Emerging Futures works nationally with people affected by addiction, encouraging them to make positive changes to their lives. We believe that no one should suffer the stigma associated with addiction, and that everyone seeking support should feel valued and respected. We provide homes for people to connect with others and make the necessary changes to move towards independent, healthy living. Our behaviour change services provide a confidential space to share experiences, and offer practical support to those who want to change. The Emerging Futures accredited coach training develops the skills of our volunteers, motivating people to give back and reconnect with their community.
About the role
As a Housing Support Worker, you will support people with a history of drug and/or alcohol issues, who are abstinent and living in supported housing projects. You will work closely with colleagues and partner agencies to provide a range of interventions to support recovery and help people achieve independent living in the community. You will also work alongside colleagues who will provide psychological therapies to support residents to improve their wellbeing. You will ensure residents are safe and engaged in positive and meaningful activities in the community that will support their recovery.
This is an entry-level role, and we understand that not all candidates will have direct work experience in a similar position. We provide training to all of our Housing Support Workers, enabling them to deliver the role confidently and in a holistic, person-centred way. Whilst a passion for working with people affected by addiction is crucial, candidates may also have experience of working with people with complex needs including challenging or negative behaviour, substance misuse and/or criminal offending backgrounds and supporting them to make changes to their lives. You may also have:
- Experience or an understanding of supporting people to develop their personal strengths and sustain their tenancy within a \'supported housing\' environment.
- Specialist harm reduction experience.
- Experience of developing partnerships and working collaboratively with other organisations.
- A coaching/ counselling/ Health and Social Care qualification.
- An understanding of the harmful effects associated with drug and alcohol misuse and offending in relation to health, social welfare, housing, employability and personal relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Worker - Cheshire East in Congleton
✨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 Emerging Futures.
✨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 Emerging Futures!
✨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 Emerging Futures, 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 Emerging Futures or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Emerging Futures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Emerging Futures! 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 Emerging Futures
✨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.
