At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support vulnerable young people towards independence.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and understanding the needs of young people.
The predicted salary is between 32189 - 32189 £ per year.
Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
Salary: £32,189 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
About the role
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? We are looking for a proactive and inspiring Senior Support Worker to join a young people's supported housing service in Berkhamsted, part of which is Ofsted‑registered. The service provides safe accommodation and trauma‑informed support to young people aged 16-25 with complex needs, helping them build independence and move towards long‑term housing. As Senior Support Worker, you will lead by example, supporting and motivating a team of Support Workers to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred support. You will work closely with the Team Manager and be an integral part of the management team for the scheme. Although the service operates 24/7, this role is Monday to Friday, providing leadership and oversight to ensure excellent and consistent care.
Key responsibilities
- Lead, coach and supervise a team delivering 24/7 supported housing services
- Ensure trauma‑informed, person‑centred support plans are in place and regularly reviewed
- Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns and liaise with relevant external agencies
- Promote positive outcomes by supporting young people to develop life skills and move towards independent living
- Maintain high standards of risk management, safeguarding, and record‑keeping
- Create a positive, collaborative and resilient team culture
- Support team development through one‑to‑ones, team meetings and training sessions
- Take part in an on‑call rota
About you
You will be a confident and compassionate leader with:
- Experience of leading or supervising staff in a 24/7 support environment
- A strong understanding of the needs of vulnerable young people aged 16-25
- Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and trauma‑informed practice
- Excellent communication skills, empathy and emotional resilience
- The ability to inspire, motivate and support a diverse team
What we offer
- 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible benefits package, including healthcare, dental care and lifestyle discounts
- Life assurance (4x salary) and up to 10% pension contribution
- Ongoing professional development, including funded apprenticeships
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Family‑friendly policies and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture
Important information
- We are unable to provide visa sponsorship - applicants must have the right to work in the UK
- This role includes participation in an on‑call rota
- Applications will be reviewed weekly on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
- Colleagues at risk of redundancy should state this on their application, as they will be given priority consideration
How to apply
Please apply with an anonymised CV and a short supporting statement explaining why you are a good fit for the role.
Senior Support Worker employer: Brook Street
Join a dynamic and supportive team at a leading higher education institution in Bath, where your skills as a Digital Print Assistant will be valued and nurtured. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to delivering high-quality work, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that prioritises customer service and excellence. This role offers the unique advantage of working in an educational environment, providing opportunities for growth and learning while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨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 Brook Street.
✨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 Brook Street!
✨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 Brook Street, 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 Brook Street 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 Senior Support Worker
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 Brook Street:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Brook Street! 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 Brook Street
✨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.
