At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide flexible support across housing services, helping individuals maintain accommodation and improve wellbeing.
- Company: Changing Lives, a nationwide charity dedicated to transforming lives for the better.
- Benefits: Generous leave policies, private health insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help create safe, welcoming environments for those in need.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with a commitment to supporting those facing complex challenges.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are seeking talented individuals that are excellent in their field of expertise and are posed with all potential and skills necessary to help us meet future business challenges.
Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better. Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.
Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.
About the Service - Housing & Homelessness Services
A safe home is the solid base from which you build your life. We support people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as providing specialist accommodation and outreach services for rough sleepers, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, women and young people. Accommodation to us doesn’t just mean a roof over your head and shelter from the elements. It needs to be a welcoming and flourishing environment, offering opportunities for all those we support to feel comfortable and develop. You can make a difference and support people on their journey towards a brighter future. At Changing Lives, we offer a home rather than just a shelter.
About the Job
The Peripatetic Support Worker provides flexible, responsive support across five housing and homelessness services, ensuring continuity of service delivery during periods of annual leave, sickness, vacancies, training, and other staffing pressures. Working across both male and female accommodation services, the postholder will deliver high-quality, person-centred support to individuals with a range of complex needs, helping them to maintain their accommodation, improve wellbeing, and achieve greater independence.
The role is designed to strengthen service resilience by providing reliable staff cover where it is needed most, responding quickly to changing operational demands and ensuring that support remains safe, consistent, and effective. The postholder will build positive relationships with residents, colleagues, and partner agencies while adapting to different service environments, teams, and client groups.
Through a flexible and proactive approach, the Peripatetic Support Worker will contribute to maintaining service standards, supporting safeguarding and risk management processes, and ensuring that residents continue to receive high-quality support regardless of staffing challenges or service location.
Peripatetic Support Worker - Durham employer: Changing Lives
Changing Lives in Newcastle upon Tyne is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on trauma-informed care, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, offering employees opportunities to develop their skills while making a difference in the lives of women and children. Our commitment to employee well-being and the unique challenges of this role create a rewarding environment for those passionate about social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peripatetic Support Worker - Durham
✨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 Changing Lives.
✨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 Changing Lives!
✨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 Changing Lives, 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 Changing Lives 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 Peripatetic Support Worker - Durham
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 Changing Lives:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Changing Lives! 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 Changing Lives
✨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.