Support Worker / Young Persons Support Practitioner
Fusion Independence
Providing high-quality support, guidance, and practical assistance to young people, including care leavers and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), to support their transition into independent adulthood. Delivering person-centred, trauma-informed support to promote independence, wellbeing, and positive life outcomes.
Key responsibilities included:
- Delivering person-centred support to young people to develop essential independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, self-care, tenancy management, education, and employment readiness
- Building positive relationships with young people, families, and professionals to promote stability, wellbeing, and positive outcomes
- Implementing and reviewing individual support and care plans, ensuring support was tailored to changing needs and circumstances
- Monitoring progress in daily living skills, emotional wellbeing, education, employment, social development, and healthcare needs
- Providing advice, guidance, and emotional support on a range of topics, including health, relationships, finance, education, substance awareness, and personal safety
- Maintaining professional boundaries while creating a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental environment that respected cultural, religious, and individual differences
- Acting as an advocate for young people, empowering them to achieve independence, celebrate achievements, and build confidence
- Safeguarding vulnerable young people by recognising concerns, maintaining accurate records, and escalating risks in line with safeguarding procedures
- Attending care reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency discussions to support care planning and represent the organisation professionally
- Conducting health and safety checks, room inspections, and maintenance reporting to maintain safe, welcoming living environments
- Completing accurate daily records, shift handovers, incident reports, risk assessments, and weekly progress reports to a professional standard
- Managing financial support payments and maintaining accurate expenditure records in line with care plans
- Adhering to GDPR, confidentiality, lone working, safeguarding, and organisational policies at all times
- Working flexibly across shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays, while contributing positively to a professional and supportive team environment
Experience
- Experience working with vulnerable young people, care leavers, young adults, or individuals with complex needs
- Experience supporting individuals to develop independence and life skills
- Previous experience within supported accommodation, residential care, youth work, social care, mental health, or similar settings
- Experience of safeguarding children, young people, or vulnerable adults
- Experience maintaining accurate records, reports, and care documentation
Knowledge & Understanding
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches to support
- Understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and vulnerable young people transitioning to independence
- Awareness of equality, diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity
- Knowledge of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and GDPR principles
- Understanding of health and safety procedures and risk management
Skills & Abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships
- Ability to motivate, empower, and positively influence young people
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to complete accurate records, reports, and documentation to a high standard
- Ability to work independently using initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Competent IT skills and confidence using digital recording systems
Personal Qualities
- Compassionate, empathetic, and approachable manner
- Patient, resilient, and emotionally mature
- Non-judgemental attitude with the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds
- Honest, trustworthy, and professional in all interactions
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and service needs
- Passionate about supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes and independence
Other Requirements
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and training
- Ability to work across multiple locations if required
- Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain)
- Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on service requirements)
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with care leavers and/or Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)
- Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Residential Childcare, Youth Work, Psychology, or a related field
- Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, behaviour support, de-escalation, or first aid
- Experience working within multi-agency environments and liaising with external professionals
- Knowledge of housing, tenancy support, benefits, education, and employment pathways for young people
Pay: £26,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
