Empowering Young Carers: Support Worker (Fixed Term)

Essex County Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a district-based Key Worker to support young carers and their families in Colchester. You will assess needs, develop support plans, and provide one-to-one and group assistance, aiming to raise achievement and life opportunities for young carers (0-18) and young adult carers (16-24).

You will collaborate with schools and partner services, promote participation, and ensure safeguarding. A driving licence and mobility are required.

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with a relevant professional qualification focussed on working with young people.
• Experience of working with children and/or young people.
• Ability to take responsibility for lone working and managing calendar/working hours.
• Flexible professional approach to meet needs of young people and service.
• A broad understanding of issues affecting young carers and young people.

Responsibilities

• Work with Essex young carers and their families to identify priorities, support needs, interventions and goals, developing and implementing strategies for securing these.
• Take up referrals and identify, understand and meet needs with emphasis on positive outcomes.
• Work with Essex young carers in line with the agreed model, ensuring the level of support meets identified need including one-to-one support, group support, phone support, advocacy, information, signposting, training and workshops.
• Promote self-awareness, confidence and involvement in service design and evaluating impact.
• Provide outreach and awareness activities to other agencies to support identification of young carers.
• Pro-actively work with other agencies to ensure ongoing support, especially at transitions, to enable continued education, employment or training.
• Support development of Essex young carers networks to ensure their voice is heard.
• Ensure ECC safeguarding policies are implemented.

Skills

GCSE level or equivalent

Young people experience

Lone working

Communication skills

Mobility / driving licence

Teamwork

Education

GCSE or equivalent with relevant qualification

Job description

Essex County Council is seeking a district-based Key Worker to support young carers and their families in Colchester. You will assess needs, develop support plans, and provide one-to-one and group assistance, aiming to raise achievement and life opportunities for young carers (0-18) and young adult carers (16-24).

You will collaborate with schools and partner services, promote participation, and ensure safeguarding. A driving licence and mobility are required.