Volunteer support worker at homeless day centre jobs

About you:

Your friends know you as know you as empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgemental.

Employers view you as professional, personable, and a good communicator who is able to prioritise and deal with challenging situations. You are able to inspire and motivate people to take action and improve themselves. You see yourself as self-aware with a strong degree of emotional intelligence and you want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Perhaps you are already aware of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and understand how to support them. You may have gained this knowledge as a volunteer, through a previous job, or from your personal lived experience.

If all this sounds like you then you could make a great addition to our fantastic support team here at Homeless Oxfordshire.

About The Role:

We are recruiting for two vacancies within this service. As an advocate for our clients who may experience homelessness as a result of a hospital visit, we will expect you to lead on the case management of these clients. You will work in partnership with other agencies to create holistic, caring and personalised support plans for them. Our clients usually have a range of support needs that might impact their experience of homelessness. This includes mental health problems, social isolation, challenging behaviour, finance and debt, alcohol and drug abuse and you will be working with them to achieve outcomes that include move on.

You will ensure their voices are heard and make them aware of available support to them including maximising this support. It is important to let you know that at times this role is tough, but most of the time it is very rewarding when you see the difference you make in the lives of others.

Main Responsibilities Of The Job:

• To be part of a team running of a new and dynamic service assessing and managing risk for individuals and in the service.
• Ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
• To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure the delivery of holistic wrap around support.
• To work in partnership with Connection Support Step provision and Out of Hospital Team.
• To work with other agencies to provide client centered support & risk management plans for clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.
• To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including evenings and weekends.
• Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures.

To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.

• Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners, contractors and the local community.
• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.
• 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 Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

Open To: People wanting to work weekends. This role is a shift and rota'd role that includes weekends, bank holidays, early and late days.

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Are you someone who’s kind, resilient, and full of positive energy? Do you love helping people live independently, confidently, and with dignity? If you’re nodding along, this could be the perfect role for you.

We’re looking for a Direct Payment Support Worker to join our team, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including those who are socially excluded, disabled, unwell, or homeless. You’ll be part of a service that’s all about inclusion, wellbeing, and independence.

What your day might look like

• Start by offering practical and emotional support to help customers achieve their goals.
• Deliver person-centred housing-related support tailored to individual needs.
• Help promote social activities that bring joy and connection.
• Keep care and support plans up to date and work closely with your manager to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Be a safeguarding champion—spotting concerns and acting quickly.
• Liaise with landlords and housing teams to keep homes safe and well-maintained.
• Advocate for customers and help them build strong relationships with family, friends, and professionals.

What makes this role special
You’ll be the person who helps someone feel safe, heard, and supported. Whether it’s navigating a tough moment or celebrating a small win, your presence will make a real difference.

You’ll work closely with a passionate team and have the chance to shape services based on what customers truly need.

Could it be you? 
We’re looking for someone who:

• Is committed to excellent customer service
• Is passionate about helping people live independently and happily
• Has empathy, kindness, and respect for every individual
• Has a great sense of humour and a resilient, can-do attitude
• Understands safeguarding, equality, and health & safety
• Has recent experience supporting vulnerable people in the community or supported living

Your skills

• Communicates clearly and confidently in writing and speech
• Delivers great customer care with warmth and professionalism
• Works flexibly including evenings and weekends when needed
• Is a team player who builds strong relationships
• Manages time well and meets deadlines
• Has solid IT skills and attention to detail
• Is approachable, proactive, and ready to help
• Is happy to undergo a DBS check

What you’ll get in return:

• 30 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays (Pro Rata)
• 2 paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies
• Access to professional development and apprenticeship programmes

Closing date: 19th January 2026 at midnight.

Please note: Peabody does not offer sponsorship for this role.

We’re seeking a compassionate and proactive Housing First Worker to deliver tailored, trauma-informed support to people with complex needs who are experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness. In this role, you'll provide intensive wrap-around support to help individuals secure and maintain their own tenancies, build independence, and engage confidently with local services and community networks. You will collaborate with partner agencies, landlords, and support networks to ensure they have access to the resources they need while maintaining robust case records, conducting dynamic risk assessments, championing peer involvement and upholding safeguarding best practices. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

About the role:

The Housing First Worker is responsible for coordinating and providing a personalised, trauma informed support service to people with complex needs facing multiple exclusions in line with Housing First principles to create long term sustainable tenancies by increasing independence and maximising connectivity with the local community.

