Complex Needs Housing Support Officer
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Location: Walton on Thames, office based with extensive local travel
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week - flexibly across operational hours, evenings and weekends where required
Contact: Permanent
Responsible to: Director of Client Services
Job Purpose
Do you have a passion for working with people and helping to end homelessness? If so, Rentstart is the workplace for you! An exciting opportunity is available to join our fantastic team in Elmbridge to work towards ending the cycle of homelessness in our borough and across Surrey.
This role will focus on the prevention of homelessness and the recovery of clients towards independence of support. This will include addressing behavioral issues that may affect a tenancy, rent arrears leading on to budgeting training and job search. This will all be carried out in a trauma informed way with access to mental health support.
As a Complex Needs Housing Support Officer you will work with the complex needs clients housed with Rentstart as required. You will be supporting clients in their homes, in the community and at our office in Walton-on-Thames.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated staff member for our service in Walton on Thames. The role will require you to work alongside the Support Manager to provide a high level of support to these clients at our Rentstart Hub.
You will be in a specialist prevention and recovery role designed to work with people who experience multiple disadvantages relating to mental ill health, physical health & substance use needs. You will also play a key part in reducing the risk of re-offending, liaising with external professionals, preventing homelessness and promoting the independence and social inclusion of these clients.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with clients experiencing homelessness and multiple complex needs, including mental ill health, substance use, offending history, and other vulnerabilities
* Provide tailored support that focuses on homelessness prevention and recovery, promoting independence and social inclusion
* Assist clients in addressing behavioral issues that may impact their tenancy, including rent arrears, budgeting, and job searching
* Deliver trauma-informed support, ensuring access to mental health services where required
* Work alongside the Support Manager to provide a high level of housing-related support at Rentstart Hub
* Support clients in securing and maintaining suitable accommodation, including supported housing, private rented sector, or other move-on options
* Develop and implement individual support plans based on client needs, goals, and risk assessments
* Collaborate with external professionals and partner agencies, including mental health teams, substance misuse services, probation, and housing providers
* Reduce the risk of re-offending through proactive engagement and support strategies
* Maintain accurate client records, case notes, and reports to track progress and outcomes
* Engage clients who may be reluctant to accept support, using a flexible and client-centered approach
* Respond calmly and effectively to crisis situations, providing appropriate interventions and referrals
* Promote the principles of assessment, planned support, key working, goal setting, and advocacy for vulnerable clients
About You
We are looking for a dedicated and proactive individual with a strong understanding of working with vulnerable adults with complex support needs. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting clients with multiple disadvantages and a passion for homelessness prevention and recovery.
* Experience of working with vulnerable adults facing complex challenges such as substance use, mental ill health, offending, and housing instability
* Knowledge of housing-related legislation and the ability to support clients in securing suitable accommodation
* Experience of working with individuals experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping
* Proven track record of achieving measurable outcomes with clients with complex needs
* Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships with local services, ensuring effective signposting and referrals
* Understanding of assessment and risk management, planned support, key working, and advocacy
* Ability to work under pressure, respond calmly to crises, and handle complex and challenging situations effectively
* Strong literacy, numeracy, and IT skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and use common software packages
* Sensitivity and flexibility to engage clients who may have low levels of service engagement
* Access to own vehicle. A full clean driving licence and insurance for business use including transporting clients
* Experience in a similar role within the housing, homelessness, or social care sector
* Familiarity with trauma-informed care and psychologically informed environments
* Experience working within multi-agency partnerships to support clients with multiple disadvantages
* Understanding of the impact of homelessness and multiple disadvantages on individuals and communities
There closing date for applications to this role is midday on Friday 4th April 2025
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
* Industries: Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr