian.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting individuals experiencing homelessness to achieve stability, independence and improved wellbeing.

The Role

As a Support Worker, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support to individuals experiencing homelessness
• Support service users to develop and sustain independent living skills
• Assist with day-to-day routines, including budgeting, meal preparation and maintaining accommodation
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to build confidence and resilience
• Help individuals access and sustain accommodation, including liaising with landlords and housing services
• Support with attending appointments (e.g. health, benefits, housing, employment services)
• Encourage engagement with community resources, education, training or employment opportunities
• Assist with benefit applications, money management and financial planning
• Carry out risk assessments and follow safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users
• Promote positive mental health and wellbeing, responding appropriately to crisis situations
• Support individuals with substance misuse or complex needs where required
• Maintain accurate records, reports and support plans in line with organisational policies
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies such as social workers, healthcare professionals and local authorities
• Encourage service users to achieve personal goals and move towards greater independence
• Participate in team meetings, training and ongoing professional development

Service Areas

There are a range of roles available within Care Support Scotland's homelessness services, offering the opportunity to support individuals at different stages of their journey. These include:

Tenancy Support

Moving into your own home after experiencing homelessness can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Tenancy Support service provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain their tenancy and live independently.

Support Workers assist with practical tasks such as:

• Updating Universal Credit circumstances
• Completing housing benefit applications
• Ensuring individuals access the full range of benefits they are entitled to
• Providing ongoing guidance to help people sustain their tenancy

This service is available to individuals moving on from homelessness services as well as others in the community who require support.

Housing First

The Housing First service supports individuals who may find it challenging to live independently and may have experienced previous tenancy breakdowns.

This service provides:

• Flexible, intensive one-to-one support
• Support tailored to the individual's needs and preferences
• On-demand contact with a dedicated Support Worker
• Scheduled visits arranged around the individual

Due to the nature of this service, referrals are typically made via local authorities or partner organisations, with spaces prioritised for those who would benefit most.

Contract Available

• Full-time permanent contracts (36 hours per week)
• Opportunities available across:
  • Day shifts
  • Night shifts

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in social care, homelessness support, or a similar role is desirable but not essential
• A compassionate, resilient and person-centred approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to promoting dignity, respect and inclusion