Welcome, Future Changemaker
Thank you for landing here – whether by luck, design, or a gentle nudge from the universe. We’re genuinely thrilled that you’re interested in joining First People Housing.
If this is your first time here, might we suggest a little wander around the rest of our site first? It’s the best way to get a feel for who we are, what we do, and – more importantly – why we do it. (Spoiler alert: it involves people, purpose, and a whole lot of heart.)
We are Hiring!
Yes, it’s true. The FPH family is growing, and we’re looking for not one, not two, but three fabulous human beings to join our mission.
We're currently recruiting for:
Support & Development Worker
Whether you’ve got leadership running through your veins or you're passionate about walking alongside people on their journey to stability and strength – we might just be your next big adventure.
What to Do Next
All the juicy details – job descriptions, how to apply, our vibes, values and vision – can be found below. Take your time, have a good read, and when you’re ready, we’d love to hear from you.
And if you have any questions at all – even the tiny, niggling ones – drop us a line at info@firstpeople.org.uk. We’re friendly. Promise.
Why First People Housing?
Because we believe in people first, always.
Because we know housing is just the start of the story.
Because we do things with love, not just logic.
Because working here means being part of something deeply human – with joy, purpose, challenges, and a team that’s got your back
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.
Important Information Before You Apply
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
First People Housing CIC - Core Values
These values have been shaped to reflect the heart, mission, and approach of First People Housing CIC. They are designed to guide our daily work, celebrate what we do well, and offer a shared language for growing together.
Compassion in Action - We lead with heart. Every client is met with care, respect, and dignity.
Integrity Without Exception - We do what’s right, not what’s easy. We show up honestly and responsibly.
Community at the Core - We’re not just a service — we’re part of something bigger. We succeed together.
People Before Process - Systems support us — but people drive us. We’re flexible, authentic, and kind.
Accountability with Heart - We take ownership, we hold each other supportively to high standards, and we grow both as individuals and a team.
Growth as a Team -We support each other’s development — as professionals, and as people.
Job Description
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 £25,358 to £30,870 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.
Role Purpose
The Support and Development Worker will provide high-quality, one-to-one support to individuals transitioning from homelessness and recovering from complex life challenges. This includes helping clients sustain tenancies, access services, and achieve personal goals. The role is deeply rooted in building trusting relationships, fostering resilience, and promoting behaviour change in line with trauma-informed, person-led principles.
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.
Person Specification
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.
Core Values and Behaviours
We are seeking individuals who:
Empathise deeply with service users and demonstrate a trauma-informed approach.
Work with integrity, respecting confidentiality and acting with accountability.
Promote inclusion and equality, challenging discrimination and stigma.
Empower others to make sustainable changes and celebrate personal growth.
Build collaborative partnerships across systems and services.
Adapt quickly to changing needs and demonstrate resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
The Values of a Support and Development Worker at First People Housing CIC
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.
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