Housing Support Worker

Would you like to join an effective and encouraging team that helps people who are homeless find housing? You will be making a tangible difference every day. 

HOPE worldwide provides a compassionate, person-centred housing service ‘Two Step’ that helps people find and sustain accommodation in the private rented sector and in supported housing. 

The team spirit, opportunities for staff development, and the way that staff live out Christian values were instrumental in HOPE worldwide being awarded Investors in People Gold Accreditation.

The nature of the work will require someone who is resilient, quick to learn and is a good team player. Full training and regular support will be provided. 

Relevant experience is desirable but not essential.

Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 per annum

Working hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week - hybrid role: can work up to 2 days from home by arrangement)

Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, 5% pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme.

Requirements - this job is for you if you:

• Have good written and oral communication skills in English and can liaise with external agencies in a professional manner 
• Can communicate compassionately and build trust to help people navigate challenging circumstances
• Have good IT literacy and organisational skills
• Can take initiative as a member of a team
• Can work under emotional pressure and respond to stressful situations professionally and with integrity

What will you do in the role?

• Assess client needs and suitability for accommodation in the private rented sector and/or supported housing via in-person meetings 
• Provide advice, guidance and support over the phone, in person, and via email to clients and stakeholders
• Arrange viewings of suitable properties with clients and liaise with agents and landlords
• Make referrals to hostels and supported housing
• Assist clients to access grants and with benefit claims
• Support clients with issues such as rent payments, liaising with landlords and dealing with neighbours
• Update client records and referrers using our CRM system, In-Form.
• Work with the team to keep improving the service

Desirable Experience and skills:

At HOPE worldwide, we value both lived and learnt experience. The following skills and experience would be helpful but if you don't have them, rest assured that we value attitude and willingness to learn, not just experience and skills:

• Working within a team of professional staff
• Successfully building relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience of working with a charity/third sector organisation
• Working or serving within an organisation with a Christian ethos
• Supporting people to resolve issues with benefit claims
• Personal experience of overcoming homelessness or disadvantage
• Supporting people to access or sustain accommodation 

Equal Opportunities:

HOPE worldwide is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that our workplace is free from discrimination within the framework of the Equality Act 2010.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates will require Right to Work in the UK.

Please note that our office is in Angel, Islington and is up two flights of stairs with no lift. The requirements of job applicants and existing members of staff who have a disability will be reviewed to ensure that, wherever possible, reasonable adjustments are made to enable them to enter into or remain in employment with us. 

DBS checks:

Due to the nature of the role, a criminal record check is required before a final job offer is made.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your motivation, skills and experience.

We know that there will be strong candidates who will not fit all the criteria, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to in-person interviews at HOPE worldwide’s office in Islington.

We look forward to hearing from you!