The posting
We’re looking for compassionate, non-judgemental and empathetic individuals to work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. You will use a trauma-informed, person-centred approach to create a safe, welcoming environment, recognising clients’ strengths, lived experiences, and right to make informed choices.
As one of our new Outreach Workers (Move-On Accommodation), you will be supporting people to move from crisis into safe accommodation, and work alongside them to identify longer term, stable move on options. Initially, the successful candidates will be based in Newquay, supporting people into emergency accommodation as part of the Government’s national drive to ensure everyone is ‘off the streets’ by Christmas.
From April 2027, you’ll then focus on the delivery of our 18 – 25yrs move on accommodation service, also in Newquay – so we’re particularly interested in hearing from you if you have relevant experience of supporting young people. This doesn’t need to be in housing – it could be mental health, substance misuse, youth work, social care, community support or another frontline setting.
As part of the wider Homelessness Services team, you’ll get the opportunity to provide cover at our drop-in Resource Centres, based in Truro and Penzance. You’ll also support our Outreach service from time to time across Newquay and surrounding areas. This will involve locating and engaging with people sleeping outdoors, sofa surfing, and those at risk of becoming homeless, building positive relationships and providing advice and guidance on finding accommodation.
Whether in move on accommodation, or accessing Outreach, our clients don’t just need our help with housing. You will also ensure all client's basic needs are met and support them to access physical and mental healthcare, services to recover from dependencies on alcohol or drugs, relevant financial support and any other agencies they would like to link in with.
What you will get from the role
This is an extremely rewarding opportunity to support people to take positive steps towards safe, stable accommodation, and every day you’ll be able to see the impact of your work and how you’re helping to end homelessness in Cornwall.
You’ll get the chance to develop your skills and gain valuable experience in homelessness, housing and support work, with opportunities to develop your knowledge of trauma-informed and person-centred practice. You’ll work collaboratively, forming relationships with colleagues, housing providers, health services and other agencies to help people access the support they need.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 5th November.
Many of our staff work flexibly, including part-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.
What you'll be doing.
- Provide trauma-informed, person-centred support that promotes safety, dignity, and choice.
- Build positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
- Work alongside residents to identify goals and support needs in a collaborative and strengths-based way, co-creating support plans and outcome stars that empower personal development and support progress towards secure, permanent accommodation.
- Make contact and engage regularly with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless across Cornwall.
- Work collaboratively with residents to build confidence and the necessary skills to engage with external agencies and authorities, empowering them to manage their own benefits and access other necessary services themselves.
- Encourage positive health attitudes among residents such as ensuring registration with a local G.P., etc.
- Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality policies and procedures.
- Raise awareness of the services and support networks available through St Petrocs and partner organisations, helping residents to access opportunities that meet their needs.
- Assist clients to ‘move-on’ by liaising and working with the Homelessness Support team and completing a resettlement plan.
- Support residents to understand accommodation charges and manage payments confidently and on time.
- Work with residents to promote understanding of their rights and responsibilities, including their right to complain or provide feedback on services.
- Create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the move-on accommodation and encourage the participation and involvement of each resident.
- Maintain the cleanliness and security of the services, and ensure compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations in accordance with our policies and procedures.
- Carry out practical tasks relating to the day-to-day efficient running of the services, including obtaining household supplies and arranging repairs and replacements, etc.
- Maintain efficient administration systems including case notes, accurate client records and completing accident reports whilst ensuring confidentiality.
- Work in other areas of the service and carry out any other duties as reasonably requested.
- Attend events as a positive ambassador for St Petrocs, promoting and raising awareness of its services and inspiring existing and potential supporters.
Who we're looking for.
You’ll share our core values: Person Centred, Passionate, Empowering, Honest & Courageous
You should have previous experience of working with vulnerable adults, along with a knowledge and appreciation of the many complex issues surrounding homelessness. Ideally, you'll have relevant experience of supporting young people too.
Whilst regular working hours are daytime Monday to Friday, Outreach can be a 7-day service. You will need to work regular weekends (approx. 1 in 8 – subject to change) as well as occasional evening work as directed by your manager.
The role includes lone working in the community, requiring the ability to work independently, manage risk effectively and follow lone working procedures. You must be flexible as the exact location and hours of work may vary depending on the needs of the organisation. Due to the nature of the role, you must also have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle. You will also need to ensure you have appropriate business insurance, as you will frequently need to transport clients to their appointments.
Importantly, we’re looking for someone who passionately believes in our mission of ending homelessness. Homelessness is not an inevitability. It can be solved, and it can be prevented.
In addition to the criteria outlined below, this post is subject to successful completion of a Basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Essential Criteria
- Commitment to our services and the people we serve
- Excellent time management skills
- Able to follow processes and maintain high standards
- Comfortable working independently
- Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
- Able to manage conflict and challenging behaviour
- Able to relate to and motivate disadvantaged individuals
- Energetic, creative and driven, with a proactive and positive approach
What it's like working with us.
We know that our staff are at their best when they feel supported, happy, and healthy – at work and at home. To that end, we’re pleased to offer the following employee benefits:
Family
- 33 days annual leave a year, including bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity, partner, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Paid time off for neonatal care
- Paid time off for IVF treatment
Financial
- Competitive pension scheme
- Long-service awards
- Non-contributory life insurance (up to 3 x basic salary)
- Paid professional subscriptions (where relevant to role)
Wellbeing
- Enhanced sick pay scheme
- Employee assistance programme (EAP) including access to counselling services
- Free eye tests and free vaccinations
