Requirements
Job Overview
Are you passionate about making a positive difference in young people's lives? We are seeking a dedicated and energetic Support Worker to join our Supported Living Accommodation team at Serene Youth Care Homes, supporting young people aged 16 to 18 as they transition into independent living. In this vital role, you will provide compassionate care, guidance, and practical support to help young people develop essential life skills, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Your enthusiasm and proactive approach will empower young individuals to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.
Support Worker – Supported Living Accommodation (Ages 16–18)
Serene Youth Care Homes Ltd
Job Type: Full-time
Number of Positions: 2
Pay: £12.80–£14.00 per hour + £70 sleep-in payment
The role involves two working periods within a 24-hour shift:
Day Shift:
08:30 – 18:00
Evening & Morning Shift:
18:00 – 23:00 and 06:00 – 08:30
Active working hours are paid at £12.80–£14.00 per hour, depending on experience and suitability for the role.
Sleep-In
23:00 – 06:00
A £70 sleep-in payment is paid for the designated sleep-in period.
Suitable sleeping facilities are provided. During the sleep-in period, you will normally be expected to sleep while remaining available should a young person require support or an incident occur.
Any work undertaken during the sleep-in period must be appropriately recorded and will be dealt with in accordance with Serene Youth Care Homes' sleep-in arrangements and applicable National Minimum Wage requirements.
Location: Luton, Bedfordshire
Driving: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle desirable
About Serene Youth Care Homes
- Serene Youth Care Homes provides a supportive, caring and nurturing environment for young people aged 16–18 who are leaving care or transitioning towards greater independence.
- We are a growing service and are looking for two dedicated and compassionate Support Workers to join our team at an exciting stage of our development.
- This is a unique opportunity to join a new service from the very beginning and play an important role in establishing a positive culture, building meaningful relationships and supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes.
- We are currently progressing towards Ofsted registration and are seeking candidates who are passionate about working with young people and committed to maintaining high standards of care, safeguarding and professionalism.
The Role
- As a Support Worker, you will play an important role in helping young people feel safe, valued and supported within their home.
- You will provide support during the day, evening and morning, as well as a safe and reassuring presence overnight during sleep-in periods.
- The role involves helping young people develop the confidence, skills and resilience they need to move towards independent and sustainable living.
- You will work in a person-centred way, recognising that every young person is different. You will support them to make positive choices, develop practical life skills and overcome the challenges they may face.
Responsibilities
- Build trusting, professional and positive relationships with young people, providing emotional and practical support in a calm, caring and consistent manner.
- Foster a safe, supportive and respectful environment that promotes independence, confidence, personal growth and positive decision-making.
- Support young people with their daily routines and practical needs, including meal preparation, household tasks, cooking, personal care where required, travel and other independent living skills.
- Support young people to manage their finances, education, employment, appointments, training and social activities, encouraging responsibility and greater independence.
- Recognise, report and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, incidents and emergencies, following relevant procedures at all times.
- Maintain clear, accurate and professional records, including daily logs, keywork records, care and support documentation, observations and incident reports.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with young people, colleagues, families and external professionals, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Provide a safe, reassuring and professional presence during sleep-in periods, remaining available to respond appropriately if a young person requires support or an incident occurs.
- Participate in relevant training, supervision and professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge, skills and practice.
Requirements
- We are looking for people who are reliable, caring, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting young people.
- Essential / Desirable Experience
- Preferably 2 years' experience working with children and young people, vulnerable individuals or families.
- Experience providing support, guidance, mentoring or care.
- Experience working within an Ofsted-regulated setting would be desirable but is not essential.
- A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
- Ability to build positive, trusting and professional relationships.
- Empathy, patience and emotional resilience.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging or unexpected situations.
- Ability to maintain accurate and professional records.
- Good written and verbal English.
- Ability to communicate clearly with young people, colleagues and external professionals.
- Flexibility to work evenings, mornings, weekends and sleep-in shifts.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.
- Qualifications
- A relevant Level 3 qualification, such as a QCF/NVQ in Health & Social Care or Children & Young People's Services, is desirable. However, candidates who do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification but have the right experience, attitude and commitment will be considered, with a willingness to work towards the relevant qualification where required.
- A compassionate attitude combined with resilience, patience, and a proactive mindset
- Join us in creating a positive impact on young people's lives by providing them with the support they need to succeed. This paid role offers an enriching opportunity to develop your skills while making a meaningful difference every day.
Safer Recruitment
Because this role involves working directly with young people, successful applicants will be subject to Serene Youth Care Homes Ltd's safer-recruitment procedures.
This will include appropriate:
- Identity checks
- Right-to-work checks
- Employment-history checks
- Satisfactory references
- Enhanced DBS check
- Any other checks required for the role
All offers of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the required pre-employment checks and application process.
Why Join Serene Youth Care Homes?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a new service at an early stage of its development.
Pay: £12.80-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
