At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one outreach support to care leavers, helping them transition into adulthood.
- Company: Join Barnardo's Highland Services, a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting young people.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, travel expenses reimbursed, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Empower young people to build resilience and independent living skills in their communities.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and understanding of trauma-informed practices required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Barnardo's Highland Services is looking for a dedicated and compassionate support worker to join our Springboard Outreach Service, supporting care leavers across the Highland Area. This role is predominantly based in Caithness and Sutherland; however, you may need to travel to Inverness at times. It offers a unique opportunity to walk alongside young people as they transition into adulthood, providing holistic, tailored support in their own homes and communities. Springboard is commissioned by Highland Council and is part of a wider Barnardo's Highland service offer. The service is grounded in the principles of The Promise, ensuring that every young person has their voice heard and their needs met in a way that is flexible, relationship‑based, and trauma‑informed.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver one‑to‑one outreach support to care‑experienced young people across Highland
- Work flexibly and creatively to meet young people where they are—emotionally, practically and geographically
- Collaborate closely with Pathways Coordinators to support young people in achieving the goals set out in their Pathways Plans
- Empower young people to develop independent living skills, build resilience and access opportunities in their communities
- Maintain accurate records, contribute to monitoring outcomes, and work in line with Barnardo's values and safeguarding standards
What We're Looking For
- Experience working with children, young people, or care‑experienced individuals
- A strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice and the ability to build trusting, professional relationships
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider multidisciplinary team
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, based on the needs of young people
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for travel; expenses are reimbursed
Outreach Support Worker in Inverness employer: Caithness Business
Barnardo's Highland Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for Outreach Support Workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of care leavers. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture rooted in trauma-informed practices, staff are empowered to grow professionally while providing tailored support to young people in the beautiful Highland Area. The flexibility of working hours and the opportunity to engage with the community make this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Support Worker in Inverness
✨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 Caithness Business.
✨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 Caithness Business!
✨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 Caithness Business, 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 Caithness Business 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 Outreach Support Worker in Inverness
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 Caithness Business:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Caithness Business! 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 Caithness Business
✨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.
