Are you looking for a new job, or career, that genuinely helps people? Are you interested in joining a sector that creates meaningful change? The homelessness sector is a lifeline of support for hundreds of thousands of people without a place to call home.
How many people are homeless in the UK?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are different types of homelessness and not all are visible. However, from the latest figures we estimate that 3,069 people sleep rough on a typical night and approximately 288,470 households contact councils for help with homelessness per year.
Careers working with people who are homeless
At Homeless Link, we’ve designed a framework to show what a career in homelessness looks like. Homeless Link’s National Homelessness Skills Framework is a key resource to support the learning and development of the housing and homelessness workforce. It creates a common skills language and describes the different roles that are available in the homelessness sector, including case studies from frontline workers to bring the roles to life. By using the framework, you can see how your current skills, knowledge and behaviours could be transferrable to a frontline homelessness role.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re looking for a change, you can join a passionate, dedicated workforce who are making a tangible difference for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed.
Frontline roles available
The homelessness sector has a wide variety of roles that work directly with people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. These roles often focus on providing practical support and guidance. Some examples include:
Support Worker
Outreach Worker
Activities Coordinator
Night Support Worker
Complex Needs Worker
Housing Management Worker
“In my job, I love being able to support people to successfully move either from the streets or from unsuitable environments into accommodation where they can thrive and gain important life skills.” – Housing Support Worker
What experience do you need to work with people who are homeless?
There are some essential knowledge and skills criteria for frontline homelessness roles, which can be transferrable from other jobs. These include knowledge of data protection, equity, diversity and inclusion, and safeguarding. Equally, key skills sought are communication, managing professional boundaries, team working, and time management.
For some of the more specialist roles, there may be more specific knowledge and skill requirements. You can discuss this during the recruitment process to manage expectations.
“My favourite part of my job is that I have to dig deep with individuals and find ways of communicating with people who don’t always want to communicate with me. It can be very challenging, but mentally stimulating and fulfilling at the same time.” – Complex Needs Worker
Transferable behaviours
How we behave is important, especially when supporting people who might have complex needs. These behaviours are essential for all frontline homelessness work:
having empathy and respect for all people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,
being adaptable and open to different approaches in a fast-moving environment,
the ability to communicate truthfully and transparently,
the ability to withhold personal judgments or biases,
actively seeking opportunities and taking initiative,
commitment to consistently deliver on promises and responsibilities.
Homelessness charities will be looking to recruit someone whose values align with these behaviours. If that’s you, and you want to help make a difference in the lives of others, have a look at jobs in the homelessness sector.
“Working in this sector is really rewarding but it can be challenging. You need to come with an open mind and understand that everyone has their own timeline for progression, appreciating the ‘smaller’ positive moments.” – Youth Support Worker
Training and qualifications for working in the homelessness sector
To meet the requirements of frontline roles, you may be asked to undertake some training, gain a qualification or have some prior experience. This will vary depending on the role and organisation you work for, but can include:
gaining experience through volunteering in a homelessness or housing service,
“Working in the homelessness sector is very fulfilling and you will learn a lot along the way.” – Activities Coordinator
Benefits of moving into the homelessness sector
People often join the homelessness sector because they want to help people in vulnerable situations. Every day can look different, and while this can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. By moving into the homelessness sector, you’ll be joining an amazing and empathetic workforce who help people to have a safe place to live and the support that they need to keep it.
“My experience in this sector is extremely positive. Every day I get up and I am happy to come to work. That for me speaks volumes and it is something I have not experienced much in previous roles.” – Floating Support Worker
Kate is Head of National Workforce Development at Homeless Link, the national membership charity for frontline homelessness services, representing over 800 organisations across England. We work to improve services through research, guidance and learning, and campaign for policy change that will ensure that everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to keep it.