At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in achieving independence and maintaining their tenancies.
- Company: Join a supportive housing service making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and health benefits.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working with diverse communities and partner agencies.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus experience in support roles.
The predicted salary is between 25526 - 26869 £ per year.
Join a supported housing service delivering person-centred support, tenancy sustainment, safeguarding and independent living support for people with a range of needs.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Support Worker, Housing Support Officer, Supported Housing Officer, Tenancy Sustainment Officer, Tenancy Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Independent Living Officer, Floating Support Worker, Support Officer.
Salary: £25,526 to £26,869 per annum + Benefits
Location: Reading, Berkshire (RG14) (100% Site Based)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 35 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday
Job Overview: We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Housing Support Worker with experience of providing person-centred support to diverse client groups and helping people maintain independence. As a Housing Support Worker you will assess referrals, agree and review Independent Living Plans and Risk Assessments, deliver agreed support and help clients understand their tenancy responsibilities. The Housing Support Worker will work closely with partner agencies, health professionals, Adult Social Care, Criminal Justice services and internal teams to coordinate wraparound support and promote positive outcomes.
Duties:
- Referral Assessment: Assess referrals and engage with prospective clients using a person-centred approach.
- Client Support: Ensure prospective and current clients understand the support available, financial obligations, rights, responsibilities and tenancy procedures.
- Support Planning: Agree and review Independent Living Plans and Risk Assessments on a regular basis.
- Person-Centred Delivery: Deliver contracted support hours through regular client contact, follow-up action and coordinated wraparound support.
- Partnership Working: Build and maintain effective relationships with health professionals, partner agencies, community contacts and key stakeholders.
- Safeguarding: Report concerns relating to vulnerable people using the correct safeguarding procedures and attend meetings as required.
- Record Keeping: Complete and submit relevant documentation, records and statutory return data accurately and on time.
- Complaints Handling: Handle complaints and representations in line with policy and undertake any necessary investigations.
- Lone Working: Work outside standard office hours when required, following lone working procedures.
Candidate Requirements:
Essential:
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent in Maths and English, Grades A* to C.
- Working knowledge and understanding of how to support people in achieving and maintaining independence.
- Experience of providing support to diverse client groups, including people with mental health needs and/or substance misuse.
- Strong organisational skills, including time management, workload management and the ability to meet targets.
- Good IT skills, including the ability to use management information systems.
- Ability to network and build strong relationships with partner agencies, community contacts and key stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate effectively at different levels.
- Able to deal confidently and professionally with distressed, aggressive or challenging behaviour.
- Driving licence and access to own transport.
Desirable:
- Housing or support related qualification.
- Knowledge of housing or welfare benefits systems.
- Awareness of safeguarding principles.
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%.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Worker (AWDO-P14905) in Reading)
✨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 Housing Support Worker (AWDO-P14905) in Reading)
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.
