Hostel Support Workers

Central Recruitment is currently working with a London based charity whose mission is to support people experiencing homelessness to find secure accommodation and work towards a positive future. 

Our client is currently recruiting for two permanent Hostel Support Workers, to work in the Twickenham area. The hostel is a 14-bed service that provides 24-hour support to people affected by homelessness or rough sleeping to move off the streets and into safe, secure housing.
 

• 37.5 hours per week
• Monday – Sunday (on a rota basis)
• Shifts: Early (08:00 - 16:00) and late (14:00- 22:00)
• £32,995 per annum
• Permanent roles

This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact in the lives of adults with a history of homelessness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Hold a small caseload of key clients and conduct regular key working sessions
• Deliver trauma-informed, person-centred support, recognising the impact of past trauma, adverse experiences, and systemic disadvantage on residents' behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing
• Complete and regularly review risk assessments, safety plans, and support plans, ensuring risks are clearly identified, managed, and communicated
• Build positive, professional relationships with residents, encouraging engagement in meaningful activities, appointments, or routines where appropriate
• Monitor residents' involvement in the general cleanliness and upkeep of the hostel, promoting shared responsibility and maintaining a healthy living environment
• Manage the project's petty cash and rent floats during shifts, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded, receipts are maintained, and all expenditure is properly authorised
• Remain vigilant for signs of abuse, neglect, self-harm, exploitation, or deterioration in mental or physical health
• Support residents in crisis, using de-escalation techniques and ensuring they access appropriate follow-up support
• Conduct room and communal area checks as required, sensitively identifying and addressing issues such as fire safety risks, hoarding behaviours and unsafe electrical items.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with external agencies, partners, and colleagues
• Carry out routine administrative tasks, including submitting staff expenses, managing petty cash, and maintaining other operational records in line with agreed financial procedures

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Experience supporting people affected by homelessness or rough sleeping, including those with complex needs such as mental ill-health, substance use, or trauma
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessment, with the ability to identify, respond to and escalate concerns promptly
• Understanding of the issues, barriers and behaviours that people experiencing homelessness may display, and the ability to respond with compassion and psychologically informed strategies
• Ability to build positive relationships and motivate individuals who may initially be wary of services
• Ability to work with clients who may display challenging behaviour, using de-escalation and support techniques.
• Organisational skills and confidence using IT systems for case notes and monitoring data
• Knowledge of local services and community resources supporting homeless or vulnerable people.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and recovery approaches.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements in a residential setting and ability to apply them practically

FURTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Current valid right to work in the UK
• Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
• A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
• Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

HOW TO APPLY:

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.

*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position.