Support Worker - Young People

Gloucester City Homes; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Support Worker to assist young individuals facing homelessness. This role involves delivering tailored support to help young people develop essential life skills and achieve independence. You'll engage with residents through creative activities and one-on-one sessions, fostering their aspirations and encouraging personal responsibility. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to equality and inclusion, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of young people in the community. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and personal growth.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with complex needs.
• Ability to handle difficult situations sensitively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-to-one key work sessions and group activities.
• Encourage young people to take responsibility for their development.

Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

IT Proficiency

Understanding of Mental Health

Trauma-Informed Care

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

GCSE/NVQ Level 2 in Relevant Subjects

Tools

PCs

Mobile Phones

Digital Cameras

PDAs

Job description

Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

5/7 days Sunday to Saturday

This role is based at Hewmar House, GCH's exciting, new Young Persons Supported Accommodation scheme. Please note that this role forms part of a rota covering 7 days per week; therefore, weekend working is required regularly. The scheme operates on a 24/7 staffed basis; however, the hours for this role will only be between 7:45 am and 10:00 pm. No night shifts are required.

Gloucestershire's best place to work and Housing Heroes employer of the year? Yes, that's us. Awarded for our inclusive culture and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion? That's right. Shortlisted at the National Healthy Housing Awards? Guilty.

The opportunity

It's an exciting time for us as we have recently acquired a new homeless property to support young people aged 18-25 at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping, which will be ready in April 2025.

Because of this, we're now seeking a Support Worker — someone to support young people with multiple and complex needs, helping them articulate and achieve their aspirations and ambitions, and acquire the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Within this role, you'll deliver one-to-one key work sessions, group work, and activities through the support model so that residents can access tailored solutions that meet their needs, wishes, and aspirations. You'll work creatively and effectively alongside young people to inspire and encourage them to develop their talents as they seek employment, volunteering, and training opportunities.

Ensuring young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal development, engage with available services, and build strong networks within the community to sustain their progress when they move on. You'll also ensure their views, aspirations, concerns, and ideas are sought, allowing them to actively influence the services they receive.

We'd like you to have

• GCSE/NVQ Level 2 in relevant subjects, or equivalent expertise through relevant CPD training/experience related to housing, support work, and/or working with young people or adults at risk.
• The ability to work proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living.
• Experience of dealing effectively and proactively with clients in difficult situations, where it is not always possible to meet customer needs/wishes.
• Ability to use IT systems, including PCs, mobile phones, digital cameras, and PDAs, to gather, store, and process information.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills with a strong customer focus.
• The ability to give accurate and up-to-date advice, information, and support on a broad range of topics.
• The ability to understand clients' needs and perceptions; handle difficult situations sensitively, including dealing with complex mental health, substance abuse, and violent behaviour.
• Knowledge of psychologically informed environments, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based support principles.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why us?

You may have sensed that we're not just any social housing provider. We aim to do things differently to build a healthy, vibrant, and inclusive organisation that treats people with respect and creates opportunities for all.

We have strong community roots and an ambitious five-year strategy, which we are currently refreshing. Over the past year, we've undergone significant changes in our operating environment, regulatory framework, and in meeting the needs and expectations of our customers and colleagues.

Closing date: 26th May 2025

Shortlisting will be carried out throughout the advert period, and this closing date may be brought forward if we receive a large response from suitable candidates. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an initial MS Teams informal conversation to determine next steps for a formal interview.

How to Apply: Please refer to the 'Vacancies' section on our website and follow the instructions to apply for a role with GCH.