Our client is currently recruiting for a Support Worker to work at a 44-bed service in the Croydon area. The service supports young people aged 16-22 who are experiencing homelessness and may have a range of support needs relating to mental health, care leaver status, probation, previous offending, domestic violence, learning disabilities and asylum seeking.
* 37.5 hours per week
* Working across Monday - Sunday on a rota basis (requirement to work every other weekend)
* Shifts: 07:00 - 15:00, 12:00 - 20:00 or 14:00 - 22:00
* Temporary cover required until the end of January 2027, with the possibility of extension
* £16.90 per hour (£15.08 per hour, with £1.82 holiday pay)
This is an excellent opportunity to provide key support to young people on their pathway to independence.
Key requirements:
* Hold a caseload of 6 key clients and conduct regular key working sessions resulting in agreed Support Plans
* Work with customers to identify their strengths and goals through our asset-based approach to support
* Create management support and staying safe plans alongside with our customers by identifying and assessing risk to ensure they are able to stay safe
* Work closely with those involved in resettlement to support our customers to identify positive move on options and live more independent lives
* Use your understanding of addiction and substance misuse to enable customers to access the specialist support services they need
* Liaise with external partners, including accessing appropriate statutory and voluntary services
* Interview and assess the suitability of referrals, based on the criteria of the project to ensure fair access
* Support customers to pay their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management
* Support and advise customers on any matters relating to their occupancy agreements
* Ensure all voids are advertised and lettings made promptly
* Deal with breaches of occupancy agreements sensitively and efficiently, in accordance with procedures
* Remove items, clean and make rooms ready for new occupants, where required
What we’re looking for:
* Experience supporting vulnerable young people to achieve independent living
* An understanding of the reasons why people become homeless and the needs and challenges they face
* Knowledge of safeguarding issues and how they apply in day-to-day work
* Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to homeless people including an understanding of welfare benefits
* Experience holding a caseload, key working and supporting customer to identify their strengths and goals through our asset-based approach to support, using psychologically and trauma informal techniques
* The ability to use coaching and basic counselling skills/ frameworks to support your customers
* Understanding of addiction and substance misuse including drugs and alcohol
* Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
* Competent in using Microsoft word, excel and inputting to database
Further requirements:
In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:
* Current valid right to work in the UK
* Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
* A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
* Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process
How to apply:
If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.
*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position
Salary description
£16.90 - £16.90 per hour