Support Worker

Central is currently recruiting for a Support Worker, to work in the Croydon area. The 44 bed service provides support to homeless young people aged 16-22 with a range of support needs. The successful candidate will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, working across Monday – Sunday on a rota basis, covering early, mid and late shifts between 7AM-10PM. Temporary cover is required for approximately 3 months. The pay rate for this role is £14.21 per hour, with £1.72 holiday pay, totalling £15.93 per hour. In this position, you will be expected to; * Hold a caseload of 8 key clients and conduct regular key working sessions resulting in agreed Support Plans * Create management plans alongside service users by identifying and assessing risk to ensure they are able to stay safe * Ensure fair access through interviewing and assessing the suitability of referrals, based on the criteria of the project * Support service users to identify positive move on options and live more independent lives * Liaise with external partners, including accessing appropriate statutory and voluntary services * Support service users to access the support they need, including accessing benefits, housing and education * Establish supportive and professional relationships with service users and deal effectively with unpredictable and challenging situations in a professional and sensitive manner * Take part in running activities and provide service users with opportunities that promote aspiration and confidence * Encourage and support service users to raise complaints, comments and suggestions To apply for this role, you must have; * Experience of working with vulnerable young people * An understanding of a range of support needs including mental health, care leaver status, probation, ex-offending, domestic violence, learning disabilities and asylum seeking * Experience of holding a caseload, conducting support plans, risk assessments and needs assessments * Knowledge of safeguarding and how this may apply to day-to-day work * An understanding of the reasons why people become homeless and the needs and challenges they face * Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to homeless people Candidates must confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible. 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 £50) * Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process How to apply: If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration. *Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position