Main Responsibilities Of The Job:

• Deliver wrap-around intensive, trauma informed support to people with multiple and complex issues within their own independent tenancies.
• Maintain accurate up to date records of progress against individual support plans, safety plans and outcome information. • Liaise with other agencies to facilitate access to support.
• Regularly review the person-centred support plan to update, record and monitor progress of caseload.
• Build and maintain networks with staff from other agencies to ensure the Housing First pilot is widely known and promoted.
• Adhere to good practice safeguarding procedures with a positive risk-taking approach to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable people.
• Liaise with landlords to assist the person living in accommodation of their choice, including practical help with furniture, benefits advice and accompanied visits.
• Perform robust assessments of referrals for the service to ensure the service is provided to those that meet the eligibility criteria.
• Promote, and encourage peer involvement within the service.
• Complete dynamic risk assessments and maintain own safety by following lone working procedures.
• 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 us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate .

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Back on Track is involved in a partnership of charities working in local communities across Greater Manchester to deliver the GMIRS Wellbeing Service. The service aims to reduce reoffending by working with people who are on probation to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing, foster healthy relationships and move forward in their lives.

As a project worker you will build strong relationships with people who join the programme and provide 1:1 wellbeing support and guidance, as well as support with practical challenges including debt, low level housing needs, finance and benefits. You will demonstrate a commitment to people on the programme, putting their wellbeing at the centre of your work. 

You will be working with people who have a range of needs. This will include people who have experienced trauma, who have been homeless or lived in poverty, and people who face difficulties with mental health and problematic drug and alcohol use.

We deeply value diversity and lived experience and what it can bring to a team/role, and we welcome applications from people who may have faced disadvantage. 

This role is fixed-term until 31st March 2027. Further extension likely, subject to funding.

GrowTH is a non-denominational Christian charity, which works in partnership with evangelical churches from a variety of backgrounds within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

GrowTH seeks to share God’s love with its homeless neighbours in word and deed. So, alongside receiving practical care and help, all GrowTH guests have the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus and to explore the Christian faith, if they wish.

GrowTH, has four main projects that make up the charity’s activities. They are as follows:

• Night Shelter: provides volunteer-run winter shelter in Tower Hamlets from October to April each year. Homeless men and women are referred to GrowTH by local homeless agencies. Once accepted into the shelter, guests receive a warm welcome, a hot evening meal, a safe bed for the night, and breakfast in the morning. The resettlement support there provides every guest in the shelter with one-to-one support from GrowTH’s two Advocate Workers to help them move out of homelessness, with the aim of resettling them into stable accommodation. We accommodate up to 15 Guests in the Shelter each night, and typically shelter around 150 Guests each season.
• Housing: provides medium term (twelve-eighteen month) affordable move-on homes locally for some who have stayed in the shelter, or are referred in from other sources, in order to help them transition towards independence. Each Resident is provided with bespoke support towards their support needs by our Housing team. We currently have 31 residents across 12 flats.
• Day Centre: provides a safe space for guests to meet with the staff team for advocacy and support meetings. There will also be space for shelter guests to relax and ample opportunities for both staff and volunteer-led evangelistic events, as well as prayer ministry.
• Lazarus House: a community house project for male residents. The house provides an opportunity for men seeking a fresh start to confront deep rooted issues impacting their lives, within a safe, loving, disciplined and family environment. This is a key partnership with the local churches in which they provide discipleship for the Residents as well as fellowship, and GrowTH provide the practical support and housing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Providing day-to-day oversight and support to GrowTH’s various frontline projects

1. Provide oversight of logistics for GrowTH’s projects; ensuring smooth daily operations
2. Oversee the provision of one-to-one support to Residents and Guests
3. Manage referrals into the projects, and oversee move-on options for Residents and Guests
4. Oversee good maintenance of properties and facilities, ensuring compliance with safety checks and other requirements
5. Provide oversight for the development and implementation of new frontline projects

Providing strategic support for GrowTH across its projects, and the wider organisation

1. Oversee and regularly review the viability of GrowTH’s various projects
2. Ensure sufficient policies and procedures are in place for the projects to comply with relevant legislation and guidelines
3. Assist the Director with planning and strategic matters

Providing support to the wider GrowTH team

1. Support and line manage frontline staff in the Day Centre, Shelter, and Housing and Lazarus House projects.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide oversight of logistics for GrowTH’s projects; ensuring smooth daily operations

• Ensure the smooth running of the Shelter, Housing, Lazarus House and Day Centre operations.
• Oversee staff in making day-to-day decisions with regards to the support and casework given to Residents or Guests.
• Oversee the day-to-day logistics of the projects, and addressing any logistical challenges that arise.
• Resolve complaints and concerns raised by guests, residents, or staff effectively.

Oversee the provision of one-to-one support to Residents and Guests

• Along with other team members, provide support to Residents and Guests around their bespoke support needs – tenancy sustainment, finances, employment, health, and life skills, etc.
• Support frontline staff in the delivery of this support to Residents and Guests; assisting with suggestions or providing clear direction in their casework.
• Assist Residents and Guests in accessing support provided by other organisations or services.
• Oversee the provision of groups, activities, courses, or events to upskill Residents and Guests. 

