Housing Support Worker

About Nacro

Nacro is an organization dedicated to providing individuals with opportunities for a better future through housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services. We believe in supporting people to succeed and advocating for their voices to be heard, aiming to create lasting positive change. We focus on seeing the potential in everyone, regardless of their past.

About the Role

This position is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) program, a nationwide initiative commissioned by the Ministry of Justice across England and Wales. The service offers accommodation and support to individuals assessed as low to medium risk, who are eligible for home detention curfew or bail. The program aims to reduce prison populations by supporting community-based licensing and assisting former inmates in establishing crime-free, independent lives.

Responsibilities

• Support Service Users: Conduct assessments of individual support requirements, develop personalized support and safety plans, and assist with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments to foster independence and ensure tenancy stability.
• Property Management: Ensure all properties adhere to the Decent Homes Standard, address maintenance issues promptly, and guide service users on maintaining safe and suitable living environments.
• Collaboration: Liaise effectively with probation services, court personnel, housing providers, and other relevant agencies to deliver integrated support and optimize outcomes for service users.
• Tenancy & Independence Support: Equip service users with essential life skills, assist them in managing their accommodation, and prepare them for a successful transition to independent living.
• Risk & Safeguarding: Identify and manage instances of anti-social behaviour, safeguarding concerns, and tenancy-related risks, ensuring all interventions are documented and handled according to established policies.
• Record Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure service delivery aligns with contractual and organizational mandates.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a support or housing-related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable adults and individuals facing complex challenges.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in communication, organization, and record-keeping.
• Aptitude for building positive professional relationships and motivating individuals.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles, confidentiality protocols, and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of housing support strategies, tenancy sustainment practices, and welfare benefit systems.
• Capability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-agency team.
• Resilience and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• A creative approach to problem-solving and overcoming obstacles.
• Emotional intelligence and responsiveness to diverse individual needs.
• Strong collaborative spirit and effective teamwork skills.

Preferred Skills

• A genuine interest in engaging with people, adapting communication methods, and making sound judgments.
• Ability to operate professionally while balancing service user welfare with Nacro's organizational objectives.
• Excellent organizational capabilities, including the management of multiple priorities.
• Competence in using standard office software (Outlook, Word, Excel); internal system training will be provided.

Pay and Compensation

The annual salary for this position is £27,807, which includes a base salary of £26,807 plus an additional £1,000 for unsociable hours. The starting salary is within Nacro’s pay structure at £26,807 (pro-rata), with potential progression to £27,477 (pro-rata) within the first year, contingent upon meeting performance criteria. Further pay increases are possible based on performance and professional development. Nacro's pay framework is designed for transparency in progression and supports career advancement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nacro is committed to being a fair and inclusive employer, recognizing the value of a diverse team. We operate a 'Ban the Box' policy and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including individuals with criminal records. Criminal history will not be considered during the application stage and will only be assessed later if relevant to the role, in a fair, proportionate, and confidential manner. For confidential advice, please contact our Criminal Record Support Service at 0300 123 1999 or helpline@nacro.org.uk.