Support Worker - Young People

Central Recruitment Services Ltd; Croydon; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Recruitment Services Ltd in London is seeking a Support Worker for a 44-bed service in Croydon, assisting young people aged 16-22 facing homelessness and multiple needs. You will manage a 6-client caseload, conduct key sessions, and develop Support Plans using asset-based and trauma-informed approaches to help clients move toward independence.

The role requires weekend shifts and varied start times.

Qualifications

• 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 asset-based support.
• Create risk-aware plans to keep customers safe and supported in moving to independence.
• Liaise with external partners and services to access welfare benefits and housing support.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess referrals to ensure fair access based on project criteria.
• Support customers to pay rent and provide benefits and debt advice.
• Advise on occupancy agreements and ensure lettings are processed promptly.
• Remove items and prepare rooms for new occupants as required.

Skills

Caseload management

Asset-based approach

Safeguarding

Welfare benefits knowledge

Trauma-informed techniques

Coaching

Counselling

Communication

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database input

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database

Job description

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