South West based charitable housing association BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness. We aim to achieve this through the building and provision of affordable and secure homes, and by supporting individuals to take control and lead independent, fulfilled lives. Whether we are developing sites or supporting people with housing, learning or living skills, we believe in equality, the importance of every individual and the right to be valued and treated with dignity and respect. Our doors are open to everyone.

We are currently recruiting a Complex Needs Support Worker to join our friendly, professional BCHA Floating Support Team in Plymouth. This is a rewarding role where you can truly make a difference to people’s lives.

Working closely with Plymouth City Council, you will support customers who are experiencing homelessness and are living in emergency accommodation, including Bed and Breakfast placements. Your role will be to help customers move forward from crisis towards sustainable, independent living.

You will support people at the very start of their homelessness journey. This may include maximising income, supporting social housing applications, advocating for supported accommodation, signposting to external services, applying for grants, assisting with paperwork, and providing practical and emotional support throughout. Our work is underpinned by trauma-informed practice and therapeutic interventions, as part of our commitment to creating Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).

Previous experience of working with people who are homeless or otherwise socially excluded, along with an understanding of safeguarding, would be an advantage. However, this is not essential—full training will be provided for applicants who demonstrate the right values, personal qualities, and commitment to supporting others.

In return, we offer you the opportunity to:

• Use and develop your experience within homelessness or related support environments
• Gain real job satisfaction in a challenging and rewarding role
• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with customers
• Receive comprehensive training in trauma-informed approaches, mental health, substance misuse, and housing services
• Work collaboratively with external agencies to access the best possible support for customers

BCHA Safer Recruitment: Safeguarding children and adults is our first priority and we will ensure we follow safer recruitment procedures.

As an employer, we will do everything possible to prevent unsuitable people obtaining employment with BCHA. Our overall aim is to ‘deter unsuitable applicants from applying for roles with children and adults, and we will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with current legislation.

BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date: 5th Feb 2026

Next Induction: 23rd Feb 2026

A working knowledge of the issues affecting people with complex needs and the potential impact on people’s physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing

Able to demonstrate that you put the Alliance First Principle and One Common Goal at the heart of all you do

Able to demonstrate you are an effective team worker (and able to work effectively on your own, if required)

Able to make sound decisions

IT literate

A completer/finisher

A creative, flexible, compassionate, patient and sensitive approach to working with people who have experienced multiple disadvantages

Innovative and proactive. Looks at ways to improve systems and procedures for the benefit of the customer and to be more efficient.

Emotionally intelligent

Flexible to change