Job Description

: Support and Development Worker

Based:

around Hatfield and Herts

Line Manager:

Director of Support and Development

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.

We strongly recommend you view our website before you apply: www.firstpeople.org.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 30,870.00 per year

Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/11/2025