Manage referrals into the projects, and oversee move-on options for Residents and Guests

• Oversee the referral process, and the individual referrals that come into the Shelter and Housing and Lazarus House. 
• Where required, assess prospective Residents or Guests for their suitability, and be able to clearly explain the individual projects and their criteria.
• Ensure that Residents and Guests are well prepared for their move ons from GrowTH’s projects, and oversee the presentation of move on options to each individual.
• Assisting frontline staff in the securing of onwards accommodation for Residents and Guests, which may include building strong connections with other providers, and researching new options.

Oversee good maintenance of properties and facilities, ensuring compliance with safety checks and other requirements

• Ensure that the decoration, fittings, and furnishings throughout the Housing project, Lazarus House and Day Centre are of good quality, checked regularly, and replaced when required. And that all GrowTH’s projects are clean, welcoming, and functional.
• Liaise with the landlord, contractors, or other relevant parties regarding repair works.
• Ensure that routine fire safety checks are undertaken in all of GrowTH’s properties, and that gas and electric safety certificates are obtained. Ensuring compliance will all relevant health and safety legislation.

Provide oversight for the development and implementation of new frontline projects

• Provide ongoing operational oversight for Lazarus House, supporting staff and ensuring high quality care and support for the Residents.
• Identify and assess opportunities for future projects that will enhance GrowTH’s mission, working with the Director to develop any new initiatives, should opportunities arise.
• Lead the setup and successful launch of any new frontline initiatives or projects, in alignment with GrowTH’s vision and values.

Oversee and regularly review the viability of GrowTH’s various projects

• Perform and lead regular reviews of each of GrowTH’s projects, to ensure that they are performing well compared to their pre-agreed targets and KPIs.
• Ensure that rental income is maximised, and apply for grants for specific needs if required.
• Track and report on the expenditure of the various projects.

Ensure sufficient policies and procedures are in place for the projects to comply with relevant legislation and guidelines

• Write and regularly update policies and procedures for the Housing, Shelter, Day Centre, and Lazarus House; in accordance with an changes in legislations, guidelines, or best practice.
• Ensure that staff are aware of the policies, well-trained, and follow these policies effectively.

Assist the Director with planning and strategic matters

• Review the Shelter, Housing, Lazarus House and Day Centre projects to identify areas for improvement.
• Meet with Director, Management team, and Trustees to plan the future of the projects.
• Meet with other organisations to learn and implement best practices.
• Assist the Director in organising and executing larger events and initiatives for the charity.

Support and line manage frontline staff in the Day Centre, Shelter, and Housing projects

• Provide line management to the frontline staff (currently Housing Workers, Advocate Workers, and Shelter Coordinator); including regular supervision, and appraisals.
• Supporting frontline staff in their roles; ensuring they have the training and resources that are required.
• Help to foster a supportive and collaborative team culture.

Closing date: 25/01/2026

Interview date: 06/02/2026

Ref SPSW - 0126

Internally the job title will be Senior Practitioner 

Whatever your experience of street homelessness and its impact on people’s lives – personal or professional – when you join the Thames Reach team as a Senior Practitioner, we will make the best use of all your understanding, compassion and commitment. 

About us…

Thames Reach runs projects and services that help to end homelessness in and around London. We work directly with homeless people on the streets and in hostels. We work to prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless. We help formerly homeless people get their lives back on track. We help people find work and access training and volunteering opportunities.

Is our mission easy? No, but we never give up on people. Last year we helped more than 15,000 people. 

Is our work rewarding? Yes, in every sense. We’re listed as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK. There’s no better place to develop or transfer your skills and build a fulfilling career.

About this role…

We are looking for a Senior Practitioner to join the Southwark Works Team.

Prevention services support vulnerable people by providing them with skills, housing advice, accommodation, and tenancy sustainment support.  All these services to help people transition towards leading independent lives.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions.

You will:

• Manage a team of Employment Support Workers, providing regular supervision and leadership on a day-to-day basis

• Compile and submit performance reports, carry out regular project evaluations, analysing data and presenting reports

• Provide person-centred and high-quality support to people in Southwark who are unemployed, supporting them to find work

• Manage an active caseload of clients, providing employment coaching support to help people achieve their employment goals

• Develop and maintain strong working partnerships with other managers and departments within the company, and with external organisations such as Southwark Council, Jobcentre Plus, GP practices, employment services, training providers, and community organisations

• Keep up to date with local and national labour market trends, education/training opportunities, welfare benefit changes, and employment law in relation to people with mental health conditions

You will have:

• Knowledge and experience of providing support to people to find employment

• Experience of leading a high-performing team

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and develop relationships with employers and other stakeholders

• Strong IT and administration skills, the ability to manage a caseload, record evidence and interpret data

• Effective time management skills to manage competing demands

• Experience in working creatively and problem solving to tackle obstacles

We are listed in the top 100 UK Best Workplaces 2023 in the UK. As part of a commitment to our employees we offer: 

• Generous holiday allowance – 29 days per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata).

