Practical Support Worker

Practical Support Worker – Homelessness & Housing

We are seeking a practical, compassionate Support Worker to help people settle into their new homes, build independence and maintain successful tenancies.

Job Title: Practical Support Worker – Homelessness & Housing
Salary: £28,135 – £30,635 per annum
Location: Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 12-month fixed term
Closing Date: Thursday 12 November 2026

About the role

Are you a hands-on, practical person who enjoys helping others? Would you like a role where you can see the difference you make every day?

We are looking for a Practical Support Worker to help people who have experienced homelessness make a successful move into their own accommodation.

This is a varied, community-based role combining practical tasks with personal support. You'll help people prepare their homes, settle in and develop the confidence and everyday skills needed to live independently.

Working closely with the wider housing support team, you'll provide focused support, typically for up to 12 weeks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Helping people prepare for moving into their new homes, including checking properties are safe and ready.
• Sourcing essential furniture, household items and equipment.
• Providing hands-on assistance with moving, assembling furniture and light decorating.
• Helping people arrange utilities, council tax, benefits and other essential services.
• Supporting individuals to develop practical living skills, including budgeting, cleaning and managing household responsibilities.
• Identifying tenancy issues early and helping people resolve problems before they escalate.
• Working alongside colleagues to ensure individuals receive coordinated support.
• Maintaining accurate records and following safeguarding and health and safety procedures.

About you

We're looking for someone who is approachable, reliable and enjoys practical problem-solving. You don't necessarily need a background in homelessness services, but you must have experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances, whether through employment, volunteering or lived experience.

You'll also bring:

• Practical skills, including basic DIY, furniture assembly or setting up a home.
• A patient, supportive approach that encourages independence.
• Good communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Confidence working independently and managing a varied workload.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• The ability to meet the travel and transport requirements of this community-based role.

Experience in housing, homelessness or tenancy support would be an advantage but is not essential.

About the organisation

Our client is an established homelessness charity dedicated to helping people overcome homelessness and build brighter, more independent futures.

With a strong commitment to dignity, kindness and respect, the organisation provides practical support and housing services to people facing challenging circumstances.

This is an opportunity to join a supportive team where your practical skills and compassionate approach can make a genuine difference.

Additional information: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Housing Support Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Floating Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Resettlement Worker, Move-On Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Housing Assistant or Practical Support Assistant.

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