JOB NEWS: Sunderland City Council is hiring a Rough Sleeping Support Worker on a Full-time basis

Job Overview

• Job Title: Rough Sleeping Support Worker
• Employer: Sunderland City Council
• Location: Sunderland, SR1 3AA
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Salary: Grade 3 (SCP 7–11)
• Salary Range: £26,403–£28,142 per year
• Closing Date: 10 June 2026
• Job Reference: 296060

Role Summary

• Support people who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness.
• Help individuals access suitable accommodation.
• Assist clients in maintaining and sustaining tenancies.
• Deliver person-centred support tailored to individual needs.
• Work as part of Sunderland City Council’s Housing Options Team.
• Make a direct impact on reducing homelessness across Sunderland.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Community Support

• Conduct outreach work with rough sleepers across Sunderland.
• Participate in street counts and street sweeps.
• Engage with individuals sleeping rough and assess support needs.
• Build trust and encourage engagement with support services.

Housing Support

• Assist clients in accessing emergency, temporary and permanent accommodation.
• Support individuals moving into and maintaining tenancies.
• Help clients overcome barriers to housing stability.
• Monitor progress and provide ongoing practical support.

Personalised Housing Plans

• Support the development of Personalised Housing Plans.
• Help clients achieve agreed housing goals.
• Review progress and update support plans where necessary.
• Encourage independence and long-term housing sustainability.

Partnership Working

• Work closely with:
  • Housing providers
  • Social care services
  • Mental health teams
  • Community organisations
  • Voluntary sector partners
• Coordinate support to ensure positive outcomes for clients.
• Promote effective multi-agency working.

Emergency Response

• Respond to urgent housing and homelessness situations.
• Provide support during crisis situations.
• Participate in occasional out-of-hours work when required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience

• Minimum 12 months’ experience within:
  • Housing services
  • Homelessness services
  • Support services
• Experience supporting vulnerable adults.
• Experience working with partner organisations and external agencies.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build positive relationships with clients.
• Effective organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate and empathetic approach.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Resilient and adaptable in challenging situations.
• Passion for supporting vulnerable people.

Additional Requirements

• Subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Applications must be submitted through the North East Jobs system.
• CVs are not accepted.

About the Opportunity

• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the local community.
• Work within a supportive and dedicated Housing Options Team.
• Help tackle rough sleeping and homelessness across Sunderland.
• Develop strong partnerships across housing, health and social care sectors.
• Contribute directly to improving outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Suitable For

• Housing Support Workers.
• Homelessness Support Officers.
• Outreach Workers.
• Tenancy Support Workers.
• Social Care Support Workers.
• Individuals with experience supporting vulnerable adults and disadvantaged communities.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Role: Rough Sleeping Support Worker
• Employer: Sunderland City Council
• Area: Sunderland
• Salary: £26,403–£28,142 per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time
• Sector: Housing / Homelessness Support
• Closing Date: 10 June 2026
• DBS Check: Required
• Experience Required: Minimum 12 months in housing, homelessness or support services

To apply, click here

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