Senior Project Worker

We're looking for a Senior Project Worker to share responsibility for the effective daily operation of Catching Lives’ services, in the day centre and in the community. They coordinate with the Manager, colleagues, volunteers and external partners to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in which people get the help that they need to make positive changes and move on in their lives. The post-holder provides one-to-one support to clients and works alongside the Manager to offer support and oversight to the wider client-facing team. They are the Designated Safeguarding Lead, assessing and escalating concerns in line with our policy and safeguarding best practice, and participating in multi-agency safeguarding work.

Key responsibilities

Tenancy Sustainment

• In conjunction with the Manager and Senior Project Worker, assess and prioritise the need for tenancy support on a case-by-case basis.
• Meet people in the day centre before they move into a tenancy.
• Visit clients in their homes and in community locations to provide practical and motivational support to sustain tenancies and prevent repeat homelessness.
• Share practical skills and guidance to support tenants e.g. paying bills, reporting disrepair, choosing furniture etc.
• Help people get to know their neighbourhood e.g. visiting a local café, GP etc.
• Problem-solve with individuals to overcome challenges or concerns.
• Liaise with other agencies e.g. councils, landlords, social services, housing associations, maintenance contractors to help people sustain their tenancies.
• Apply for individual grants or provide direct support through Catching Lives’ tenancy sustainment budget for specific items e.g. household starter packs.
• Keep accurate records of tenancy sustainment actions and outcomes.
• Make appropriate use of technology provided by Catching Lives e.g. alert systems for checking in and out when lone working.

Community progression

• In conjunction with colleagues, identify people who want to access community activities, education, training, employment or volunteering.
• Make plans on a case-by-case basis, led by the client.
• Develop external relationships and establish referral pathways/signposting to local partners e.g. employment, education, training, volunteering.
• Identify community groups/activities and share relevant information with clients.
• Accompany clients e.g. to open days, taster sessions, course registration.
• Keep accurate records of community progression actions and outcomes.

Who we're looking for

Essential

• Experience of providing one-to-one support or advice to individuals e.g. in relation to housing, benefits, healthcare.
• Good practical knowledge and skills around household/tenancy management.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, and to use initiative.
• Experience of managing a workload with varied time-sensitive tasks.
• Experience of coordinating work with colleagues and/or external stakeholders.
• Able to communicate clearly and to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to offer a friendly, non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, and other challenges.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Able to handle challenging behaviour with confidence.
• Able to write and speak concisely in plain English.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Clean driving licence and access to a car for use at work.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current legislation and practice relevant to tenants.
• Experience in a related service e.g. advice, housing and homelessness, employment, community.
• Understanding how to work in a trauma-informed way.
• Experience of following Safeguarding processes with people at risk.
• Fluency in additional languages.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or experience of using services such as mental health, substance use, criminal justice.

Working at Catching Lives

Catching Lives is a community charity, currently staffed by a team of 10. We’re in the process of expanding with current recruitment, so that we can introduce community-based support alongside strengthening our core day centre offer.

The successful candidate will complete a structured induction that includes shadowing colleagues and visiting local services. Staff typically attend weekly team meetings on Wednesday afternoons, as well as having regular 1-1s with their line manager, and there is confidential access to an employee assistance scheme. The day centre offers free tea and coffee throughout the working day. As well as core training for new starters, there are ongoing training and development opportunities.

The job is open to anyone with the experience and skills listed in the Essential section of the Person Specification below. The post is subject to DBS and reference checks, but please note that our policy does not automatically exclude people with past offences.

We particularly encourage applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented in our team including men, Black and Asian people, LGBTQ+ people and people with lived experience of homelessness.