At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support to young people at risk of homelessness.
- Company: Dynamic housing association focused on community and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with no night shifts and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care and experience with young people.
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Located at: Hewmar House, London Road, Gloucester
Salary: £32,208.75
Gloucester City Homes (GCH) is an ambitious, dynamic housing association with strong community roots. We are focused on building homes and communities where people can thrive and delivering valued services to our customers.
Hewmar House is designed to support young people aged 18-25 at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping. After opening the service in February 2025, it has gone from strength-to-strength, and we are incredibly proud of the support that we are able to offer to young people in need.
We’re now seeking a Specialist Support Worker, which is a key role within the servicein providing effective, one-to-one, intensive, person-centred support to the young people that live in Hewmar House.
Within the role, you’ll use a range of tools and techniques and deliver a flexible and inclusive support package to build confidence and independence. Working closely with the customers, you’ll develop individual support plans and build trust and confidence to ensure the agreed plans are monitored regularly and the progress is tracked, recorded and reported as part of the success outcomes.
You’ll understand any cultural stereotypes and biases based on historical and gender issues, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, geography, race or ethnicity that impact the customer to support the implementation of a trauma informed practices, and provide support that is flexible and versatile, breaking down barriers and valuing differences.
We’d like you to have…
* An NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (Children and young people).
* A Level 4 Certificate in Working with Children, Individuals and families & a certificate in Counselling.
* Proven understanding and experience of working with young people in a support environment and trauma informed practices.
* Experience of working with and delivering a support plan framework which is outcome focused.
* Experience of problem solving and making informed decisions.
* Experience of working with the complex and chaotic lifestyles cohort to deliver success outcomes.
* Current knowledge and understanding of Housing Law and its application within social housing.
* Thorough understanding and up to date knowledge of homeless legislation and best practice and its implications for clients and housing organisations.
* A clear understanding of safeguarding, and risk assessments.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer focus and an ability to understand the needs and perceptions of different stakeholders.
Please note:
*This is not a physical/personal care role. Our support is based around helping to tackle the impacts of trauma, increasing confidence and independence, as well as improving and developing life and tenancy management skills, to enable successful move-on to independent accommodation.
**This role is 37 hours per week on a 7-day rota, which includes regular weekends. The role does not include any night shifts. Shifts occur within the hours of 07:45 – 22:00 (7.24 hours per shift).
***GCH does not offer international sponsorship
Closing Date – Monday 29th September 2025 at 17:00.
GCH reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
GCH is committed to equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community, particularly those with lived experience of our work.
We celebrate the diverse nature of our customers and colleagues, striving to develop diverse teams where everyone can be their authentic self through an inclusive, family friendly, flexible and fun culture. Our values of pride, quality, integrity and innovation are at the heart of what we do. So if this sounds like you, we’d be delighted to hear from you
Specialist Support Worker – Young People (18-25) in Gloucester employer: Gloucester City Homes
Gloucester City Homes (GCH) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, particularly for those in the Specialist Support Worker role. Located in Gloucester, GCH offers competitive salaries, a strong commitment to employee development, and a culture that values diversity and community engagement, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people at risk of homelessness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker – Young People (18-25) in Gloucester
✨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 Gloucester City Homes.
✨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 Gloucester City Homes!
✨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 Gloucester City Homes, 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 Gloucester City Homes 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 Specialist Support Worker – Young People (18-25) in Gloucester
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 Gloucester City Homes:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Gloucester City Homes! 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 Gloucester City Homes
✨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.