Children\'s Contracts - Support Worker (Ref:CRH114

Overview

Job title: Children’s Contracts – Support Worker x10

Department: Children’s Contracts, Operations

Location: Kent

Contract type: Permanent | Hours: 40 hours p/w (Mon – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm) | Salary: £27,264.00 – £33,384.00 per annum

Reporting to: Support Worker Team Manager

Role purpose: Working as part of a team of support workers, providing high-quality support and positive outcomes for young people leaving care including unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, supporting their transition into adulthood and independent living.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of young people allocated within the registered service provision.
• Provide support and guidance to young people living independently in their homes.
• Assist in developing young people’s independent living skills.
• Promote and encourage positive life choices in activities such as social activities, budgeting and education.
• Update and ensure progress is made with care plans in line with their pathway plan set by their social work team.
• Liaise with social work teams and other stakeholders to respond to service delivery, support, accommodation, and any complaints/issues in a timely manner.
• Plan and manage personal objectives in line with the contract specification and standards in the Children’s Contract.
• Participate in service developments including planning, control, monitoring, review and evaluation of activities to ensure continuous improvements in service delivery.
• Ensure all young people and staff are treated in accordance with the Equal Opportunities policy, with consideration of cultural, religious and physical needs.
• Provide on-call assistance as required to young people, staff, social services and management.
• Ensure safeguarding issues are addressed and signposted in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure cohesive and compliant delivery of service.
• Prioritise and manage your diary to ensure effective caseload management and completion of weekly contracted hours.
• Ensure property standards are maintained in line with health and safety guidelines and company procedures; report issues to relevant departments.
• Ensure inventory items within the property portfolio are replaced/repaired as required and reported to relevant departments.
• Maintain training to support contract requirements and successful role completion.
• Pursue personal development of skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders to validate audit findings and mitigate identified risks; communicate findings to the business.
• Handle data processing and service contract administration with appropriate departments.
• Attend dispersals and assist housing officer with inductions into properties, using translation services as required and providing support on move-in day.
• Ensure all young people understand expectations, house rules and reporting functions as part of induction.
• Report incidents, accidents and/or near misses, safeguarding issues and concerns, and absconding or missing young people.

Connect and Collaborate

• Work closely with line manager and team members.
• Collaborate with others, attending meetings as required.
• Support team members and provide on-the-job training.
• Provide cover for other staff as agreed by line manager.

Responsive

• Keep up to date with written and verbal communications (emails/messages/calls).
• Maintain and keep records up to date according to company policies and procedures.

Talented

• NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Social Care and/or equivalent, or willing to work towards within a set timeframe.
• Knowledge and understanding of The Children’s Act and Children’s Social Care Acts.
• Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle. Role involves working from home with daily travel to provide direct support to the Children’s Contracts Team.
• Previous experience with young people within a care setting.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, persuade and negotiate at all levels.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to travel across a large geographical portfolio daily/weekly.
• Monitor own work levels, progress and development in the role.
• Undertake core learning and development programmes as required.
• Undertake relevant learning according to agreed Personal Development Plan.

Trusted

• All employees are responsible for ensuring any personal data held is kept securely and not disclosed to third parties unless authorized under a confidentiality agreement.

Agile and Diverse

• Any other duties within the scope of responsibility and ability, including providing similar support to other local company projects.

Professional

• Maintain a good understanding of the legislation governing the contract and ensure the service aligns with OFSTED guidance and Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023 to meet minimum standards.
• Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays; Westfield Health Membership; Life Cover (2 x basic salary); 6-month probation; Employer pension contribution (4% employer, 4% employee); Laptop/Phone/equipment as required; Referral Scheme.

Diversity Statement: Clearsprings Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Safeguarding Statement: Clearsprings Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all employees to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check in line with their job role.

Other note: This role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship under the points-based system.