Support Worker

Central Recruitment is currently recruiting for a Support Worker, to work in the Croydon area. The 44 bed service provides support to homeless young people aged 16-22 with a range of support needs such as those associated with mental health, care leaver status, probation, ex-offending, domestic violence, learning disabilities and asylum seeking. The successful candidate will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, working across Monday – Sunday on a rota basis, covering early (7AM – 3PM), mid (12PM – 8PM) and late (2PM – 10PM) shifts. You will be required to work every other weekend. Temporary cover is required for approximately 3 months, with the possibility of extension. The pay rate for this role is £14.21 per hour, with £1.72 holiday pay, totalling £15.93 per hour. In this position, you will be expected to; * Hold a caseload of 6 key clients and conduct regular key working sessions resulting in agreed Support Plans * Work with customers to identify their strengths and goals through our asset-based approach to support * Create management support and staying safe plans alongside with our customers by identifying and assessing risk to ensure they are able to stay safe. * Work closely with those involved in resettlement to support our customers to identify positive move on options and live more independent lives * Conduct regular health and safety checks * Use your understanding of addiction and substance misuse to enable customers to access the specialist support services they need * Liaise with external partners, including accessing appropriate statutory and voluntary services * Interview and assess the suitability of referrals, based on the criteria of the project to ensure fair access * Support customers to pay their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management * Support and advise customers on any matters relating to their occupancy agreements * Ensure all voids are advertised and lettings made promptly * Deal with breaches of occupancy agreements sensitively and efficiently, in accordance with procedures * Respond proactively to maintenance issues * Remove items, clean and make rooms ready for new occupants, where required To apply for this role, you must have; * Experience of supporting vulnerable young people to achieve independent living * An understanding of the reasons why people become homeless and the needs and challenges they face * Knowledge of safeguarding issues and how they apply in day-to-day work * Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to homeless people including an understanding of welfare benefits * Experience of holding a caseload, key working and supporting customer to identify their strengths and goals through our asset-based approach to support, using psychologically and trauma informal techniques * The ability to use coaching and basic counselling skills/ frameworks to support your customers * Understanding of addiction and substance misuse including drugs and alcohol * Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing * Competent in using Microsoft word, excel and inputting to database Candidates must confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible. Further requirements: In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria: * Current valid right to work in the UK * Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise) * A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60) * Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process How to apply: If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration. *Please note the outlined experience is the \’minimum\’ first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position