143 Referral centre advocate jobs

Reports to: Client Services Manager

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between 8am–6pm. Flexible working arrangements available for the right candidate. Hybrid working is also available.

Salary: £28,325 per annum. Fixed Term to April 2029.

About York Road Project

York Road Project is a homelessness charity based in Woking, supporting people experiencing homelessness for over 30 years.

York Road Project exists to defeat homelessness. Through our Today Centre, Tonight Centre and Tomorrow Houses, we work alongside people to prevent homelessness, respond to crisis, and support long-term recovery and independence. 

Purpose of the Role

York Road Project is a partner in the Woking Crisis Prevention Consortium, which brings together local organisations to help residents build resilience, improve wellbeing and prevent issues from escalating into crisis.

Working alongside Welcome Church, Woking Foodbank, Citizens Advice Woking, Barnardo's and Home-Start. The Prevention Support Worker will provide intensive, person-centred support to adults experiencing multiple disadvantage and complex needs. Working with individuals for up to 12 months, the postholder will help identify and address issues at an early stage, build resilience and independence, and reduce the likelihood of future crisis through coordinated support and partnership working across the Woking Crisis Prevention Consortium.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of approximately 20-22 individuals annually.

• Undertake holistic assessments to identify strengths, needs, risks and goals.

• Develop and review person-centred support plans.

• Provide practical and emotional support tailored to individual circumstances.

• Build trusting relationships that encourage engagement and positive change.

• Deliver support in community settings, individuals' homes and other appropriate locations.

Prevention and Resilience

• Identify emerging issues and intervene before they escalate into crisis.

• Support individuals to improve financial stability, wellbeing and independence.

• Help people strengthen support networks and reduce isolation.

• Encourage the development of skills and confidence to manage future challenges.

• Promote long-term stability and reduce reliance on crisis services.

Partnership Working

• Receive and make warm referrals within the consortium.

• Work closely with consortium partners to coordinate support around individuals.

• Signpost and refer to specialist services where appropriate.

• Attend multi-agency meetings and advocate for clients when required.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate case records and support plans.

• Record all client contacts, interventions and outcomes.

• Complete regular reviews to monitor progress and adapt support where required.

• Contribute case studies, outcome reports and monitoring information for funders and consortium partners.

• Support the evaluation and ongoing development of the service.

Professional Practice

• Participate in supervision and training

• Contribute to service improvement and shared learning across the consortium.

• Work in accordance with safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of supporting adults with complex or multiple support needs.

• Experience of managing a caseload and delivering one-to-one support.

• Understanding of issues such as poverty, housing insecurity, poor mental health, substance misuse, offending behaviour and social isolation.

• Ability to undertake assessments and develop support plans.

• Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.

• Strong communication, organisation and record-keeping skills.

• Understanding of safeguarding adults.

• Ability to work independently and use sound judgement.

Desirable

• Experience of prevention or early intervention services.

• Experience within homelessness, housing, social care or community support.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.

• Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways.

• Experience of delivering wellbeing or mental health support.