At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with complex needs to promote independence and positive outcomes.
- Company: Friendly and hard-working supported accommodation service in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and health benefits.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, experience with diverse client groups.
The predicted salary is between 25526 - 29556 £ per year.
A rewarding opportunity for a Support Worker with experience supporting people with complex needs to promote independence, tenancy sustainment, safeguarding and positive outcomes within supported accommodation.
Salary: £25,526 to £29,556 per annum + Benefits
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire (OX4) – Fully Onsite Role
Job Type: Full-Time, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours: 35 hours per week across Monday to Friday
Job Overview: An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Support Worker to join a friendly and hard‑working supported accommodation service. Working as the Support Worker, you will help customers live safe, happy and independent lives by delivering person‑centred support that enables them to sustain their tenancies, build confidence and access the right support services. As the Support Worker, you will assess referrals, engage with prospective and current customers, agree and review Independent Living Plans and Risk Assessments, and liaise with health professionals, partner agencies and internal teams. This role would suit someone with a strong understanding of supporting people to achieve and maintain independence, along with experience working with diverse client groups and individuals facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, trauma, substance misuse and behavioural needs.
Duties:
- Assess Referrals: Assess referrals and engage with prospective customers using a person-centred approach, liaising with health professionals, agencies and colleagues as required.
- Provide Tenancy Support: Ensure prospective and current customers understand the support available, their financial obligations, rights and responsibilities under tenancy or occupation arrangements.
- Develop Support Plans: Agree, deliver and regularly review Independent Living Plans and Risk Assessments to help customers achieve agreed outcomes.
- Promote Independence: Support customers to sustain their tenancies by promoting independence, choice, safety and wellbeing.
- Safeguarding: Report concerns relating to vulnerable people using the correct safeguarding procedures, attending case conferences and meetings where required.
- Build Partnerships: Forge and maintain positive relationships with partner agencies, external stakeholders and internal teams to support effective communication and joined‑up working.
- Maintain Records: Complete and submit all relevant documentation, case notes, records and data accurately and within required timescales.
- Support Service Standards: Help customers maintain the safety, security and cleanliness of the accommodation, including reporting repairs where necessary.
- Handle Concerns: Support the handling of complaints and representations in line with policy and take appropriate follow‑up action.
- Professional Practice: Engage in continuous professional development, reflective practice and values‑led support that demonstrates empathy, integrity, inclusivity and respect.
Candidate Requirements:
Essential Requirements:
- GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English, Grade A* to C.
- A strong understanding of supporting individuals to achieve and maintain independence.
- Experience working with diverse client groups.
- Ability to motivate and support individuals facing complex challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, trauma, substance misuse and behavioural needs.
- Good understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures.
- Confident using IT systems, management information tools and standard IT packages.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
- Good organisational skills, including time management and the ability to meet targets.
- Ability to work under own initiative.
- Ability to deal calmly and professionally with distressed or aggressive customers.
Desirable Requirements:
- Housing or support-related qualification.
- Experience supporting individuals with substance misuse and/or mental health needs.
- Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
Benefits:
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Up to 8% contributory pension.
- Generous annual allowance of up to £300 to use towards health and lifestyle benefits for both you and your family.
This role requires an Enhanced DBS Check. The organisation recognises that some people will only apply for a role if they meet 100% of role requirements. If this sounds like you, they’d still encourage you to apply should you not feel you meet the criteria 100%.
Support Worker (AWDO-C14876) in Oxford) employer: AWD Online
Join a compassionate and dedicated team as a Support Worker in Oxford, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing complex challenges. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering continuous professional development and a generous benefits package, including 25 days of holiday and a health and lifestyle allowance. With a focus on promoting independence and safeguarding, this role provides a fulfilling environment for those passionate about supporting vulnerable communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (AWDO-C14876) in Oxford)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at AWD Online.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from AWD Online!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like AWD Online, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at AWD Online or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (AWDO-C14876) in Oxford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to AWD Online:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to AWD Online! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD Online
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