• Pension – we contribute 6.5% to your pension when you contribute 1.5%. 

• Excellent development opportunities – career progression, regular supervision and appraisals, and learning programmes to support your career with Thames Reach. 

• Wellbeing support – our 24/7 employee assistance programme and opportunities for TOIL. 

• Life assurance – four times your annual salary and critical illness cover.

• Other benefits including a blue light discount card, interest free season ticket and cycle to work loans.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

To apply visit our website and complete our application form.

For further information please contact, Jo Hayward, Senior Practitioner via our website. 

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions.

Thames Reach is committed to safeguarding. Applicants must be willing to undergo pre-employment screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Having a criminal record will not exclude you from applying but you will be asked to provide further details as most posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

​

• About The Role

• Do you have experience in working with vulnerable people with complex needs in a Housing,  Hostel or Supported Accommodation environment? 

   
  We have a new Housing job opportunity where you will be working with a team of Housing professionals with the aim of supporting some of the districts’ most vulnerable adults to move on from temporary accommodation. 

  
  You will be managing all temporary and emergency accommodation placements on behalf of Cotswold District Council. The role involves working closely with homeless clients in various emergency accommodation arrangements. The aim is to assist these individuals in accessing affordable housing options and ultimately reducing the time they spend in short-term accommodation.

  
  • You will be based primarily within one of our Hostels working intensively with homeless clients to enable them to access the full range of affordable housing options with the aim of reducing time spent in short term accommodation.

  
  • The role involves travel across our district to visit homelessness households in their temporary accommodation (including Hostels and various B&B’s) with the aim of assisting them with maximising all of the housing options available to them to ensure that they are able to move on from temporary        accommodation as soon as possible.

  
  • Create bespoke ‘Tenancy Ready’ plans for each client and ensure that they have access to the appropriate support and resources to achieve this.

  
  • You will also take part in assisting the Temporary Accommodation Supervisor in ensuring that full risk assessments are carried out on each client before being offered a placement in Council managed accommodation.

  
  • Assist with the daily running of the homeless hostel’s, ensure repairs are promptly reported to the Property Service Team and assist with ensuring H&S risk assessments are up to date and adhered to.

  
  What we are looking for…
  Someone who values structure, confidentiality, and professionalism as much as they do empathy and support. You will be expected to handle sensitive personal information with the utmost discretion, in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols. Maintaining client confidentiality is non-negotiable in this role. 

  You will need to have knowledge of Housing and related legislation, including the Housing Acts, case law, the Homelessness Reduction code of guidance and good practice.

  This role requires a strong understanding of professional boundaries and the ability to maintain them — even in emotionally complex situations. This is a rewarding but demanding role — ideal for someone who thrives on helping others in crisis, but who understands the importance of clear boundaries, resilience, and confidentiality. 

  
  You will need resilience and adaptability as you will often work with people experiencing stress, crisis, or confrontation, so it is essential you can manage these situations calmly and confidently. Being emotionally resilient and understand how to support others without becoming personally involved or emotionally entangled.

  
  Teamwork is essential for this role to work effectively with colleagues and external agencies.

  
  Please note you will be based at the hostel 5 days a week and will need the ability to travel as required.

  
  For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

  
  You will need…
  • GCSEs (5 A-Cs or equivalent, including Maths and English)
  • Experience of working in a Housing, Supported Housing or Homelessness focused service
  • Experience of working with vulnerable people and people with complex needs
  
  Special Conditions…
  • Full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
  • DBS Check

  Should we receive sufficient applications for this role we reserve the right to close the vacancy early, therefore we advise candidates to apply as soon as possible. Previous applicants need not apply.

  
  Publica is a unique place to work – we are a local government organisation with a twist! Publica wants to transform the way local services are delivered. To help do this we have started to fundamentally rethink the way we design our services in the digital era so that Publica is a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.

  
  What can we do for you…
  • Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
  • 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
  • Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
  • Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of 7% of your earnings
  • Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with huge tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
  • Access to digital financial advice (covering your pension scheme, mortgages and other finances)
  • Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
  • Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
  • Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary
  • These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!
  
  To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page and submit your CV and supporting statement. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. It’s important that we’re a good fit for each other, so let us know what’s important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd.

  
  Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

  
  Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. 

  
  Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children.  Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.

• About Us

• You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner Councils (West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Forest of Dean District Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services. 

  
  Publica is a unique place to work, established to transform the way local services are delivered, fundamentally rethinking the way our services are designed and delivered in a digital era, making us a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.