Support Worker

Hours: 18.5 hours per week, ideally spread across several days

Working pattern: Flexible, Monday to Friday (potential weekends)

Engagement: 12-month fixed-term contract, with a view to becoming permanent. A freelance arrangement may also be considered

Pay: £13.45 per hour

Location: Stretford, Manchester, with regular travel to our accommodation properties

Collaborative Women UK CIC provides 21 beds across seven properties for women affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and financial insecurity. Alongside safe accommodation, our women take part in a life skills programme supporting their physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing and the practical skills needed for everyday life.

About Collaborative Women UK CIC

Our mission is to empower women affected by domestic abuse, homelessness and financial insecurity to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Guided by compassion, empowerment, respect, hope, collaboration and inclusion, we provide trauma-informed support that recognises each woman's experiences, strengths and goals.

About the role

You will build trusted relationships with women in our accommodation and provide practical, person-centred move-on support. The role involves working flexibly across several days so appointments can be arranged around women who may be studying, working or managing other commitments.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Working with each woman to understand her circumstances, goals and housing needs, and agree clear next steps
• Helping women identify suitable housing options (social, supported and private rented), including registering with providers, searching and bidding for properties, and completing applications and supporting documents
• Helping with practical paperwork relating to housing, benefits, identification, finances and access to services
• Supporting women to attend appointments and liaise with local authorities, housing associations, landlords and other agencies
• Helping women prepare for independent living, including tenancy responsibilities, budgeting, bills and local services
• Coordinating practical move-on arrangements for a planned transition into their next home
• Liaising with housing teams, support services and community organisations to help remove barriers and maintain progress
• Tracking vacancies and applicant progress, and contributing to a successful move-in experience, including preparing and allocating rooms
• Maintaining accurate, timely and confidential case notes, support records and outcome information
• Recognising safeguarding or wellbeing concerns and responding in line with policy
• Travelling between accommodation properties to meet and support women
• Offering non-judgemental, confidential emotional support, helping women process trauma and rebuild self-esteem

Opportunity for the role to grow

There is potential for additional hours and responsibilities as the service develops, which may include coordinating vacancies, keeping availability information up to date, and liaising with referral partners. The role may also support referral enquiries, property viewings, move-in arrangements and communication across the wider team.

About you

Previous experience in a support role is essential; you do not need to have worked specifically with women affected by domestic abuse, as we welcome relevant experience from different client groups and sectors.

You will need:

• Previous experience in a support worker, housing support, tenancy sustainment, outreach or similar role
• Experience supporting people who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or facing complex circumstances
• The ability to provide practical, person-centred support while encouraging choice and independence
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including confidence liaising with external organisations
• Good organisation and administration skills, including completing forms, maintaining records and managing follow-up actions
• A sound understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries
• The ability to manage your own workload and work flexibly around the women we support
• A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle

It would be particularly helpful if you also have:

• Experience within social housing, supported accommodation, homelessness services or housing options
• Knowledge of housing applications, tenancy processes, benefits or local support pathways
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the impact of difficult life experiences
• Knowledge of services and organisations across Greater Manchester

What we offer

You will join a supportive, inclusive, values-led team doing meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to women's lives. We offer flexible part-time working, continuous learning and development, and potential for hours and responsibilities to grow.

Mileage is paid for authorised travel between sites. Employed candidates also receive annual leave entitlement and access to a workplace pension after three months' service.

This role is subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check. Any freelance arrangement will be agreed separately, reflecting the nature of the working relationship.

We look forward to hearing from people who share our commitment to empowering women and supporting lasting, positive change.

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