Homelessness support worker jobs in aylesbury, buckinghamshire

The Resident Engagement Manager will be the organisational lead in a new and exciting lottery funded project leading a small team and overseeing the design and delivery of the LEAP service at Homeless Oxfordshire and with wider partners.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership across the organisation on resident engagement, learning and skills, co-production and activities.
• To promote the active involvement of the resident’s experience and voice in the delivery, development and monitoring of LEAP service.
• To provide support and line management supervision to the engagement team, ensuring they meet all aims, objectives and outcomes, according to the lottery bid.
• Lead on monitoring, data collection and impact measures for all resident engagement work.
• Lead on the design of the peer mentoring training and traineeship programmes.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with key stakeholders including education, employment and third sector partners.
• Develop and maintain strong internal working relationships to ensure managers and teams deliver high quality services that are reflective of Homeless Oxfordshire’s values and address local needs.
• Lead on the development of a mutual support network for staff with lived experience
• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.
• Contribute to the work of the broader team.

About LEAP

LEAP is built on the foundation of strong, supportive relationships that empower residents to move towards stable, independent living. Through one-to-one key worker support, trauma-informed care, and community engagement, residents rebuild trust, form friendships, and gain confidence. Activities like gardening, arts and crafts, and creative writing foster connection and personal growth, while group involvement helps residents feel part of a wider community. LEAP also supports residents to take steps into peer mentoring, volunteering, and training, helping them build positive networks beyond their immediate circle and develop the skills and confidence to thrive independently.

At LEAP, community involvement is at the heart of their work. Empowering residents through co-production is a key organisational goal. LEAP offer a range of inclusive engagement methods—from informal gatherings like group breakfasts and creative activities, to structured sessions such as support needs mapping and Residents’ Forums. These forums provide regular opportunities for feedback and co-design, with input reaching senior management and trustees. They are enhancing resident engagement by developing a mutual support network for staff with lived experience of homelessness and/or addiction. This group will shape services and policies, and guide resident outreach. LEAP also collaborates with local partners like RAW, a social enterprise offering training and employment to those with lived experience, and strengthens ties with adult education providers such as Abingdon and Witney College. We also create pathways to volunteer with cultural institutions like the University of Oxford Museums.

LEAP empowers people with lived experience of homelessness and/or addiction, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to move towards independent living and employment. Over three years, the project aims to support 750 individuals. Through a wide range of engaging and meaningful activities, residents will experience positive outcomes such as increased confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of inclusion. They will build supportive networks, learn key life skills and access training, volunteering, and employment opportunities. Many will gain qualifications and secure long-term accommodation. The project strengthens peer support and enables residents to shape services through formalised Residents’ Forums, ensuring their voices influence senior decision-making. For Homeless Oxfordshire, LEAP enhances our capacity to deliver peer-led support, builds staff knowledge, and informs service improvement. Wider community benefits include reduced stigma around homelessness, stronger partnerships with employers and organisations, and improved understanding of the issues faced by our residents—ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Job Title: Housing Support Worker

Location: Based within the central office in Luton with regular travel required around multiple community based locations

Salary: £24,500

Shift Pattern: 12 month fixed term contract, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as necessary to service requirements.

About the role

This is an exciting new role within a brand new contract to support the referral process from the Housing Solutions teams! The service focuses on providing floating and wraparound support to single applicants who are at risk of homelessness and are able to live independently, by providing a housing support plan towards resolving housing needs and support them into long-term, stable housing.

In this role, you will conduct proactive outreach with our participants to develop personalised support plans for housing for appropriate long-term housing options, including accessing private rental listings and understanding application processes for tenancy. You will help our participants navigate the resources available to them including benefits and support services, advocating for their needs whilst empowering them to take ownership of their housing journey. You will work closely with the Landlord Liaison Officer who bridges the gap between our participants and private landlords. You will work closely with them to achieve prevention and relief outcomes by assisting the participant to remain in their provided accommodation. 

You will provide follow up support to ensure tenancy sustainment and successful transitions into permanent housing, keeping casefiles up to date with activities and documents, and escalating any high risks or high needs to the management team.

About you

This role is ideal for someone who has a real passion towards helping to end the cycle of homelessness, providing support to those who need it to live in stable accommodation. You will thrive in a person centred environment with real compassion and a non-judgmental attitude, understanding that people face different life experiences and sometimes just need that extra support to get back on their feet. We're looking for someone with a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people, challenge stigma, and make a real difference to people’s lives! You will have:

• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of resources and opportunities within the local community, including knowledge around benefits and employment opportunities to sustain independent living
• The ability to influence and negotiate positive outcomes with others
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and oral. Ability to form and build effective relationships and rapport with others
• The ability to work proactively to make decisions to deal with challenges and providing a solution focused approach using initiative
• The ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and participants

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We're proud to mention that our staff Ambassadors career aspirations generally benefit from embracing this unique opportunity to develop their respective skill sets in spaces that exist outside of their daily roles. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings (including people's own homes), probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. We believe in the power of well-planned, well-managed services to make a difference. We work with high standards and external and internal regulatory frameworks. Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a full time Outreach Key worker to join our team. This is an opportunity to help change the lives of Dacorum’s rough sleepers, and to support them move from rough sleeping to independence.

