Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Work Pattern: 24/7, 14‑week rolling rota comprising shift work, including days, evenings, waking nights, and bank holidays.
Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent
Additional Payments: 20% Flexibility payment
Closing Date: 28 July 2026
Closing time: 11:59 pm
Interview Method: Face to Face. During the first 10 minutes of the interview a scenario exercise will be shared with the candidate, who must handwrite the answer. The recruitment team will score the answer together with the other interview questions.
Legal Right to Work: Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before the commencement of employment, in accordance with Home Office guidance.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can support your application. All examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and drawn from your own experience. Plagiarism or the use of AI to create misleading statements may result in withdrawal of the application or disciplinary action.
References: Two references, where possible requiring a three‑year history.
DBS Clearance: This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, amended 2013. Information provided is handled confidentially in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice.
The Longford Centre provides high‑quality temporary accommodation and support for homeless singles and couples, catering for up to 45 occupants. The team supports this group of medium‑risk residents to help them get back on track and into safe, affordable longer‑term accommodation, with options such as PRS, Manchester Move (social housing), dispersed and commissioned services. Referrals are completed through the MasGateway system to ensure timely, effective move‑on.
As an accommodation support worker you will work directly with residents, complete support plan reviews, risk and needs assessments, and sign‑posting. You will also handle the booking process when a resident moves in and support the set‑up of Housing Benefit and Universal Credit claims where necessary. All staff are responsible for Health and Safety, including building checks, welfare checks, cleaning, and infection control.
During evenings after 4 pm and on weekends an Out‑of‑Hours service provides emergency accommodation for the homeless. This involves working with the contact centre via Teams and checking systems such as HPA2 to determine priority needs. Residents are accommodated until they can be fully assessed by the council’s assessment team at Housing Solutions Service. Various recording measures are completed as part of this service.
Factual record‑keeping is maintained using daybooks, handover diaries and systems such as Liquid Logic and HPA2. Spreadsheets are also used to input and retain information relevant to the role.
This role is part of a 14‑week rolling rota staffed 24/7 on site, 7 days a week. Shifts consist of days, evenings, and waking nights. Four covers are required each week, and you will work whichever shift is prioritised at the time. Shift work is essential and non‑negotiable, and it underpins the 20% increment on top of the Grade 5 salary.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA QUESTIONS
- Your own experience managing the expectations of others.
- Your own experience of professional boundaries and confidentiality awareness.
- Your own experience and ability to manage a challenging conversation.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands the problems faced by homeless people and is committed to providing high‑quality support. The service is constantly evolving, so you will be motivated to learn, develop and grow with the team. A forward‑thinking, problem‑solving mindset is a great asset.
Key skills: Excellent communication, empathic awareness, non‑judgemental approach, organisational and prioritisation abilities.
Administrative skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook is required. Familiarity with Manchester City Council IT systems and secure email accounts is necessary.
An ability to be resilient and effectively de‑escalate is vital, especially during crises. A warm, friendly approach whilst maintaining professional boundaries and a can‑do attitude with a focus on solutions is expected.
Commitment, passion, and a genuine care for the lives of others are essential. The ideal candidate will have a heart for those at the lowest points of their life and will help create a home‑like, inclusive environment at the Longford Centre.
Benefits we offer
- Generous holiday allowance: Up to 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Increases to 31 days after five years of local government service. Additional leave can be purchased up to two weeks.
- Good pension scheme: Enrollment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top up. Includes life cover of three times the salary.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave: Full coverage for new parents and carers.
- Perks: Discounts on shopping, holidays, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work schemes, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learning and growth: Workshops, training, apprenticeships and qualifications through an onboarding programme.
- Employment Charter: Commitment to secure, flexible work and fairness across all stages of employment. Annual pay reviews and trade union recognition.
- Volunteering leave: Up to three days pro‑rated paid volunteering leave annually.
Inclusion and Diversity
Manchester City Council is committed to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We actively welcome applicants from all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview adjustments: Inform us if you need any adjustments to demonstrate suitability.
- Accessible formats: The ReciteMe tool offers text‑to‑speech, translation, and adjustable text size and colour for accessible browsing.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
- Members of the armed forces, veterans, or current/former care leavers.
- People with a disability or long‑term condition.
- Those who have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme.
If you have completed the GM Elevate programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.
When You Join Us
We are a disability‑confident employer, offering a workplace adjustment hub, disabled staff network, neurodiversity and mental health staff networks, and a strong commitment to accessibility and disability‑friendly workplaces.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
Further Information
Successful candidates must provide evidence of the right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This position is not eligible for skilled‑worker sponsorship under Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own visa status.
Pre‑Employment Checks
- Proof of right to work in the UK.
- References from current and previous employers.
- Evidence of relevant qualifications.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Proof of Manchester residency (if required).
- Police vetting (if required).
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance (if required).
- Driving licence (if the role involves driving).
These checks are part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.
Other Relevant Information
Everyone is encouraged to be authentic at work. If additional support is needed to undertake duties, we will provide appropriate aids and adaptations. If a task proves unachievable, the role may be redesigned.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…