This qualification was developed in collaboration with Homeless Link.

The content was developed with input from a range of experts in the homelessness sector, so that it reflects current working practices, and reviewed by people who have lived experience of homelessness, to ensure that it reflects the things that are important to them when accessing services.

The qualification aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to support people who are rough sleeping through outreach work, by:

  • Developing the skills and knowledge required to work in a person-centred and trauma-informed way in a rough sleeping outreach service
  • Enabling learners to develop the skills and knowledge to support and achieve successful outcomes for people who are rough sleeping.

It includes understanding the causes and consequences of rough sleeping, relevant legislation and how to keep people safe. As well as operational responsibilities, risk management and building effective supporting relationships with people who are rough sleeping, there is also an opportunity to explore professional practice skills. 

The qualification is regulated by: Ofqual, Qualifications Wales.

What will you learn?

The qualification has four mandatory units containing 16 credits which you must achieve to be awarded the qualification.

Mandatory

Understanding rough sleeping services and the role of outreach

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Understanding rough sleeping services and the role of outreach

The unit aims to provide the learner with knowledge of the factors that can contribute to people rough sleeping, the statutory framework for supporting people who are rough sleeping, the role of outreach services, and how outreach can work with other services to support people who are sleeping rough.

Mandatory

Building relationships with and advocating for people who are rough sleeping

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Building relationships with and advocating for people who are rough sleeping

This unit aims develop the knowledge and skills needed to build and sustain respectful relationships with people who are rough sleeping.

It explores how to establish trust, communicate, and work in a trauma-informed way while maintaining professional boundaries. The unit also supports learners to develop personal resilience and wellbeing to support them in carrying out the role.

Mandatory

Understanding the operational role in a rough sleeping outreach service

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Understanding the operational role in a rough sleeping outreach service

This unit aims to provide an understanding of the operational outreach role.

It includes learning on identifying and safeguarding people who are sleeping rough. Learners will understand how to plan and carry out outreach, manage risks and work with and manage volunteers. 

Mandatory

Professional practice skills for homelessness services

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Professional practice skills for homelessness services

The unit aims to provide learners with the professional skills required to practice in homelessness services. 

Qualification specification document

Who is the qualification for?

The qualification is suitable for learners who are:

  • Aspiring to an operational role in rough sleeping outreach services
  • Working in an operational role in outreach or homelessness services and want to develop their knowledge and understanding. 
What are the entry requirements?

CIH do not set entry requirements for this qualification, study centres may set their own to ensure that learners are able to achieve the qualification. It may be beneficial to have one or some of the following:

  • Experience of working in rough sleeping outreach, homelessness services, housing, support or care work, or another related sector
  • Have completed a qualification at level 2
  • Have completed a homelessness, housing or support work related qualification.
How long does it take?

The approximate Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 160 hours. The approximate average Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are 100. This may vary between learners and centres.

How much does it cost?

Qualification fees can vary depending on where, how and with which centre you choose to study. Please contact your CIH approved study centre directly for further information on fees.

How will I be assessed?

The qualification is assessed by study centres, they can use various methods such as tasks, portfolios, assignments, and professional discussions.

What are the progression opportunities?

The qualification aims to support entry and progression within roles such as:

  • Rough sleeper outreach worker
  • Rough sleeper navigator
  • Rough sleeper prevention worker
  • Engagement worker
  • Assertive outreach worker
  • Outreach support worker.

You may wish to progress onto further learning such as:

What are the membership opportunities?

As a learner you may be eligible to gain access to CIH membership at a concessionary rate.

On completion of the qualification you may wish to become a CIH certified practitioner (CertCIH). You can see more information on this here.

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