Job description
Job Title: Support Worker
Service: Supported Accommodation for Young People (Aged 16 to 21)
Location: Various properties in Croydon / South West London
Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications
Hours: Full-time / Part-time / Flexible
About Aim Living
Aim Living is an OFSTED-registered Supported Accommodation provider operating under the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, delivering high-quality accommodation and support to young people aged 16 to 21.
We provide safe, supportive, and trauma-informed accommodation for care leavers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), and other vulnerable young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to live independently. Our approach is person-centred, strengths-based, and focused on achieving positive long-term outcomes.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Aim Living is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list where applicable.
We operate robust safer recruitment procedures and expect every member of staff to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, safeguarding practice, and child-centred care.
About the Role
As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting young people aged 16 to 21 to develop the practical, emotional, and social skills required for independent living.
Working as part of a supportive team, you will provide high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence while ensuring each young person's safety, wellbeing, and progress towards their individual goals.
The role includes community-based support, property visits, key work sessions, safeguarding responsibilities, and partnership working with local authorities and external professionals.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver consistent, structured, trauma-informed support to young people.
- Build positive, trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Complete regular key work sessions focused on agreed outcomes and independence goals.
- Support young people to develop practical life skills, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping, travel training, tenancy responsibilities and managing appointments.
- Encourage engagement with education, employment, apprenticeships, training and volunteering.
- Support young people to access healthcare services, including GP registration, dental services, mental health support and specialist agencies.
- Recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns promptly in line with Aim Living's Safeguarding Policy.
- Complete welfare checks, room inspections, health and safety checks, and property monitoring.
- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records, including daily logs, support plans, risk assessments and incident reports.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, personal advisers, education providers, health professionals and other partner agencies.
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and the rights of every young person.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision and mandatory training.
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting vulnerable young people, care leavers, UASC or individuals with similar support needs.
- Good understanding of safeguarding, child protection and professional boundaries.
- Ability to work in accordance with policies, procedures, health and safety requirements, confidentiality and UK GDPR.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships while remaining professional and resilient.
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and effectively.
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one before employment).
- Two satisfactory employment references, including your most recent employer, in line with safer recruitment requirements.
- Right to work in the United Kingdom.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Children & Young People, Health & Social Care or a related field.
- First Aid qualification.
- Knowledge of the needs of care-experienced young people and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
- Experience working within supported accommodation, leaving care services or residential settings.
- Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.
- Full UK driving licence (desirable but not essential).
- Flexibility to work across different Aim Living properties where required.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive induction programme.
- Mandatory and specialist training.
- Regular supervision and ongoing professional development.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.
- A supportive, inclusive and values-driven working environment.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Pay: £14.80 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
