Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker

The Rough Sleeping Outreach team providers a vital service in Portsmouth to support and engage with people who may have become homeless and have resorted to sleeping rough in the city.

The Outreach team goes out at different times of day, including early in the morning, to look for people sleeping rough and to help them away from the streets. The team's priority is to seek to engage with rough sleepers and check their immediate health and wellbeing, gather information about their situation, and provide further advice, support and signposting to appropriate services in the city - including Portsmouth City Council's Rough Sleeping Hub in Queen Street.

People who have slept rough might find it hard to trust others because of negative experiences; it's crucial to build up trust and get to know people individually. Rough Sleeping Outreach Workers will therefore take a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to working with any individuals who may be rough sleeping, and make use of the strong partnerships with other organisations in Portsmouth to help them access accommodation and support, such as physical and mental health services, drug and alcohol services, legal support and advocacy.

Reporting to the Senior Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker, you will be part of a small team which will provide the Rough Sleeping Outreach service within the city. The team will manage a caseload of clients who are known to be sleeping rough in Portsmouth. These cases are likely to require a range of interventions as part of a tailored package of support which could include assisting with benefit claims, GP registrations, exploring housing options and engaging in recovery support for addiction.