Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker

Rough Sleeping Outreach Workers help those who are without a fixed place to stay, and who may be sleeping on the streets. You may be delivering outreach work, working with people on the streets to keep them safe and offer support. Or you could be working in accommodation such as hostels. You may also work with a core group of people, advocating on their behalf and supporting them to access housing, benefits and other support.

There are lots of reasons why someone may become homeless; for example debt, divorce or separation, gambling issues, mental health problems, drug or alcohol misuse. You would be supporting people with a complex range of issues, and would work with other organisations to keep them safe.

Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker is also known as Rough Sleeping Support, Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker.

Role Characteristics

Visit rough sleepers on the streets and making sure they are safe
Find emergency accommodation for rough sleepers in emergency accommodation
Help rough sleepers to improve their health, safety and wellbeing including addressing mental health and substance misuse issues
Reconnect rough sleepers with their family & friends and local communities
Work with other health and care professionals
Plan and develop action plans to support rough sleepers

Skills

Active listening
Advice giving
Empathy
Resilience
Taking initiative
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about Matt's crucial role of Rough Sleeping Outreach Worker.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

Maths and English skills

Apply directly

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

How to become

There are no set entry requirements and lots of different routes into the role. You can apply directly especially if you have volunteering, shadowing or placement experience. You can also take specific qualifications at college or university.

Volunteering and work experience is valued by employers. It is important to check your preferred employer's entry requirements for guidance.