Support Worker

Support Worker
£26986 - £27780 pro rata Starting at (£13.99ph) plus unsocial premium
Permanent
Portsmouth Rough Sleeping Service

Various Part Time positions including
8am - 12 noon - 18.5 hours per week
3.30 pm - 10.30 pm - 22.5 hours per week
2.30pm - 10.30pm - 15 hours per week

About the role

This is a great opportunity to join the Society of St James as a Homelessness Support Worker to work in our Homeless Temporary Supported Accommodation in Portsmouth.

The Society of St James provides a wide range of support to people from all walks of life experiencing homelessness, substance use which is impacting their daily living, poor mental ill health and other complex needs. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most vulnerable and socially excluded members of society. The Society of St James' mission is to prevent and end homelessness while helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives, regain independence, and live with dignity.

At our hostels, we like to tailor our support to our clients' individual strengths, goals and choices rather than applying a one-size fits all approach. Joining us at a crucial part of our clients' journeys is both a rewarding and varied role. We focus on empowering our clients through supporting them build life skills, navigate local services and secure sustainable long-term housing.

Our main aim and priority are to find people with values, behaviours and attitudes to match our own.

It will be beneficial to have some experience and knowledge of the needs of vulnerable people with histories of homelessness, alcohol/substance dependency and poor mental ill health.

To apply, submit your CV and covering letter explaining how you think you meet the criteria.

Essential Criteria

Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity, with respect to staff and clients
Ability to listen and communicate effectively with clients
Ability to adhere to risk assessments and follow risk management plans
Literacy and IT skills sufficient to demonstrate ability to write letters and emails (essential)
Ability to encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle choices
Ability to remain calm in difficult situations

Desirable Criteria

Experience of working with people with histories of homelessness, poor mental ill health and substance use (desirable)
Experience of dealing with challenging and dangerous behaviour (desirable)
Awareness and understanding of health and safety
Understanding of safeguarding for vulnerable adults
Knowledge of lone working procedures and staying safe at work

Staff Benefits

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping vulnerable people:

A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
Flexible working options
Buying additional annual leave
Comprehensive induction and training
Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
Company cycle to work scheme
Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers

Our Values

SSJ believes that every human being is of worth and is worthy of respect. Individuals will be dealt with on the basis of their current needs and situations. SSJ is prepared to take risks in order to house and support the most vulnerable and socially excluded members of our society.

Respect - SSJ values and respect communities, individuals, colleagues and resources.
Response - SSJ reacts to change, opportunity and challenges and act when they see something wrong.
Recognition - SSJ sees people as assets and help them to reach their full potential.

SSJ is committed to promoting Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. However, we are unable to accept applications from those seeking a Sponsorship.

Closing Date: Sunday 11th October 2026