Job Purpose
To provide high-quality, person-centred support to young people aged 16–18 living in supported accommodation, enabling them to develop the practical, emotional and social skills needed to live independently and achieve positive outcomes. The Support Worker will promote safety, wellbeing, independence and resilience while maintaining a nurturing, respectful and professional environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
- Support young people to develop independent living skills including cooking, budgeting, cleaning, shopping, laundry and tenancy responsibilities.
- Assist young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities.
- Promote physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive decision-making.
- Support young people to attend appointments with healthcare professionals, education providers and external agencies where appropriate.
- Work alongside social workers, personal advisers, education providers and other professionals to deliver coordinated support.
- Encourage young people to participate in key work sessions and contribute towards their individual support plans.
- Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and review goals regularly.
- Promote safeguarding and protect young people from abuse, exploitation, neglect and harm.
- Maintain professional boundaries while acting as a positive role model.
- Manage challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support techniques and de-escalation strategies.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and incidents, following organisational policies and procedures.
- Complete accurate, timely and detailed records, including daily logs, incident reports, risk assessments and safeguarding concerns.
- Support young people to understand their rights, responsibilities and tenancy expectations.
- Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring all young people are treated with dignity and respect.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, training and continuous professional development.
- Carry out welfare checks and ensure the accommodation remains safe, clean and suitable for young people.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Promote the welfare and best interests of all young people.
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns immediately in accordance with safeguarding procedures.
- Understand and implement local safeguarding policies and statutory guidance.
- Support young people to understand risks including exploitation, substance misuse, missing episodes, online safety and unhealthy relationships.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience supporting young people, vulnerable adults or individuals with complex needs.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive professional relationships.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and child protection.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Flexible approach to shift work, including evenings, weekends and sleep-ins where required.
- Competent IT skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable
- Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People's Workforce or equivalent (or willingness to work towards one). Required training will be provided.
- Knowledge of the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations and Quality Standards.
- Experience supporting care leavers or looked-after young people.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
- Experience completing risk assessments and support plans.
- Full UK driving licence with business insurance required.
Skills and Attributes
- Compassionate and empathetic.
- Patient and resilient.
- Calm under pressure.
- Professional and reliable.
- Positive role model.
- Solution-focused.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Ability to motivate and empower young people.
Working Conditions
- Shift work including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Shifts are 24 hrs- 9am-9am
- Lone working will be required following risk assessment.
- Regular training and supervision provided.
- Enhanced DBS check required before employment.
Values
The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to:
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
- Delivering person-centred, trauma-informed support.
- Respecting diversity, equality and inclusion.
- Empowering young people to achieve independence.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies.
- Maintaining professionalism, confidentiality and integrity at all times.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
