Support Worker Weston-super-Mare, England
Job description
About The Role
Are you prepared to go the extra mile to ensure a positive outcome for your customers? Are you motivated to make a positive contribution to the lives of the people we support? If so, we really want to hear from you.
The team works with low support vulnerable young people aged 16-25, who are impacted or threatened by homelessness in Bristol in our temporary accommodation for around 12 months. The service also supports young people who are leaving care. The support will be helping young people to achieve their goals and aspirations, and move on with skills to be independent in managing on their own.
As a support worker, you will be providing housing related support and you will be working closely with other agencies around specific needs including mental health and DV, private letting agents and landlords and/or others. The role involves managing tenancy, housing management, working with benefits, bills, exploring options around education, training and employment, writing support plans and risk assessment, budgeting, engaging with other professionals, working towards move-on from temporary accommodation.
This role will also cover triaging applications from Bristol City Council, checking needs and risks are assessed appropriately ensuring the service is suitable for the prospective clients and any voids are filled in timely manner. You will also be helping to keep the system updated regularly and prepare quarterly reports for the commissioners.
We are looking for someone who is motivated to make a positive contribution to the lives of the people we support and have a “can do” approach to their work. Experience in a similar role would be desirable, however, what is most important is having a passion for helping people in the local community.
This role will be challenging at times as you will be working with and supporting clients across a range of difficult and challenging issues/behaviours; an attention to detail, using your initiative and problem solving will be key.
This role is being offered on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week. Bandwidth hours will be 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups and expect all colleagues to share this commitment. Appointment to the post will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
If you would like to discuss this vacancy, please contact our Resourcing team on 01392 814 599 or email [email protected].
About The Candidate
To be considered for the role of Support Worker, you will be/have:
- You will have empathy and understanding of the needs of clients who are experiencing homelessness and the barriers they face.
- Have an understanding or experience, of issues surrounding homelessness and good awareness of associated risks this may bring such as alcohol and substance misuse, mental health, self-harm, offending behaviour.
- Have understanding or experience of debt management.
- Network building to be able to source accommodation options and opportunities for clients.
- Be resilient with the ability to be open and responsive to the challenging needs of clients and commissioners of the service.
- Have an understanding, or experience, of lone working.
- Have a knowledge and understanding of welfare and housing benefits.
- Have the ability to motivate and engage clients in the service and their pathway to independence.
- Be able to adapt your style and be able to ‘think on the spot’ when reacting to difficult situations.
- Understand the impact of trauma and can show us you have experience of or the ability to provide high-quality support whilst managing challenging situations.
- Committed to LiveWest values and bring enthusiasm and willingness within all aspects of the role and service.
- Have good IT skills, excellent interpersonal skills and understand the importance of working within equal opportunities, safeguarding and confidentiality guidelines.
- Be able to communicate on different levels both verbally and in writing.
- Take ownership and responsibility.
The most important part of this role is to have pride in your work and have a positive attitude, a proactive approach and the confidence to support a diverse range of people. You will be able to balance your passion and commitment with good organisational skills, and the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
What we offer:
- Discretionary Bonus scheme
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays with service related increase to your entitlement up to 30 days plus an option to purchase extra annual leave
- Health Cash Plan including dental and optical cover (worth up to £1,100 per annum)
- Defined Contribution pension scheme – employer contribution of 6% - 9%
- Learning and Development including coaching and professional qualification support
- Death in Service benefit (3 x salary)
- Family Friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health and Wellbeing programme which includes enhanced sick pay, monthly campaigns, training and yearly flu jabs
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Car Benefit scheme
- Volunteering days
About The Company
As well as developing new homes, we continue to invest in existing properties and communities. Through the stability of good housing, we place better living for better lives at the centre of our mission both today and for generations to come. At LiveWest we believe in a home for everyone.
As an Inclusive Employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. For further information about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, please click here.
