At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in developing independence and life skills in a supportive environment.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a new service and gain valuable experience before it becomes operational.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable youth and strong communication skills required.
Job Location: Stroud
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Salary: £30,024 - £35,597 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
This post is not open to job share.
Help young people build independence and achieve their potential. Are you compassionate, resilient and committed to helping young people succeed? Do you want a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day? We are seeking Support Workers to join our new Supported Accommodation Service in Stroud. This exciting service will provide high-quality accommodation and support for young people and care leavers aged 16–25, helping them develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed for independent living. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a new service from the beginning, supporting young people as they prepare for adulthood and build positive futures.
About the Role
As a Support Worker, you will provide practical and emotional support to young people living within the service, helping them to develop independence while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. You will:
- Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with young people.
- Support young people to develop independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, self-care and managing appointments.
- Encourage engagement with education, employment, training and community opportunities.
- Promote wellbeing, resilience and positive decision-making through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
- Support young people to understand their tenancy responsibilities and maintain their accommodation.
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and risks.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, personal advisers and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records, reports and support plans.
- Contribute to creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.
About the Service
The service comprises 19 self-contained studio flats designed to promote independence within a supportive environment. Young people will be supported to develop the practical, emotional and social skills required for successful independent living while receiving guidance from an experienced and dedicated team.
About You
We are looking for people who are passionate about supporting young people and who can build positive relationships, remain calm under pressure and work as part of a dedicated team. You will have:
- Experience supporting young people who may have experienced trauma, emotional vulnerability or challenging circumstances.
- Experience of building positive relationships based on trust, respect and professional boundaries.
- Experience managing conflict and supporting individuals who may be distressed or struggling emotionally.
- An understanding of safeguarding and the challenges facing vulnerable young people.
- Strong communication, organisational and record-keeping skills.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for young people.
Essential Requirements
- Willingness to work a shift pattern including mornings, evenings, waking nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
Working Pattern
This role operates on a rotating shift pattern covering mornings, afternoons, waking nights, weekends and bank holidays. Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of the service.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new service that supports young people to thrive and achieve independence. In return, we offer comprehensive training, ongoing support, career development opportunities and the chance to make a lasting difference in young people's lives.
Important Information – Service Development
Please note: This Supported Accommodation service is currently progressing through its registration process and is not yet operational. As part of your induction, training and preparation, you will work within existing children’s homes across the Children’s Residential Service. This will provide valuable experience, strengthen your practice, and help you integrate into the wider service, ensuring you are fully prepared once the Stroud home becomes operational.
In accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the postholder to be aged 21 years or above. This is an essential and proportionate requirement to ensure the effective and appropriate delivery of the service due to the nature of the duties of the role and the ages and complex needs of the children and young people in our care.
We reserve the right to close an advertisement earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a suitable number of applications. Interviews are due to take place in person in Stroud on Tuesday 8th September and Wednesday 9th September. The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
Support Worker - Supported Accommodation in Stroud employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth, staff are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative environment dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in care.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Supported Accommodation in Stroud
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council.
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council!
✨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 Gloucestershire County Council, 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 Gloucestershire County Council 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 Support Worker - Supported Accommodation in Stroud
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 Gloucestershire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Gloucestershire County Council! 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 Gloucestershire County Council
✨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.
