Prefer Homes is a young persons Ofsted registered Supported Accommodation service . We provide support to 16–18-year-old children and specialise in the support of young men. We have a long-developed history and specialism in the support of young males and understand their emotional and behavioural needs. These children will be in the care of the local authority or care experienced children.
Our purpose, ethos, core aims and function:
At Prefer Homes, our core ethos is based upon beliefs which are underpinned by the rights of children and their empowerment, agency and safe transition to adulthood. This will be based on a highly individualised approach to identified need. Our attitudes and aspirations are positive, and we understand marginalisation and disempowerment; our mission is to empower the young people we support – through the development of their emotional literacy and resilience, their confidence and self-esteem – to move positively towards adulthood, the next big step of their lives.
Our aim is to work with our young people, so that we build safe strong relationships, that combine trust, comfort along with clear behavioural expectations, firm but kind boundaries and routines. Kindness is at the heart of our daily practice.
We recognise the unique challenges faced by young people as they prepare to embark on their journey towards full independence. Our objective is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth, recognises and champions difference and builds self-esteem.
Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years experience working with young people or in a similar environment.
- Knowledge of Ofsted regulations and the Quality standards we must be meeting.
- Understanding of Safeguarding and child protection policies.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to support young people to manage their behaviour, resolve disputes, and make positive choices.
- Knowledge of professional ethics and data protection laws (e.g. GDPR).
- Good IT skills, and knowledge around young people software systems.
- Numeracy and Literacy skills - the equivalent to a GCSE is required.
- Knowledge and ability to work in a trauma informed approach, and instil the PACE model in daily working practises.
Desirable qualities:
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care, Youth Work, or similar (or willing to work towards)
- Safeguarding Level 2 or higher.
- Full UK driving licence, often with access to a vehicle and business insurance.
Roles and responsibilities:
We are currently looking for candidates willing to complete waking night shifts, or sleeping night shifts providing a support over a period of a working pattern.
The different night shifts entail different levels of support depending on the young peoples risk level and need. The waking night shift can range from different shift patterns including 19.00 - 7.00, 20.00 - 8.00 or a more flexible approach can be had with managements support.
The sleeping shift will be, 19.00 - 00.00/6.00 - 7.00 working to support the young people through their evening/morning tasks, however, 0.00 - 6.00 is a paid sleep-in which will be paid at £40.00 per night.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide one-on-one support to young people, helping them to build life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and self-care, encouraging and preparing the young people for reaching adulthood.
- Teaching the young people the relevant skills necessary to equip them for post-18 transitions.
- Offer emotional and practical support to address any issues related to housing, education, employment, and health.
- Assist in the development of Support Plans based on the needs and aspirations of each young person.
- Regularly review and update support plans, ensuring that goals are achieved in a timely and supportive manner.
- Ensure the physical and emotional safety of young people within the accommodation, providing a secure and respectful environment.
- Monitor young people’s well-being, identifying any concerns and responding appropriately (e.g., safeguarding, mental health).
- Be a positive role model and mentor, offering guidance on personal responsibility, respect, and boundaries.
- Create and implement risk assessments to ensure young people’s needs are met.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of young people by adhering to safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Recognise and report signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in line with local safeguarding protocols.
- Maintain confidentiality while following appropriate information-sharing guidelines. Participate in safeguarding training and maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation and best practices.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and escalate issues appropriately.
- Promote a safe environment by identifying and reducing potential risks to vulnerable individuals.
- Support young people in understanding their rights and how to stay safe.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of any safeguarding incidents or concerns.
- Collaborate with external agencies when required, ensuring safeguarding concerns are properly addressed.
- Always uphold professional boundaries and ethical standards.
- Support young people in preparing for independent living, including assistance with housing applications, accessing benefits, and securing employment or education placements.
- Organise and facilitate workshops or training sessions to enhance independent living skills such as cooking, managing finances, and maintaining a clean-living space.
- Encourage young people to develop positive relationships with peers and the wider community, supporting social integration.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, educational providers, mental health professionals, and other external agencies to ensure a holistic approach to support.
- Maintain clear and accurate records of support, interventions, and progress, adhering to confidentiality and data protection guidelines.
- Attend regular team meetings and contribute to case discussions to ensure best outcomes for young people.
- Provide support during crises, including emotional distress, disputes, or emergencies.
- Respond to incidents promptly and appropriately, ensuring young people receive the necessary support.
- Act as an advocate for young people, helping them to voice their needs and rights to other professionals, agencies, and services.
- Encourage young people to make informed decisions and take ownership of their progress, while offering guidance and support.
We follow strict Safer Recruitment processes, and any applications will be managed in accordance with our safer recruitment practises and policies. You will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS, employment history, and verbally verified references in line with the guide to supported accommodation act 2023.
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Experience:
- residential setting: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
