Specialist Outreach Support Worker

Do you want a role where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping?

At Peabody, we're committed to helping people live well and independently. As part of our Essex Drug and Alcohol Street Support Team, commissioned by Essex County Council, you'll work directly with people experiencing rough sleeping, substance misuse and other complex challenges, helping them access the support, treatment and accommodation they need to move forward with their lives.

This is a rewarding and varied role where you'll build trusted relationships with individuals who can often be difficult to engage, providing practical support, advocacy and encouragement to help them make positive and sustainable changes.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Specialist Outreach Support Worker, you'll work across the community to:

• Engage with rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness, providing assertive outreach and person-centred support.
• Build trusting relationships that encourage individuals to access accommodation, treatment and health services.
• Support customers to make informed decisions that improve their wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
• Advocate on behalf of customers and help them navigate housing, welfare and support services.
• Promote financial wellbeing and help individuals access appropriate benefits and support.
• Complete assessments, maintain accurate records and ensure safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately.
• Work closely with statutory agencies, housing providers, healthcare professionals and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes for customers.
• Contribute to Peabody's mission to reduce rough sleeping and improve lives across Essex.

About You

We're looking for someone who is self-motived and used to lone working but also used to working other teams across other services. You are passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and believes in the power of positive relationships. You have the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and building trust with those who may be reluctant to access services. You’ll also be:

• Experience supporting adults with complex needs in a housing, outreach, floating support, caseworker or accommodation-based setting.
• Knowledge of homelessness, rough sleeping, substance misuse and the challenges faced by vulnerable adults.
• Experience completing risk and needs assessments and an understanding of safeguarding, housing legislation and welfare benefits.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a range of agencies and stakeholders.
• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Experience working with individuals who are traditionally hard to engage.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing circumstances and customer needs.
• Committed to equality, inclusion and delivering services that put people first.
• A persistent, patient and solution-focused approach.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days’ annual holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies

At Peabody, our values guide everything we do — Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.

Please read before applying

As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.

This is a community-based role covering West Essex (Loughton, Epping, Harlow, Chigwell and Uttlesford) and at times, there will be requirement to cover other patches.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams on the 5th or 6th October, and then meet in person on 12th October. (The 2nd stage interview will also involve our 3rd party partner)

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Charlene Moore, Talent Specialist at charlene.moore@peabody.org.uk