Job Title: Support and Development Worker
Location: Based at the Head Office but out and about seeing clients
Reports to: Support and Development Team Leader
Salary: Range from £26,625 to £32,414 depending on experience
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
About First People Housing CIC
First People Housing CIC is a socially-driven organization working to empower individuals who have experienced homelessness, substance misuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system. We provide person-centered housing support, focused on building stability, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Our aim is to reduce exclusion and promote sustainable change in the lives of those we serve.
You will work directly with people involved in First People Housing CIC services, supporting them through practical projects and community-based activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide intensive tenancy support to clients with a history of homelessness, substance misuse, or offending.
- Co-create support plans that reflect individual goals and promote sustainable independence.
- Work proactively with clients to prevent tenancy breakdown through early intervention and advocacy.
- Deliver targeted interventions aimed at behaviour change, harm reduction, and positive lifestyle development.
- Support clients to access appropriate treatment, housing, benefits, education, and community resources.
- Monitor and record progress through regular reviews and update case notes accurately and confidentially.
- Respond to crisis situations sensitively and in line with safeguarding procedures.
- Build positive, non-judgemental working relationships that foster motivation and trust.
- Work collaboratively with external partners, including housing providers, probation, health, and social care teams.
- Participate in regular supervision, reflective practice, and team meetings to ensure consistent support delivery.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience working with people affected by homelessness, substance misuse, and/or offending behaviour.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice and strengths-based approaches.
- Demonstrable ability to manage complex caseloads and build professional, empowering relationships.
- Knowledge of tenancy rights, housing law, and local support systems.
- Confidence to de-escalate challenging behaviours and manage risk effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and record keeping.
- Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and promoting service user voice.
Desirable Skills
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, Housing, or similar).
- Experience in motivational interviewing, harm reduction, or behaviour change programmes.
- Lived experience or strong empathy with the issues facing the client group.
1.Empathy and a Trauma-Informed Approach
You understand that behind every behavior is a story — often one shaped by trauma, adversity, and marginalisation. You respond not with judgement but with empathy, compassion, and curiosity. You work in a way that honors each individual’s experience and promotes psychological safety in every interaction.
2.Integrity, Accountability, and Confidentiality
You conduct yourself with professionalism and unwavering integrity, earning the trust of those you support and work alongside. You respect confidentiality, uphold safeguarding principles, and are accountable for your actions and decisions. You know when to act, when to escalate, and always do so in the best interest of the individual.
3.Inclusion, Equality, and Anti-Discrimination
You actively challenge discrimination, stigma, and systemic inequality. You celebrate diversity and advocate for fair treatment, ensuring all service users — regardless of background, identity, or circumstance — feel valued, respected, and included. You are committed to creating spaces where every voice matters.
4.Empowerment and Strength-Based Support
You believe in people’s capacity to change — even when they don't yet believe it themselves. You provide support that nurtures independence, fosters confidence, and helps individuals identify and build on their own strengths. You celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, because you know that transformation happens in steps.
5.Collaboration and Partnership
You understand that lasting change requires community. You work effectively across systems and services — building relationships with partners in housing, mental health, justice, and beyond. You share knowledge generously and advocate for wraparound, joined-up support that puts the person at the center.
6.Adaptability, Resilience, and Creative Problem-Solving
In a world that changes quickly, you are resourceful and adaptable. You remain calm under pressure, respond positively to challenge, and think creatively when faced with barriers. You are resilient in the face of setbacks and bring energy and optimism to your work, even on the toughest days.
An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
At FPH, many of our roles involve travel to various locations. To ensure you can fulfill the responsibilities of the position, please note the following requirements:
- Valid UK Driving Licence: You must possess a current and valid UK driving licence appropriate for the vehicle you'll be operating.
- Access to a Vehicle: You should have access to a reliable vehicle at all times during your working hours.
- Business Insurance: Your vehicle must be insured for business use, covering the nature of the work you'll undertake with us.
- Right to Work in the UK: You must have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
These requirements are essential to meet our operational needs and to comply with legal and insurance obligations.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme (including legal advice, counselling, and wellbeing support)
- Monthly formal supervision with a senior counsellor
- 1 hour per month dedicated to personal wellbeing during worktime
- Flexible working culture, we understand that life happens
- Combination of office-based and community-based work
- Ongoing training and CPD (Continual Professional Development)
- Opportunities for career progression
- Be part of the First People family, a team that values purpose, integrity, and people-first practice.
At FPH, many of our roles involve travel to various locations. To ensure you can fulfill the responsibilities of the position, please note the following requirements:
- Valid UK Driving Licence: You must possess a current and valid UK driving license appropriate for the vehicle you'll be operating.
- Access to a Vehicle: You should have access to a reliable vehicle at all times during your working hours.
- Business Insurance: Your vehicle must be insured for business use, covering the nature of the work you'll undertake with us.
- Right to Work in the UK: You must have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for all roles
These requirements are essential to meet our operational needs and to comply with legal and insurance obligations.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the role and values of First People Housing CIC to info@firstpeople.org.uk