Support Worker

Polaris Community; London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Polaris Community is seeking dedicated Support Workers in London to provide essential support to young people transitioning to independence. This full-time role includes generous benefits, training opportunities, and is focused on fostering positive relationships to ensure a safe and supportive living environment.

Benefits

On-the-Job Accredited Training

Opportunities to gain NVQ qualifications

Access to online courses and qualifications

Regular supervision sessions

28 days’ annual leave

Travel costs above £5 covered

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting young people is desirable.
• Experience with challenging behaviour or mental health issues is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage, motivate, and encourage young people in their living environments.
• Offer practical support according to individual care plans.
• Maintain positive relationships with staff and professionals.

Skills

Flexibility

Communication

Support for Education

Understanding of issues faced by young people in care

Intermediate computer skills

Education

Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma

Children and Young People's Workforce NVQ Level 3

Job description

Salary: Basic salary £23,277.80 with a potential to earn up to £28,893.80 with sleep-in shifts.

Location: London, Watford, Hatfield

LCS is looking for committed and enthusiastic Support Workers to work full-time (35 hours) plus 2 sleep-in shifts per week, with opportunities for additional hours. The role operates on a rota basis, which may include evenings and weekends. Flexibility is essential.

Our vision is to make a positive and lasting difference to young people who have been in care and are moving towards independence. We provide accommodation/housing and support their journey to independent living and educational achievement.

As a Support Worker, your responsibilities include engaging, motivating, and encouraging young people in their individual flats or shared houses. These young people are vulnerable, and you are responsible for ensuring that the environment is safe, welcoming, and healthy.

Main Duties:

1. Offer practical support and guidance in line with individual care plans to help young people develop independent living skills and succeed educationally.
2. Maintain positive relationships with young people, staff, and professionals through effective communication.
3. Support young people in Education, Employment, and Training, including evidencing work completed and submitting it to relevant instructors.
4. Maintain community links, such as educational provisions, sports centres, and youth clubs.

All applicants must have:

1. Flexibility to work shifts, including sleep-ins, evenings, and weekends.
2. Ideally hold or be willing to study towards qualifications such as the Residential Childcare/Families Practitioner Diploma, Children and Young People's Workforce NVQ Level 3, or equivalent.
3. Experience with attachment and trauma is desirable.
4. Experience with challenging behaviour or mental health issues is desirable.
5. An understanding of issues faced by young people in care.
6. Willingness to travel; a full driving license and access to a vehicle are desirable, but good public transport links are available.
7. Intermediate computer skills.

What we offer:

1. On-the-Job Accredited Training.
2. Opportunities to gain NVQ qualifications.
3. Access to online courses and qualifications.
4. Regular supervision sessions.
5. 28 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays.
6. Travel costs above £5 are covered to support commuting.
7. Potential additional earnings of up to £5,616 with sleep-in shifts (£54 per shift).

LCS is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff must undertake an enhanced DBS check if appointed.