Job Description

About Shared Health Foundation

Shared Health Foundation is a clinically led, evidence-based non-profit organisation committed to reducing the health inequalities caused by poverty. We work closely with families experiencing crisis and disadvantage, supporting them through tailored, person-centered care--especially during the first 1001 days of a child's life.

Our resource hub, known as The Crib, is based in Oldham and we are passionate about making the invisible visible. We believe that good health should be shared by all and that every family has the basic human right to thrive.

We offer frontline support for families affected by homelessness, domestic abuse, and systemic disadvantage and work tirelessly to remove barriers to universal services. We are dedicated to building trusting, restorative relationships with the families we support, making every window of opportunity a place for supported interventions.

Role Overview

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced

Senior Support Worker

to provide specialist support for homeless families in Oldham. This role bridges front-line family support with operational oversight of our Crib hub and wider partnership work.

You will play a central role in coordinating crisis support, delivering trauma-informed interventions, managing referrals, and advocating for vulnerable women and children, particularly during the early years. Your work will help improve access to universal services, reduce health inequalities, and foster long-term independence for families. Our aim is to mitigate the impact of homelessness and improve the future health of some of the most vulnerable families in Oldham.

Key Responsibilities

Family Support & Case Management

Hold and manage a complex caseload of families experiencing homelessness with multiple disadvantages. Conduct initial assessments, target interventions and co-develop family support plans encouraging and supporting work within a wider multidisciplinary team. Deliver bespoke 1:1 trauma-informed support up to 20 family contacts/week including: Navigating housing and homelessness pathways Support access to health including universal services and early years health appointments Support school applications with local authority reduce barriers to education Identify opportunities for intervention around benefits, budgeting and life administration Record data and review case management regularly. Support homeless families referred in crisis and provide emergency provisions from the Crib or signpost to other third sector support within the community.

Operational Coordination & Admin

Support Crib operations, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for families and professionals. Triage referrals and complete data entry and records using internal data systems. Maintain stock control and timely delivery/collection of crisis provisions across the Oldham area. Coordinate bookings and appointments ensuring flexible support pathways for families who may disengage. Promote health initiatives and support content development on social media platforms with comms team.

Group Work & Community Engagement

Develop and facilitate opportunity for aspirational group sessions for families living in Temporary Accommodation such as:

Life Goals reflection, preparing for work / engaging with the voluntary sector Life skills 101 - Reduce the sense of isolation and get motivated to keep life on track
Support families to participation in the wider work of SHF to contribute their lived experience to research, media, conferences and focus groups related to homelessness, health and education.

Partnerships & Multi-Agency Work

Maintain and strengthen partnerships with Oldham local authority, housing teams, GPs, schools, social care, and community providers across Oldham. Attend partnership forums and contribute in line with SHF values and aims. Use a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach in all collaborations.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Ensure compliance with safeguarding frameworks and online training Ensure any safeguarding concerns are actioned in line with Shared health policy and ensure concerns and escalations are actioned immediately where appropriate. Ensure accurate documentation, incident logs, and outcome tracking on the service database.

Person Specification

Essential

Minimum 5 years' experience working with vulnerable individuals or families, ideally with homeless or marginalised groups. Experience managing a varied caseload, including complex needs and safeguarding concerns. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage sensitively with diverse communities. Strong organisational and administrative skills. Proficient in IT systems: Microsoft Office, Teams, data systems, email, and social media awareness. Knowledge of health and social care systems, welfare benefits, and the social determinants of health. Culturally competent, empathetic, and confident working across different sectors and community settings. Understanding of women's health, early years development, and trauma-informed approaches. Full UK driving license with access to a car / business insurance (essential for supporting families an crib operations).

Desirable

Mental Health First Aid Certificate Safeguarding training (Level 2 or above) Community language skills (e.g. Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Farsi, Tigrinya) Motivational Interviewing or other therapeutic technique training
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 26,000.00-28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/06/2025
Reference ID: Senior Support Homeless families