Jobs at Spires

Current Vacancies:

Support Worker

Job title: Support Worker

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time - 36 hours per week - to include late-night outreach

Reports to: Head of Client Services

Direct/indirect reports to: None

Introduction:

Spires was established as a response to homelessness that had become a growing concern in Lambeth in the late 1980s. Initially providing a hot meal, clothing, and advice to those who came for help, Spires has developed into an organization that provides a range of services, including day centre sytle drop ins for homeless people, a Women’s drop in, a Refugee drop in and outreach targeted at supporting Women who are sex working.

Our core mission is to support homeless people into housing and to assist those who have been homeless in maintaining their accommodation, reducing the risks they face, and increasing their choices. We assess need, create support plans, and provide ongoing key work to empower people to improve their circumstances.                     

1.   Job Profile

Purpose of Role:

  • Support the effective delivery of Spires services across the range of activities provided,

  • Provide casework, support planning, and key working sessions for Spires’ clients.

  • Assess and respond to client needs, ensuring high-quality, person-centred support.

Position in Organisation:

Part of the Spires Support Team, reporting to the Head of Clients Services. This is a new position and will work across all of Spires’ services.

Working Contacts:

  • Internal: Collaboration with staff and volunteers, particularly the head of client Services, Service Coordinators, and other support workers.

  • External: Direct engagement with vulnerable individuals and coordination with partner agencies as part of a multi-agency approach.

2.     Key Duties and Responsibilities

Centre-Based Services:

  • Ensure smooth and safe running of centre sessions in collaboration with staff and volunteers.

  • Welcome and assess new clients, providing appropriate support and referrals.

  • Maintain a psychologically informed environment and manage challenging behaviours effectively.

  • Supervise and support volunteers.

Outreach and Support Work:

  • Engage with individuals in various settings to connect them with relevant services.

  • Conduct needs assessments, crisis interventions, and ongoing support planning.

  • Assist clients in achieving support plan goals, including attending appointments.

  • Work with partner agencies to coordinate multi-agency support.

Information Management:

  • Maintain accurate, GDPR-compliant client records and case notes.

  • Report safeguarding concerns and contribute to service improvements.

  • Keep up to date with sector developments and best practices.

General Duties:

  • Adhere to Spires’ policies and contribute to organisational development.

  • Engage in personal development and team collaboration.

  • Undertake other duties as required, including session cover.

3.     Person Specification

Essential Experience:

  • Supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

  • Working with vulnerable adults with complex needs.

  • Managing a caseload within a support setting.

  • Maintaining professional boundaries while managing challenging behaviour.

  • Liaising with service providers to improve client access to support.

Desirable Experience:

  • Working with volunteers.

  • Supporting individuals engaged in high-risk activities.

Essential Knowledge:

  • Understanding issues faced by vulnerable individuals, including those in high-risk activities.

  • Trauma-informed practice and safeguarding principles.

  • Confidentiality, data protection, and social care services.

Desirable Knowledge:

  • NVQ2/3 or equivalent in a relevant field.

  • Understanding of health promotion and sexual health.

  • Current UK  Driver Licence

Essential Skills and Qualities:

  • Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings.

  • Strong communication and IT skills.

  • Ability to work under pressure, manage time effectively, and work independently.

  • Commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Summary of Terms and Conditions:

  • Location: Based at Spires’ Offices, 5 Stockwell Mews, SW9 9GX  

  • Probation: Six-month probation period.

  • Notice: One week’s notice during probation, four weeks thereafter.

  • Annual Leave: 35 days pro rata (including bank holidays and three closure days).

  • Pension: Employer contribution of 5%, employee contribution of 3%.

  • Other Benefits: Life and income protection insurance for eligible employees.

  • Expenses: Travel expenses reimbursed as per policy.

  • Safeguarding: Adherence to Spires’ safeguarding policy; subject to a DBS check.