Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Company Limited by Guarantee number 1741926 Charity Number 287779 Registered in England as Single Homeless Project
shp Single Homeless Project
Job title: Trainee Floating Support Worker
Responsible for: N/A
Job purpose
At Single Homeless Project (SHP), Floating Support is about stepping in before housing insecurity becomes homelessness, crisis or further harm. Our services work alongside people facing disadvantage, instability and multiple barriers, helping them stay safe in their own homes and build the confidence, skills and support networks they need to move forward.
The Trainee Floating Support Worker role exists to support this work while developing the next generation of skilled, values-led frontline practitioners. You will be based within an SHP Floating Support Service, learning how to provide flexible, housing-related support that helps clients sustain their accommodation, reduce risk, improve wellbeing and strengthen their independence.
Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will contribute to person-centred support that helps clients understand their options, build on their strengths and take practical steps towards greater stability. This will include developing your skills in structured key working, assessment, risk management and support planning, while gradually building your confidence and caseload over time.
For SHP, this role plays an important part in strengthening our services for the future. It supports our commitment to growing passionate, capable practitioners who can meet people where they are, hold hope during difficult moments, and deliver support that helps clients stay housed, safe and in control of their lives.
Key accountabilities
Supporting clients and casework activity
Support clients to sustain accommodation, reduce housing-related risks and build the skills needed to live safely and independently.
Provide one-to-one coaching around life skills, including budgeting, food and nutrition, tenancy management, routines and independent living.
Motivate and support clients to attend key appointments, meet statutory requirements and engage in activities that support their goals.
Accompany clients to scheduled appointments where needed, while helping them build confidence to attend independently over time.
Support clients with significant housing-related tasks, including rent/service charge responsibilities, move-on planning and practical arrangements linked to new or permanent accommodation.
Help clients research and access resources, services and opportunities that reflect their individual needs, strengths and interests.
Keep safeguarding, risk and clients’ immediate needs at the centre of your work.
Assessment, referrals and support planning
Support the referral team with new referrals, including initial responses, database recording and related administration.
Support Floating Support Workers with joint assessment visits and office-based assessment days.
Assist case-holding Support Workers to understand clients’ needs, contribute to support plans and follow agreed risk management plans.
Gather and share information that supports effective assessment, risk management and housing-related support.
Information management
Record client contact, activity, outcomes, needs assessments and risk information accurately on SHP systems, including Inform, and within required timescales.
Ensure referral, assessment and support information is clear, up to date and handled appropriately.
Follow SHP’s confidentiality, data protection and client always recording policies.
Partnerships and community links
Build positive links with statutory services, voluntary agencies, specialist organisations and community resources.
Support clients to access external services, including healthcare, specialist advice, grants, education, training, employment and move-on opportunities.
Advocate for clients where appropriate, helping ensure their needs, strengths and goals are understood.
Social inclusion and client voice
Support clients to develop life skills, take part in meaningful activities and build connections within their community.
Promote feedback routes, including complaints, suggestions and involvement opportunities, so clients can help shape the service.
Share feedback, observations and ideas with colleagues and managers to help keep the service responsive and relevant.
Health and safety
Work in line with SHP’s Health and Safety Policy, local procedures and legal responsibilities.
Help maintain the safety of clients, colleagues, contractors, visitors and yourself always.
Follow local procedures for lone working, fire safety, safe visiting and incident reporting, raising concerns promptly.
Teamwork, learning and development
Take an active role in team meetings, supervision, reflective practice, performance reviews and training.
Take responsibility for your own learning and development, making the most of internal and external training opportunities.
Work positively with colleagues to support a cohesive, professional and values-led service.
Work in line with SHP’s aims, values, policies and procedures, contributing to support that is flexible, consistent and focused on positive change.
Miscellaneous
SHP is at discretion to amend your responsibilities and, in addition to these, you may be required to perform other duties as may be required for the efficient running of the organisation.
To create inclusive working environments and cultures to enable colleagues and clients to feel safe and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Technical and professional know-how needed for position
When completing your application, you will be required to address (using examples) some of the points below
Experience and Knowledge
An aptitude for working with clients in a community and residential setting, including personal qualities that make you suited to work in an environment where clients may present with difficult or challenging behaviours.
Skills and Abilities
A willingness to take on new tasks to build on your professional development and experience.
The ability to use IT applications and basic keyboard skills, excellent levels of literacy and numeracy.
The ability to learn and apply the principles of planned support and goal setting.
The ability to understand and apply the principles underlying a quality and customer focussed service and a willingness to work in a way that empowers our clients.
The ability to be self-motivating, work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritising different areas of work according to need.