Position: Support Worker – Children in Care (16-18)
Location: Various
Hours: Casual
Salary expected: £33,384
Our Purpose
Providing Care is dedicated to supporting young people in care as well as separated migrant young people, particularly those aged 16-18, as they transition to independence. We recognise that leaving care is a critical phase in a young person’s life and provide tailored services to meet individual needs. Our mission is to empower these young people by offering personalised support that evolves as they grow in confidence and ability to manage day-to-day challenges and integrate into society.
Your Purpose
As a Support Worker at Providing Care, you will play a crucial role in guiding young people aged 16-18 through the transition from care to independent living. You will work closely with the young person, their social worker, and other allied professionals to deliver bespoke support based on their unique needs. This may include assisting with daily tasks, managing challenging behaviours, and providing emotional support. The role demands empathy, compassion, resilience, problem-solving, respecting professional boundaries, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
But most importantly, you need to have a passion for working and supporting young people on their transition journey from childhood to adulthood.
Your Role (Duties and Responsibilities)
* Personalised Support: Provide one-on-one support tailored to each young person’s needs, helping them develop life skills and confidence in their journey toward independence.
* Behavioural Management: Work with young people who present behaviours that challenge, offering consistent support and implement strategies to promote positive change through encouragement, praise, rewards, and role modelling.
* Collaboration: Liaise with social workers, mental health professionals, and other relevant parties to ensure a coordinated approach to the young person's care.
* Daily Living Assistance: Assist young people with daily tasks, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and managing their personal affairs. Support young people to re-join the education system or take the first steps on their journey to employment.
* Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and emotional support to young people, helping them navigate the challenges of transitioning out of care.
* Boundary Setting: Establish clear and firm boundaries to foster independence while ensuring the young person does not develop an over-reliance on the support worker.
* Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of interactions and progress, ensuring that all documentation is up to date and complies with relevant regulations.
* Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to provide immediate support in crisis situations, working to de-escalate and manage challenging circumstances effectively.
* Safeguarding Commitment and Compliance: Reporting safeguarding concerns to senior staff within the organisation. Following support plans and adhere to Risk Assessments to help young people to achieve their goals.
Contract Details
This role is offered on a casual worker contract basis, providing flexibility to work as many hours as you are available. While there are no guaranteed minimum hours, we encourage a commitment of at least 2 shifts per week to ensure continuity of care and support for the young people. This arrangement allows you to manage your work-life balance effectively while contributing meaningfully to the team.
Qualifications, Experience and Abilities
Essential:
* Experience working with young people, particularly those with diverse and complex needs or challenging behaviours.
* Knowledge of the challenges faced by young people leaving care.
* Ability to build trust and rapport with young individuals.
* Knowledge of local community resources and services.
* Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
* Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Ability to use your own initiative.
* Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
* IT capabilities.
Desirable:
* Relevant qualifications in social care, youth work, or a related field.
* Experience working with mental health issues, self-harming behaviours, and behaviours that challenge.
* Knowledge of the care system and transition processes for young people as well as safeguarding.
* Driver’s License: hold a full, valid UK driving license with business insurance coverage.
Additional Requirements
* Age Requirement: Some placements require a minimum age of 23 due to the Local Authority’s requirements to be at least five years older than the youngest child in care.
* Gender-Specific Roles: Certain placements may require female or male-only support workers based on the needs and requirements of the young people in our care.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Birthday Day off.
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
* A supportive and inclusive working environment.
* Opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
* Shopping Discount Platform.
* Possibility to complete QCF qualifications to become a qualified Youth and Community Worker.
Providing Care is committed to safeguarding, protection, and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our recruitment, selection, and appointment processes, we conduct a range of vetting checks including Right to Work and Enhanced DBS checks, to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people are appointed.
All successful applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service/Disclosure Scotland with a check against the “Barred children’s list” and at least 2 references that cover the period of at least the last 3 years of your employment as well as additional character references; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults.
Equal Opportunities:
Providing Care is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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