As an outreach worker, you will work as part of DENS services to provide a high quality, efficient and effective service to clients who experience rough sleeping and who often find it difficult to access services. Working alongside DENS services such as The Elms hostel and day centre, you will identify clients and then work to build meaningful rapport and assist them to gain access to the relevant services to increase their quality of life and ultimately enter accommodation-based services. You will need to support clients presenting issues such as substance misuse, physical or mental health you will work to create and implement specific plans to address any identified need. 

This role involves working early mornings and late evenings while investigating rough sleeping across Dacorum.  A full, current driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience of dealing directly with the public and/or clients in a busy environment, and with rough sleepers with multiple needs. You must have the ability to work with challenging behaviour, and have great communication skills. You should also have some understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerably housed people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services.

Benefits include

• Contributory pension scheme with NEST, employer contributions of 3%

• Sick pay scheme

• 25 days Annual Leave (Pro Rata) plus bank holidays

• 1 additional day of Annual Leave after each 5 years’ service (FTE, up to a max 3 days)

• 1 day per year to volunteer for DENS or another organisation (FTE)

• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 advice/support helpline and access to counselling

• Access to Medicash for cashback on health costs and access to services to support your wellbeing

• Staff wellbeing days and team building activities

• Training and professional qualifications relevant to your role

How to apply

Please read the full Job Description & Personal Specification

If you match our criteria:

· Send your CV and  Supporting Statement

·      Closing date for receipt of applications is 18th June 2025

Please advise us should you require adjustments to be made to the recruitment process

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jacky Stafford on 014 42-412 340

About DENS

Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community.

We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. We provide a range of services so that people can develop the resilience, skills and confidence to take the next step in their lives.

DENS Culture & Values

Integrity at DENS means being authentic, honest, and reliable. We demonstrate this through accountability, open communication, clear processes, and setting realistic expectations.

Respect at DENS means being kind, honest, and trustworthy. We value others' opinions and celebrate their uniqueness by maintaining a non-judgmental and unbiased attitude towards clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Collaboration at DENS means unity and partnership. We believe that working together strengthens communication and relationships. Our One Team/One Goal mission ensures we achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

*This role is being advertised as Substance Misuse Practitioner however on appointment your job title will be Complex Needs Practitioner (Recovery Worker)

You have an understanding of drug, alcohol, and health related issues, and experience of working with adults in an addictions, housing or social care setting? All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Complex Needs Practitioner (Recovery Worker).

Aquarius is a charity that helps people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are part of ‘One Recovery Buckinghamshire’ (ORB), a partnership between Inclusion (MPFT NHS Trust), Aquarius, and Build on Belief providing support for alcohol and drug issues across Buckinghamshire.

The purpose of the role is to engage people in a variety of interventions, using a person centred approach, empowering them to reduce risk, increase resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

All Complex Needs Practitioners (Recovery Worker) work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings. The caseload will include a mixture of community and multi-agency referral pathways including health and social care. You will join our caring multi-disciplinary teams, to help empower you to provide quality psychosocial interventions to our diverse client groups. 

A core part of the role will be working with people to address holistic support needs across all aspects of the person’s substance use and wellbeing. This could include diverse work related to physical and emotional health, meaningful use of time, family and relationships, community engagement and activities, accommodation, physical and emotional health, offending as well as substance use (drug use and / or alcohol use).

An energetic and confident self-starter, you have a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies).  Alternatively, we’ll consider candidates with experience of working in the substance misuse field with a commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care. Experience of liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and engaging effectively with clients in a variety of settings is essential. You’ll also need a flexible approach, excellent record keeping and report writing skills and a willingness to work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings, on an outreach basis, with a central hub base at our head office.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a Black, Asian and those in Minority Ethnic background.

This is a rolling recruitment process; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

When applying, please upload a CV and supporting statement which should clearly outline your skills and experience.

For details of how to prove your right to work in the UK please visit the government website and please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship. 

Aquarius Action Projects is a long-established charity (since 1982) based in Birmingham with a national reach of contracts and Partnerships. Aquarius is a subsidiary of Waythrough – a large charity that specialises in mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas.