Support Worker

Job Purpose

To join a team delivering high-quality supported accommodation for care leavers aged 16 to 25.

The role focuses on promoting the independence, wellbeing, and personal development of young people, supporting them to build the practical and emotional skills needed for adulthood and successful independent living.

Job Description

DUTIES

To join a team of support staff delivering high-quality, safe, and empowering accommodation for care leavers aged 16 to 25.
To safeguard and promote the welfare, rights, and independence of each young person.
To support the Manager and Assistant in the effective running and development of the service.
To provide a safe, warm, and supportive environment that encourages growth, resilience, and independence.
To provide clear, fair, and consistent boundaries and support in response to individual needs and behaviours.
To maintain accurate and timely records relating to each young person, including daily logs, risk assessments, and support plans.
To contribute to reports and assessments as required.
To attend planning meetings, reviews, and professional discussions when required.
To promote and maintain high standards of cleanliness and comfort in the home.
To contribute to the home's day-to-day operations and share your personal skills to enhance opportunities for young people.
To undertake household duties and practical tasks as required to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
To engage in regular supervision, team meetings, and training as part of professional development.
To manage petty cash and ensure financial accountability in line with company procedures.
To comply with all policies, procedures, and safeguarding standards set by the organisation.
To respond effectively and calmly to emergencies or incidents within the service.
To be flexible and available to support shift cover where necessary.
To be a positive role model to young people and colleagues, demonstrating professional and respectful behaviour at all times.
To manage telephone and administrative duties such as maintaining logbooks, completing incident reports, updating support plans, and other related documents.
To keep individual support files and documentation up to date.
Any other reasonable duties as requested by the management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

To build and maintain effective working relationships with external professionals, including social workers, personal advisers, education providers, and health services.
To support young people in understanding and respecting their living environment, including personal and shared spaces.
To encourage and enable young people to develop essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and personal organisation.
To demonstrate sensitivity, resilience, and professionalism when working in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of young adults.
To carry out your role with maturity, professionalism, and openness to feedback and support.
To support young people in managing challenging emotions or situations, using de-escalation techniques in line with policy. Physical intervention is not a routine requirement but should be undertaken only where absolutely necessary and in line with safeguarding policy and law.
To contribute to and help implement person-centred support plans, risk assessments, and transition plans.
To attend and contribute to reviews, pathway plan meetings, and other professional forums.

PERSONAL

To understand and apply the organisation’s policies and procedures in daily practice.
To promptly report concerns about poor or unsafe practice to management or safeguarding leads.
To actively contribute to the growth and development of the service and organisation.
To participate in training relevant to the role and maintain an up-to-date personal development profile.
To take an active role in supervision and appraisal processes, identifying and addressing personal development needs.
To undertake other duties relevant to the role and responsibilities, as requested by your line manager.
To maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters related to the young people, the service, and the organisation.
To work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including evenings, weekends, and occasional sleep-in or waking night shifts if required.
To share responsibility for the safety and security of the property, including possessions, records, money, and equipment.
To represent the organisation professionally at internal and external meetings.
To foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive team culture and contribute to a positive working environment.
To support, and where necessary, provide cover at other supported accommodation services operated by the organisation.