Community Support Worker

at  Two Saints

FIXED TERM, 6 MONTH CONTACT

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can empower young people to move on from supported accommodation to independence? Do you have a passion for empowering young people to develop the knowledge and skills they will need to manage their own home, ensure their own safety and achieve their goals.
The Staying Close model is designed to provide an enhanced support package for young people leaving care. Working with young people in semi-independent accommodation to take the next step into move on accommodation you will be a trusted, consistent support worker providing a package of practical and emotional support.
You will be working alongside Social Workers, Personal Advisors, and staff in the young persons’ service as part of their support, building strong and supportive relationships during this critical transition period.
If you love helping others and enjoy supporting young people to achieve their goals and to become more independent this could be the role for you. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new service and make a real difference.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• You will directly work with young people identifying their needs by listening to them, putting together a support plan and safety plan to mitigate any barriers for them achieving their goals. This work will be delivered in a person-centred and trauma informed way to best meet the needs of the young person
• You will be their ‘trusted person’ providing continuity whilst they are in semi-independent accommodation and as they transition to move-on accommodation.
• You will support young people to develop practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, personal health and hygiene in readiness for independent living
• Support to move young people on from supported accommodation to their next step of independence. Advocating their needs and wishes where necessary
• You will provide advice on housing, education and employment, welfare benefits, budgeting and signposting to services they can access to ensure they have all they need in their property
• You will work closely with Wokingham Borough Council’s social care teams (for example social workers and personal advisors) to ensure the best support and outcomes for the young people
• Through close partnership working with key agencies in the local area you will have a sound knowledge of the entitlements, support, and opportunities available for young people you are working with
• You will help clients with the practicalities of moving to new accommodation, such as contacting energy suppliers, setting up direct debits, getting to know the local area
• Liaise with colleges, training agencies, employers to help young people access education, find work or maintain their benefit entitlement
• To work flexibly to meet the needs of the young people, this may include evening and weekend work where necessary
• Any other reasonable duties required in the interest of the organisation and appropriate to the grade of post

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR ROLE

• 2 years previous experience working with young people in a relevant role is essential
• A full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is essential
• Demonstrable passion for working with young people and an understanding of the impact trauma and adverse childhood experiences can have
• Experience of working in partnership with a range of professionals to ensure support needs are met is also essential
• An understanding of how to provide person-centred support and trauma informed working practices
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Your values will be aligned to ours and you will be committed to changing the lives of others for the better
• Clear verbal and written communication skills to present information accurately.
• Good IT and record keeping skills
• Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
• Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
• Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies in the local area
• Flexible approach to what is required from the role

We asked our young people what they would be looking for in a Staying Close Co-ordinator and they said someone who is:

• Smiley, positive and bubbly
• Able to keep conversations light whilst getting the task done
• Able to show empathy
• Understanding that when visiting them it is their home and respecting this

DESIRABLE CRITERIA FOR THE ROLE

• Knowledge and understanding of Social Care practice as defined by Social Work England Guidelines
• NVQ Level 3 or above in a relevant area e.g. Health and Social Care or Youth Work equivalent