Rough Sleeping In Reach / Outreach Officer - South Somerset

Rough Sleeping Outreach / In-Reach Officer

Salary: £29,542 - £33,119 per annum.

Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent

Location: Yeovil, South Somerset

Closing date: 22/11/2026

Role Purpose

2x positions available

You will be playing a crucial role in Somerset Council’s efforts to address and reduce rough sleeping within the community.

Reporting to the Rough Sleeping Coordinator, you will be responsible for providing direct support to individuals who have experienced rough sleeping. You’ll be conducting outreach and in reach activities, assessing individual needs, and developing personalised support plans to help clients transition into stable housing.

You will work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including statutory and non-statutory agencies, housing providers, and support services, to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling homelessness. This role requires a compassionate and proactive individual who can build trust with vulnerable populations and advocate for their needs within the broader housing and social care systems.

Somerset is committed to supporting the Government’s Ending Rough Sleeping campaign, and you will a key part of this. Your success in this role will help to achieve positive housing and outcomes residents across Somerset, underlying Somerset Council’s commitment to a fairer, better future.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct regular outreach and in-reach activities to identify and engage with individuals sleeping rough, such as early morning verifications and tenancy sustainment support.
• Assess the needs of rough sleepers and develop personalised support plans.
• Provide direct support and advocacy to help clients access housing, healthcare and other essential services.
• Work closely with statutory and non-statutory services, housing providers, and support services to coordinate efforts and resources.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions and progress.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of support plans and adjust as necessary.

What you’ll bring

• Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing support plans.
• Experience in conducting outreach / in-reach and engagement activities.
• Understanding of homelessness and rough sleeping issues.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and policies.
• Awareness of local support services and resources.
• Educated to at least A Level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ Level 4.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable individuals.

About the team

The Rough Sleeping Team forms part of Somerset Council’s Homelessness and Housing Options Service. Our Rough Sleeping Team works to prevent and reduce rough sleeping across Somerset, helping people access accommodation, support services, and pathways away from homelessness. We work closely with a range of partners, including housing providers, NHS services, substance misuse services, and voluntary sector organisations, to provide coordinated and effective support. Together, we are committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred services that help people move away from homelessness and achieve lasting housing stability.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Additional information

• This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week. This will require unsociable hours to be worked, including early morning outreach and spotlight counts.
• 2x positions based in Yeovil, South Somerset.
• 28 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.
• Interviews are anticipated to take place in the first two weeks of December.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role in Yeovil, you can contact Claire Bray, Client Services Manager, via email at Claire.bray@somerset.gov.uk.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here:  TR0294 Rough Sleeping Outreach Inreach Officer.pdf