JOB NEWS: Homeless Action is hiring a Support Officer in Sunderland on a Permanent, Full-time basis.

EMPLOYER
Homeless Action

LOCATION
65 Tatham Street, Sunderland SR1 2QB

SALARY
£16.28 an hour

JOB TYPE
Permanent, Full-time

ABOUT THE ROLE
Homeless Action is looking for a Support Officer to provide practical and emotional support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The role supports clients with accessing housing, maintaining tenancies and developing skills for independent living.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide person-centred support to service users with complex needs, including mental health, substance misuse and social isolation.
• Develop and implement individual support plans tailored to client goals.
• Carry out regular one-to-one key work sessions to monitor progress.
• Support clients in building life skills such as budgeting, cooking and maintaining a home.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate permanent accommodation.
• Support tenancy sustainment and help prevent eviction.
• Liaise with landlords, housing providers and local authorities.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Promote health and wellbeing, including access to healthcare services.
• Support clients in accessing external services such as benefits, counselling and addiction support.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and documentation.
• Complete risk assessments and regularly review support plans.
• Build positive relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
• Attend multi-agency meetings and case reviews.
• Advocate on behalf of service users where necessary.
• Participate in team meetings, training and supervision.
• Contribute to the overall development of services.
• Adhere to the on-call rota system.

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals, ideally within homelessness or social care.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and work independently.
• Understanding of issues affecting homeless populations, including trauma, addiction and the benefits system.
• Good IT and record-keeping skills.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Driving licence required or working towards.

DESIRABLE

• Relevant qualification such as Health & Social Care, Housing or Social Work.
• Knowledge of local services in Sunderland or the North East.
• Experience in tenancy support or housing advice.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Empathy and compassion.
• Problem-solving and resilience.
• Organisation and time management.
• Ability to handle challenging situations calmly.
• Team collaboration.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May involve shift work, evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
• Work across multiple sites or in the community.
• Lone working may be required.

SAFEGUARDING

This role involves working with vulnerable adults and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals.

To apply, click here

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