Housing Support Worker – Sunderland

This role is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) programme, directly commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and operating nationwide across England and Wales. 

The service provides accommodation and support for low/medium-risk people eligible for home detention curfew or bail, helping to keep people out of prison (when living in the community on licence is an option) and to support prison leavers to re-establish (crime-free) independent lives.

As a Housing Support Worker, you’ll enjoy varied and rewarding days, making a real difference to both service users and the wider community, and gaining a real insight into the criminal justice system.

Please note that this role is NOT a personal care role.

Join Nacro’s CAS-2 team: Get an excellent grounding in the criminal justice system and the reward of helping people change their lives.

Location: Sunderland

Covering – Tyne and Wear

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £27,807 Per Annum (Base salary £26,807+ £1,000 Unsociable Hours)

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Shift patterns and flexibility will be discussed during the interview. The provision of the contract is between 08:00 and 22:00 Monday- Friday and Saturday 09.00 -17:00 on a rolling rotational basis.

Enhanced DBS check and Prison Clearance required.   

Full Driving license and access to car required:

This role has an “essential travel” requirement. Should you choose to use your own vehicle to meet this requirement, please note that Nacro’s Driving for Work Policy requires all staff who drive for work purposes to have full business use insurance cover for their vehicle.

Nacro does not reimburse any additional insurance premium costs, as these are already covered within the Inland Revenue mileage expense rate (currently 45p per mile).

Key Responsibilities

• Support Service Users: Assess individual support needs, create safety plans, assist with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments.
• Property Management: Ensure properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, address maintenance issues, and offer guidance on housing-related matters.
• Collaboration: Work alongside probation services, court staff, and housing authorities to achieve the best possible outcomes for service users.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

• Resilient individuals who know how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Problem-solvers who enjoy thinking creatively to overcome challenges.
• Emotionally intelligent people who understand and respond to human behaviour.
• Team players eager to collaborate and contribute positively.

Essential Skills & Qualities

• Strong interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
• Ability to work professionally whilst balancing service user needs and Nacro’s wider mission.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Competent ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) – internal systems training provided.

For the Nacro Candidate pack please click here

For further information about the role please click here.

At Nacro, we believe in the power of a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with criminal records and first-hand experience of the criminal justice system. All applications are assessed on merit.

Vetting Requirements

Due to working with adults in a custodial setting, this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check against the adult workforce and prison clearance as well as Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

Having a criminal record will not preclude your success in this role; any criminal record information will be subject to a fair and proportionate assessment. If you would like advice about applying for work with a criminal record, please contact our confidential Criminal Record Support Service on 0300 123 1999 or by email at helpline@nacro.org.uk.