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- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in a 24/7 service, assisting with daily needs and safety.
- Company: Join a trusted charity in Bedford dedicated to empowering the homeless since 1996.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, 27 days leave, and access to employee discounts and support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and empathy; experience with vulnerable populations is a plus.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS clearance required; opportunities for extra shifts available.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 26000 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity for a Support Worker for this super homeless charity in Bedford who provide safe spaces for vulnerable people within its communities.
About the company
Our clienthas been delivering services to service users with Complex Needs since 1996. Their mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within its communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives. They currently provide services to people experiencing homelessness and help to prevent homelessness in Bedford and Milton Keynes.
They are proud of their culture and their values : Trustworthy, Respectful, Helpful and Honest.Their values underpin the work they do and the way they relate to their staff, volunteers, families, carers, professional partners and the individuals who learn with them, their funders and trustees. Our client particularly encourages applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, substance misuse and other complex needs.
About the role
As a Support Worker, you will be instrumental in the day to day running of our client’s 24 / 7 services and duties involve :
- Assisting caseworkers with the implementation of support plans for rough sleepers or residents (former rough sleepers with complex needs) in their supported accommodation
- Maintaining the safety and security of the building and carrying out essential office duties
- Keeping the office space tidy and maintain supplies for residents
- Responding to queries and communicating with people that use their services as well as external partners and agencies
- Maintain the office space including answering the phone and responding to queries
- Respond to need as it arises and managing a range of situations
- Share relevant and appropriate information within a multi-disciplinary team
- Provide basic guidance and advice to service users, including access to benefits information, support to make appointments and signposting to other organisations
- Adhere to the company Diversity & Equal Opportunities Policy
- Be familiar with and demonstrate adherence to the organisational and service Policies and Procedures
- Ensure procedures relating to service users are being followed
- Keep service user records up to date
- Ensure the building is well maintained
- Participate in rough sleeper counts if necessary
- Maintain organisational, service user and colleague confidentiality
- Consistently work within a person-centred approach
- Provide practical living skills including, but not limited to, budgeting, cooking, cleaning etc.
About you
To be successful for the role of Support worker, you will have :
- Great communication skills and experience of working effectively with others in an office setting, supported accommodation or homeless centre
- Some experience of dealing directly with the public and / or customers in a busy 24 / 7 operational environment
- The ability to connect with people who may have had adverse life experiences and present with challenging behaviour (and be able to effectively de‑escalate these types of situations)
- Some understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerably housed people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services
- A caring and empathetic approach to helping people and an adaptable approach to individuals with complex needs
- Awareness of and ability to manage professional boundaries
- The ability to work under pressure in a potentially stressful environment and deal with challenging behaviours and situations
- A working knowledge of MS Office software, e.g. Word, PowerPoint & Excel
- The desire to help individuals to make positive change to their lives, often when they feel at their lowest point
The role of Support Worker will require you to have Enhanced DBS clearance.
About the hours and rewards
In the role of Support Worker, you will work 3 days on 3 days off. Day shifts or night shifts are available (no combination of both) and shifts are either 8am-8pm or 8pm-8am. There is a salary on offer of £22,557 per annum and benefits include :
- Access to Charity Worker Discount scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
There are lots of opportunities to pick up additional shifts across their homelessness services.
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Support Worker employer: ErecruitSmart
Contact Detail:
ErecruitSmart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by homeless individuals. Understanding their experiences will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your empathy and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sector. Attend local events or workshops related to homelessness and support work. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours or provided support to vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you would handle unexpected situations in a 24/7 operational environment, as this is crucial for a Support Worker role.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience you have in social care, working with vulnerable individuals, or in a 24/7 operational environment. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in communication, empathy, and managing challenging situations.
Showcase Your Values: The company values Trustworthy, Respectful, Helpful, and Honest. Make sure to reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your work and interactions with others.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ErecruitSmart
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've connected with individuals facing challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your understanding of their experiences and your ability to provide support.
✨Know the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with the charity's values: Trustworthy, Respectful, Helpful, and Honest. During the interview, relate your personal values and experiences to these principles to show that you align with their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving challenging behaviours. Think through potential scenarios and how you would respond, focusing on de-escalation techniques and maintaining professional boundaries.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss your experience working in busy environments and how you've successfully interacted with diverse groups, including vulnerable individuals and external partners.
