At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care leavers in finding housing and preventing homelessness.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious improvement plan for children and families.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and crisis management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 32061 £ per year.
Salary: £29,540 to £32,061 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract – 1 year
Working Pattern: Full time – 37 hours per week
Location: Based at County Hall, Chichester.
Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position.
Do you have experience in supporting families/young people/care leavers? Do you have experience of supporting care leavers/young people who are at risk of becoming homeless? Do you have excellent communication skills and are you great with IT? Then it might be you we are looking for…
As a Leaving Care Housing Support Worker, you will be engaging with our care leavers to provide good housing pathways and prevent homelessness. You will provide intensive support to help them prioritise their housing needs and ensure they understand their housing options and the best matches that will offer them a good housing pathway. The support you will provide to our care leavers will be practical and may involve attending meetings, helping with budgeting, as well as understanding how they can be better equipped to maintain a tenancy and address the risks of future homelessness.
In this role you will work collaboratively alongside our Personal Advisors, as well as external agencies such as housing providers, substance misuse, adult social care, mental health workers and probation services to address the issues that are increasing care leavers' risks of homelessness. Whilst this work can be very rewarding, it can also be emotionally demanding, involving significant work dealing with vulnerable young people who can have complex needs. The role could also involve exposure to challenging behaviour from our young people who access our services.
About you
- Experience of direct work with young people and the ability to work effectively with care leavers in crisis to provide a solution-focused approach.
- Extensive experience of working with young people/families at risk of homelessness.
- The ability to manage casework for the children/young people ensuring that needs are reviewed, objectives are set and measuring progress of these.
- Engage, communicate and work creatively in partnership with the children/young people we support, their support networks and partner organisations.
- Analyse and interpret complex data and information and make informed decisions, recommendations and prioritise on this basis to gain positive outcomes.
- Experience of using a range of direct work interventions in crisis situations, working with young people and their families and/or support networks.
- NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification/experience, demonstrating a level of ability in working with young people and families and/or support networks.
- You will need to be able to travel independently around the county, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.
Rewards and Benefits
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do. Upon joining us you will have access to a range of benefits.
About us
At West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for children and families in West Sussex that we support. You will be joining us at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced leadership team driving forward our ‘Children First’ improvement plan. The Care Leavers service is part of the overarching Children We Care For and Care Leavers Service, as we work together to improve how young people transition out of care. We don’t underestimate the work that still needs to be done and the challenge ahead. That’s why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.
Further information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE06505. For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Naomi Williams (Service Manager – Leaving Care) at naomi.williams@westsussex.gov.uk. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact kerry.joad@westsussex.gov.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact kerry.joad@westsussex.gov.uk. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
Leaving Care Housing Support Worker in Chichester employer: EMEA3 Recruitment
West Sussex County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Team Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, engage with local employers, and make a tangible impact on the community by helping individuals secure meaningful employment. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional growth, this role provides a rewarding career path in a vibrant location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leaving Care Housing Support Worker in Chichester
✨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 EMEA3 Recruitment.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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We think you need these skills to ace Leaving Care Housing Support Worker in Chichester
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 EMEA3 Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to EMEA3 Recruitment! 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 EMEA3 Recruitment
✨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.
