Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Worker - Adults

Closing date: 19 June 2026

Transform lives, champion dignity & support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Build your career. Make a difference. Create lasting change.

Following the success of our pilot introducing Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Workers working directly with people on the streets, Somerset is now embedding this role as a trailblazing and innovative addition to our Adult Social Care service.

This is a fixed-term position initially for 18 months, with the expectation of extension, reflecting our commitment to developing new ways of working to better support individuals experiencing long-term rough sleeping.

This is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of people who are entrenched in rough sleeping and experiencing long-term, complex and often unmet needs.

• 18 months FTC with an expected extension subject to funding 
• Location: Can be based at either; Shepton Mallet or Glastonbury offices. Role will be covering East Somerset (South Somerset and Mendip).
• Starting salary £37,280 rising annually, currently up to £41,777.
• Full time, 37 hours per week.
• 30 days annual leave entitlement.

Role Purpose

As a Rough Sleeper Specialist Social Worker, you will work directly with individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness, many of whom have been living on the streets for extended periods and may feel disengaged or let down by services.

You will be working with a government-defined Target Priority Group (TPG), supporting people with complex and overlapping needs, including:

• Mental health
• Substance misuse
• Trauma (including historical and ongoing trauma)
• Histories of hospital or mental health admissions

This role requires a relentless, relationship-based approach, working persistently to build trust, break down barriers and support individuals who may not initially want help or engage with services.

This is a pioneering post, designed to identify unmet needs, challenge traditional approaches and improve outcomes for a cohort who often sit outside of conventional systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based Care Act assessments, reviews and support planning, including risk assessment
• Complete Mental Capacity Assessments, Safeguarding Enquiries and Court of Protection work where required
• Manage a small caseload of highly complex individuals, ensuring focused and personalised support
• Provide outreach-based support, working flexibly to engage individuals who may be reluctant or resistant to services
• Build and maintain trusted relationships, using persistence, empathy and professional curiosity
• Identify hidden needs and risks, using observation, judgement and in-depth assessment
• Respond to referrals and urgent situations, including crisis intervention
• Prepare clear, professional assessments and reports to support decision-making
• Work collaboratively with housing, health, substance misuse services and voluntary sector partners
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with legislation and policy

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

We’re looking for a Social Worker who is resilient, curious and driven to challenge social injustice, with a strong belief in advocating for those whose voices are often unheard.

This is a role for someone who:

• Builds strong, authentic relationships in the most challenging circumstances
• Is persistent and does not give up easily, even when faced with resistance or barriers
• Can recognise hidden needs and underlying trauma beyond presenting behaviours
• Is confident using professional curiosity and asking difficult questions
• Brings strong emotional intelligence, with the ability to respond empathetically and build trust in complex situations
• Is motivated to challenge systems and advocate for change, focusing on the rights and needs of individuals

You will also demonstrate strong legal literacy, with the confidence to apply the Care Act 2014 and associated legislation in creative and flexible ways, supporting individuals whose needs do not always align with traditional service pathways.

You will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
• Experience or strong interest in working with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health and substance misuse
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and safeguarding frameworks
• Ability to manage risk and make sound professional decisions
• Strong communication and multi-agency working skills
• Ability to work flexibly, creatively and solution-focused in a challenging environment
• Commitment to promoting independence, dignity and inclusion

About the Team/Service

You will be part of a small, welcoming and highly collaborative Rough Sleeper team, working alongside outreach workers, housing and mental health specialists to support individuals directly on the streets.

• Outreach workers support early morning engagement and verification of rough sleeping
• Housing colleagues support with accommodation pathways and housing legislation
• You will work closely with mental health services and other partners to deliver a coordinated response

The team operates across the East of Somerset, working flexibly and responsively to meet the needs of this cohort.

Additional Information

Please Note: We may consider offering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to suitably qualified overseas social workers who are already residing in the UK. To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. Sponsorship will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. This is only available to candidates currently living in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide resettlement support. 

Due to the nature of the role and the geographical area of the service across Somerset, which is a largely rural county, with limitations around public transport the ability to be able to travel to any location is essential. Therefore, applicants must have full access to a vehicle that can be used for work purposes.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Helen Readdy, Recruitment and Engagement Officer Adults helen.readdy@somerset.gov.uk

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early if we have received a sufficient number of applications, so don't delay, apply today!

Person Specification