Waking Nights Support Worker

Waking Night Support Worker – Southampton Homelessness Services

37 hours per week on a rota of 4 nights on, 4 nights off

Working hours: 9:30pm to 8am

Salary Scale: 18-21 (£25,369 – £27,044 per annum includes unsocial hours premium)

Permanent

About Us
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Role
We are looking to recruit a Waking Night Support Worker to work in our homelessness hostel in Southampton. Here we offer a wide range of support to people with histories of homelessness, substance and alcohol problems, mental health problems and other complex needs.
You will need to have some experience and knowledge of the needs of vulnerable people with histories of homelessness, severe alcohol/substance dependency and mental health problems.
Essential Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity, with respect to staff and clients
• Awareness and understanding of health and safety
• Understanding of safeguarding for vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of lone working procedures and staying safe at work
• 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
• 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, mental health problems and substance misuse
• Experience of dealing with challenging and dangerous behaviour

Staff Benefits:
We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and well-being services via our Employee
• Assistance Programme
• 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 at risk 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 are an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

To apply, please send your CV & cover letter explaining why you would be suitable for the position.

Please note that CV’s alone will not be considered during shortlisting.

Click here to view the Role Profile.

Application closing date: Friday 28th February 2025

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.