At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in gaining independence and life skills through tailored key-work sessions.
- Company: The Ember Project, a new supportive accommodation service for young people.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, flexible shifts, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy for vulnerable youth and ability to work independently.
The predicted salary is between 32976 - 40304 £ per year.
The Ember Project is a new supported accommodation service for young people aged 16-25. We are small, we are just starting, and we are deliberately built around one idea: every young person who comes to us should leave more capable than they arrived and we should be able to prove it.
The role involves being the person a young person actually knows, who notices when they have gone quiet, chases college placements, and celebrates their achievements.
Day to day, you will:
- Hold a small caseload and lead the key-work relationship with those young people.
- Deliver planned key-work sessions on independence skills such as budgeting, cooking, health, housing, education, employment and training, relationships, and staying safe.
- Build support plans with young people rather than for them, ensuring their voice comes first.
- Record clearly and honestly progress, setbacks, incidents, and outcomes.
- Support young people to access education, training, employment, health services, and their local community.
- Recognise and act on safeguarding and risk concerns, escalating confidently when needed.
- Work alongside social workers, personal advisors, health, education, and other professionals.
- Keep the home somewhere a young person is proud to live, providing practical support with the property, routines, and day-to-day activities.
What we are actually looking for:
- Genuine interest in and empathy for care-experienced and vulnerable young people.
- Ability to work on your own initiative and stay calm under pressure.
- Good written English and confident basic IT skills.
- Willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide full references.
- Right to work in the UK.
- 18+ (due to the nature of the role and lone working).
Desirable but not essential:
- Previous experience in supported accommodation, residential childcare, youth work, homelessness, social care, education or a related field.
- Level 3 Health and Social Care (Children and Young People) or equivalent, or willingness to work towards it.
- Understanding of trauma-informed practice.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
We welcome applications from people whose experience comes from life rather than a CV, including care-experienced applicants.
What you get from us:
- Proper induction with a full induction day, shadow shifts, and a structured onboarding programme.
- Regular, scheduled one-to-ones focused on your development.
- Paid training in various areas including safeguarding, first aid, food hygiene, and more.
- On-call support whenever you are on shift.
- Autonomy that means something; your ideas will be heard and used.
- Genuine progression opportunities as we grow.
- Flexible rotas planned in advance.
The honest practicalities:
- This is a lone-working role; most shifts you will be the only member of staff in the home.
- Sleep-in shifts are part of the service.
- Shifts include evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Zero-hours contract, with regular shifts available.
- Enhanced DBS, full employment history, and references required.
- Emotionally demanding work, but also very rewarding.
How to apply:
Apply through Total Jobs with your CV and a short note explaining why you are interested in this role and an example of a time you took the initiative.
The Ember Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Youth Support Worker in Ross on Wye employer: Ember Support Project Ltd
The Ember Project is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people through proactive support and proven outcomes. With a focus on personal growth and development, our small team fosters a collaborative and nurturing work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional advancement in a meaningful role. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a unique chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young individuals while being part of a passionate and committed organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Worker in Ross on Wye
✨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 Ember Support Project Ltd.
✨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 Ember Support Project Ltd!
✨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 Ember Support Project Ltd, 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 Ember Support Project Ltd 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 Youth Support Worker in Ross on Wye
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 Ember Support Project Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ember Support Project Ltd! 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 Ember Support Project Ltd
✨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.
