Practical Support Worker | Southend-on-Sea| 37 hours | £28,135
The Role
This is a rewarding, hands-on role supporting individuals who may be facing challenging circumstances to move into accommodation, create a comfortable home and build the confidence and skills needed to live independently. You will provide practical support with everything from basic DIY, assembling furniture and sourcing household essentials to setting up utilities, managing bills and developing everyday budgeting and household skills.
Working closely with individuals, you will encourage independence, offer guidance and help people maintain their tenancies and settle into their new homes. You will be part of a friendly, busy team based in Westcliff-on-Sea, carrying out daily visits to properties across the Southend-on-Sea area. This is a great opportunity for someone practical, approachable and compassionate who enjoys making a genuine difference in people's lives.
Main Responsibilities
Preparing Homes for Move-In
- Carry out property checks to ensure homes are safe, clean and ready for occupation.
- Source essential furniture, white goods and household starter packs.
- Identify and report repairs, maintenance issues and safety concerns.
- Arrange necessary repairs and replacements to minimise property vacancies.
Moving In and Practical Support
- Assist individuals with moving into their new homes, including transporting belongings, assembling flat-pack furniture and light decorating.
- Support with setting up utilities, taking meter readings, registering for council tax and updating addresses and housing benefit arrangements.
- Carry out basic practical tasks within health and safety guidelines, referring specialist work to approved contractors.
Developing Independent Living Skills
- Help individuals develop everyday skills, including budgeting, managing bills, cleaning, recycling and reporting repairs.
- Support people to understand their tenancy responsibilities and access local services.
- Encourage confidence, independence and the ability to manage their own home.
Tenancy Sustainment
- Carry out regular visits to check how individuals are settling into their homes.
- Identify and address early concerns such as rent arrears, maintenance issues, neighbour disputes or isolation.
- Provide practical guidance and work alongside support teams to help individuals maintain their tenancies.
- Ensure appropriate handovers when practical support comes to an end.
Safeguarding, Health & Safety
- Recognise and report safeguarding concerns promptly.
- Follow lone-working, risk assessment, manual handling and health and safety procedures.
- Maintain professional boundaries and ensure the safety of individuals and colleagues.
- Use vehicles, tools and equipment safely and responsibly.
Administration and Record Keeping
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of visits, support provided and outcomes.
- Contribute to service monitoring, reports and case studies.
- Record progress and the impact of support in helping individuals maintain independent living.
Teamwork and Professional Development
- Work closely with housing, property and support teams to provide a joined-up service.
- Promote a respectful, compassionate and person-centred approach.
- Attend team meetings, supervision and relevant training.
- Encourage feedback from individuals and contribute to improving the service.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties relevant to the role.
What You’ll Need
Qualifications
- Good literacy and numeracy skills.
- Able to complete paperwork, records and support people with forms, bills and budgets.
- Relevant Level 2 or 3 qualification in housing, health and social care or support work (desirable).
- Willingness to work towards a relevant qualification (desirable).
Relevant Experience
- Experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances (essential).
- Practical experience preparing homes, assembling furniture, basic DIY and setting up utilities (essential).
- Experience in homelessness, supported housing or working with landlords (desirable).
Skills and Abilities
- Able to teach everyday living skills and encourage independence.
- Understanding of safeguarding, risk assessments and lone working.
- Knows when and how to report concerns.
- Able to manage a busy workload and prioritise tasks.
- Confident maintaining accurate records using computer systems.
- Knowledge of tenancy responsibilities, utilities, Universal Credit and local Southend services (desirable).
Personal Attributes
- Compassionate, patient and non-judgemental.
- Committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect.
- Calm, practical and able to use initiative.
- Confident working independently in the community.
- Maintains professional boundaries when working in people's homes.
- Flexible and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Additional Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle insured for business use, or alternative suitable transport.
- Physically able to move and assemble furniture, with reasonable adjustments where needed.
What’s in it for you?
- Starting salary £28,135 rising incrementally to £30,635
- Fixed Term 12 months
- 37 Hours per week
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light Card
- Staff are entitled to 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays, with an extra day awarded after 5 years of service (pro-rated for part-time employees).
- Training and Development
- 24/7 Digital GP Access
- A day off for your birthday!
- Cycle to work scheme
- Reimbursed parking
** Please note that the closing date for this role is 15th Nov with interviews being held on 27th Nov **
