Support Worker - Young People

Central Recruitment is currently working with a London-based charity that is dedicated to creating positive change by providing support to individuals on their journey towards independence.

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