Homelessness Caseworker

 

Location: Waltham Forest
Salary: £32500
Hours:37.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Oct 2nd 5pm
Reports To: Operations Manager

We are a small, person-centred homelessness charity committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and social exclusion. We work alongside individuals to help them overcome barriers, improve wellbeing, access accommodation, and achieve greater independence.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated Homeless Caseworker to join our growing team. Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter employs and works with all faiths and none, candidates would be expected to be comfortable with the Christian ethos underpinning the charities work.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while helping shape and develop a responsive and innovative service.

Job Description

Job Title

Homeless Caseworker

Responsible To

Operations Manager

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality assessments, advice, and ongoing support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The post holder will act as a first point of contact for service users, undertaking assessments, identifying support needs, developing support plans, managing a caseload, and working collaboratively with partner organisations to achieve positive client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Engagement

●       Conduct comprehensive assessments with new clients accessing the service.

●       Identify housing, welfare, health, safeguarding, immigration, employment, and support needs.

●       Complete risk assessments and safeguarding referrals where necessary.

●       Develop person-centred support plans.

●       Support clients to access appropriate services and resources.

●       Provide information, advice, and guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

Case Management

●       Manage an allocated caseload.

●       Maintain accurate and timely case records.

●       Record all interventions and outcomes on the case management system.

●       Ensure compliance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

●       Review client progress and update support plans regularly.

Housing and Homelessness Support

●       Support individuals to access accommodation pathways.

●       Assist with housing applications and referrals.

●       Liaise with local authorities and housing providers.

●       Advocate on behalf of clients where appropriate.

Outreach Responsibilities

●       Participate in community outreach activity.

●       Engage rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals.

●       Support clients who are reluctant or unable to access office-based services.

●       Facilitate access to emergency accommodation and support services.

Partnership Working

●       Build positive relationships with local agencies and stakeholders.

●       Attend multi-agency meetings where appropriate.

●       Make referrals and coordinate support plans with external partners.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

●       Promote the safety and wellbeing of all service users.

●       Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

●       Maintain professional boundaries.

●       Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.

●       Participate in safeguarding training and reflective practice.

Team Responsibilities

●       Attend team meetings and supervision sessions.

●       Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

●       Support volunteers and placement students where appropriate.

●       Undertake training relevant to the role.

General Responsibilities

●       Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

●       Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

●       Adhere to organisational policies and procedures.

●       Act as an ambassador for the charity.

●       Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

 

Essential Qualifications

●       GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

●       Relevant training or willingness to undertake training in homelessness, safeguarding, housing, mental health, or related areas.

Essential Experience

●       Experience supporting vulnerable adults and/or young people.

●       Experience carrying out assessments and support planning.

●       Experience working within homelessness, housing, support services, social care, or community settings.

●       Experience maintaining accurate records and case notes.

Essential Knowledge

●       Understanding of homelessness and housing-related challenges.

●       Knowledge of safeguarding adults and young people.

●       Understanding of GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

●       Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.

●       Understanding of professional boundaries.

●       Awareness of equality and diversity principles.

Essential Skills

Communication

●       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

●       Ability to build rapport with a wide range of individuals.

●       Ability to communicate effectively with partner organisations.

Assessment

●       Ability to undertake comprehensive client assessments.

●       Ability to identify support needs and develop action plans.

●       Ability to manage risk appropriately.

Organisation

●       Strong organisational skills.

●       Ability to manage competing priorities.

●       Ability to maintain accurate case records.

IT Skills

●       Competent in Microsoft Office.

●       Ability to use databases and case management systems.

●       Confidence using digital systems and maintaining electronic records.

Personal Qualities

●       Compassionate and non-judgemental.

●       Reliable and professional.

●       Resilient and adaptable.

●       Motivated to improve outcomes for vulnerable people.

●       Able to work independently and as part of a team.

●       Committed to learning and development.

Desirable Criteria

●       Experience working with people with complex needs.

●       Experience working within homelessness services.

●       Experience of working with clients with multiple disadvantages

●       Knowledge of housing legislation and homelessness pathways.

●       Experience conducting outreach work.

●       Relevant qualification in housing, Substance Misuse Mental Health, social care, counselling, or related field.

What We Offer

●       Flexible and supportive working environment.

●       Regular supervision and reflective practice.

●       Ongoing training and professional development.

●       Opportunity to influence and shape service delivery.

●       Employee wellbeing support.

●       Meaningful work that changes lives.

Recruitment Process

Stage 1

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Stage 2

Shortlisting

Stage 3      
Interviews during week beginning October 5th

Candidates invited to interview may be asked to complete a short assessment based on homelessness support and casework practice.

Safer Recruitment Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to:

●       Enhanced DBS Check

●       Satisfactory References

●       Identity Verification

●       Right to Work Checks

The charity is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.