At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a supportive home for young people aged 16-25 as they transition to independent living.
- Company: 1625 Independent People, dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Receive £175 per week and full training with ongoing support.
- Other info: Great opportunity for those considering fostering with excellent support available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young person's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: A spare bedroom and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 39302 - 48036 £ per year.
We are looking for people across South Gloucestershire, who have a spare bedroom, to become host families for 16-25 year olds who are studying or working and who need somewhere to stay before moving into independent living.
What is Supported Lodgings? Supported Lodgings is a fantastic next step for young people who are nearly ready to live fully independently but need a helping hand first. When someone offers a young person a room, it provides a supportive home environment in which they can learn and grow. Leaving care or a service can be difficult and disorientating – we believe when our young people know what it feels like to belong and be valued, they have the stability to thrive.
As a host family, you would play a huge part in supporting a young person to feel valued by providing them with a bedroom for 6-24 months and helping them to feel a part of your household whilst they gain the skills they need to move into their own accommodation.
The Young Person:
- Aged 16-25 years old
- They are in education, employment or training
- Low support needs but may need help learning soft skills like cooking, budgeting, cleaning and shopping
- Need compassion and understanding – they have been on a long journey!
The Host:
- We encourage a variety of people to apply
- We love hosts who are kind and have a passion for young people
- You can provide a room in your house to be the young person's bedroom
- You are not the young person’s only support, we will continue to provide support and social workers, or personal advisors remain involved
- You will receive full training to become a host and be supported by our Supported Lodgings Coordinator on every step of your journey
- Supported Lodgings is a great first step for people who are considering becoming foster carers. We have supported several hosts to make the move into fostering with relevant training and references
- Costs are covered with a £175 per week payment for every week there is a young person in your property
Who we are
Supported Lodgings is a project run by 1625 Independent People in South Gloucestershire. We support young people across the region to reboot their lives and move to independence.
How to Apply: Please click here to download the application form for this role. To apply for this role, please fill out this application form, and email it to [email protected]. Alternatively, you can apply on our Volunteering webpage, here. If you want to know more, please visit our website to apply directly. The website also has more info about what hosting is like and what we expect from our hosts and young people. Alternatively please email Duncan, our Supported Lodgings Coordinator for an informal chat: [email protected].
Equal opportunities for everyone
We believe those with a criminal record should have an equal chance to become employees or volunteers and encourage applications. As an organisation who safeguard and promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, any job offer will depend on a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. We comply fully with the DBS code of practice and undertake to treat all applications for positions fairly. For successful candidates with a criminal record, a risk assessment process will take place with the recruiting manager. We also pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer for everyone regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion and beliefs, sex and sexual orientation. Please see our Policies section on the website, for further information.
Supported Lodgings Host - South Gloucestershire in Bristol employer: 1625 Independent People
1625 Independent People is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting young individuals in South Gloucestershire as they transition to independent living. By becoming a Supported Lodgings Host, you will not only receive comprehensive training and ongoing support but also make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes growth and stability. With a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, we ensure that every host feels valued and empowered in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Lodgings Host - South Gloucestershire in Bristol
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like 1625 Independent People.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like 1625 Independent People. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Lodgings Host - South Gloucestershire in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps 1625 Independent People understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1625 Independent People
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show 1625 Independent People how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community 1625 Independent People serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with 1625 Independent People.