Responsible to: Support Team Manager
Location : Based in Loughborough, England. The role requires travel to all locations where Baca Services are delivered.
Hours : 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)
Contract : Permanent
Salary: £24,150 to £27,760 a year
Overall Purpose
* To provide support and care to young people who are newly arrived in the country, providing the foundations for them to rebuild their strength, dignity and grow their hope for their futures.
* To partner with social workers and representatives from other agencies, for the benefit of the young people.
Duties & Responsibilities
* To be a key worker for a number of young people who are in the care of Baca, providing high quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood.
* To deliver young people services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, to enable young people to achieve the following outcomes, ensuring it is of the highest quality: Improved Physical Wellbeing, Improved Emotional Wellbeing, Increased engagement with Education, Employment and Training, Increased Social engagement, Increased Personal Safety.
* To work proactively and collaboratively to ensure all young people are safeguarded and taking the initiative in resolving any issues that may arise with young people.
* To be a role model to all young people in Baca’s care, providing care and compassion without discrimination of age, race, colour or behavioural issues.
* Support young people to understand expectations of them and the support on offer to them from Baca and other agencies.
* Support young people in developing essential life skills in line with the individual support plan to prepare them for independent living. Training young people in living skills such as washing, cleaning, cooking and safety food shopping and budgeting; proactively and intentionally in line with the Baca progress plan.
* Support young people in developing their skills and interests in education, vocation or hobbies. Ensure young people’s interests, hobbies and aspirations are identified by getting alongside young people and working with the team.
* Be an active part of a diverse environment of staff and young people from different cultures and backgrounds.
* Support young people to engage socially at Baca and in the wider community to build positive trusting relationships with others through one to one and group social times, engaging in clubs and activities.
* Take part in planning and attending day trips and Baca’s annual residential week.
* Develop excellent working partnerships with social workers, solicitors, teachers, volunteers and other partners to provide a holistic development package for each young person enabling them to become independent.
* Actively plan, prepare and participate in all meetings and events that are related to the support of the young people.
* Prepare young people for meetings and help them to understand what is being communicated.
* Transport young people, in line with our lone working policy, to events and meetings making sure they are on time using your own car in a safe and legal manner.
* Support young people to communicate and express their own wishes and voice regarding all aspects of their life and future.
* Develop and maintain excellent communication with all members of the team and all external partners and supporters.
* Keep good records and carry out all administrative work required as part of the role, such as month end reports and support plans, on time and in a consistent manner.
General
* Be adept in employing the correct procedures for dealing with any safeguarding incidences or concerns, in line with Baca’s Child, Vulnerable Adult Protection & Safeguarding Policy.
* Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to work undertaken and ensure all confidential material is stored according to Baca’s Confidentiality statement and Data Protection Policy.
* Adhere to all Baca’s policies and procedures.
* Be a role model, leading by example in practicing the Values of Baca.
* Play an active and supportive role within the organisation.
* Take ownership of all administrative aspects of the role.
* Treat all staff and young people fairly and without prejudice, in line with Baca’s Equality and Diversity policy.
* Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, in line with the needs of the team.
Personal specification
Baca is looking for a Support Worker who can join the support team and provide support, care and be a role model for young people who are newly arrived refugees and victims of trafficking aged 16 to 18. They will be motivated and passionate about the work that Baca does and the young people in our care.
The successful applicant will have the ability to ensure the support we give to the young people is of the highest quality and goes beyond the statutory standards set. They will be very approachable, reliable and a strong team worker. Someone who is supportive, approachable, responsible, reliable, personable and willing to be flexible. They will be a great people person who can develop key external relationships. They will also be a very organised and proactive individual. The successful applicant will need access to transport as the role requires visiting the young people in their homes and attending different appointments/meetings across the midlands. They will subscribe to and work in line with Baca’s vision and values.
The role will require the successful candidate to complete an enhanced DBS check.
Knowledge and Understanding
* Alignment with Baca’s Value to achieve our vision, mission and strategic goals.
* Ability to respond to change at short notice.
* Able to work as part of a highly diverse group of people.
* Able to work in partnership productively with teams internally and external stakeholders.
* Knowledge of safeguarding practices.
* Able to be accountable, take responsibility and be willing to learn.
* Self-motivation and flexible attitude to work.
* Proactive individual who is willing to take initiative in getting involved in a range of activities.
* Ability to be patient, calm and tenacious in very challenging circumstances
* Have a genuine concern for and commitment to young asylum seekers/refugees, and unaccompanied young people in particular.
* Driving Licence that allows you to legally drive a car in the UK.
* Access to your own car
Please note we cannot provide sponsorship for this role. Further information about the role, competencies and experience can be found on our website.