Specialist Outreach Officer - Families

Specialist Outreach Worker – Empower People to Live Independently and Thrive.

We currently have 1 role in Mid Essex (Chelmsford, Braintree & Maldon) and 1 role in West Essex (Harlow). These roles are for 30 hours a week and on a fixed-term basis until March 2027.

Are you someone who thrives on helping others overcome challenges and build brighter futures? Do you enjoy working in a role where no two days are the same, and where your support truly makes a difference? If so, we’ve got a fantastic opportunity for you.

You’ll be working closely with Essex County Council’s Children & Families Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), supporting individuals in independent accommodation.

What your day might look like:

• Start your day at the office, supporting customers with tailored plans to help them maintain their tenancies and improve their wellbeing.
• Offer guidance to people with a range of support needs—from mental health challenges to employment goals.
• Provide both planned and crisis support, working collaboratively with the MDT Team Manager and other professionals.
• Help shape services by listening to customer feedback and promoting a positive, cooperative environment.

What makes this role special:

You’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about empowering people. Whether it’s offering pre-tenancy advice, signposting to welfare support, or helping someone navigate a tough situation—you’ll be there to make sure they feel supported, respected, and confident.

You’ll be employed by Peabody but embedded within a dynamic team at Essex County Council, giving you the best of both worlds: strong support and meaningful impact.

What you’ll need

• Experience in a support‑based role (paid or voluntary)
• Experience working with individuals facing mental health, physical health or employment challenges
• Understanding of housing support needs and welfare benefits
• Ability to provide pre‑tenancy and tenancy sustainment support
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values:
Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.
We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme and discount portal
• Life assurance at 4x your salary
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Staff recognition schemes

Please read before applying

This is not a care role—it’s about empowering people, not doing tasks for them. You’ll support customers to build resilience, learn new skills and take control of their lives. You must be confident working in the community and travelling independently around the Essex area.

Peabody does not offer sponsorship for this role.

Interviews will be held in person at the Pitsea office on Thursday 2nd April 2026.

If you’d love to help people live independently and make a real impact in your community, we’d like to hear from you.
Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Got questions? Reach out to George Murphy, Talent Specialist, at george.murphy@peabody.org.uk