Support Worker – Part time – 18 hours a week
20 Oct at 13:26
Job title : Support Worker
Location : 9a Althorpe Street, Leamington Spa
Line Manager : Client Service Manager
Hours : Part time – 18 hours a week £29,250 pro- rata
Closing Date: Monday 2 nd November
The Support Worker provides compassionate, empathetic support to the men and women impacted by trauma, including but not limited to domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, isolation, involvement in the criminal justice system or substance dependency. The individual will need a good understanding of safeguarding and safeguarding practices. This role focuses on providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering environment that respects the unique needs and experiences of each individual, fostering resilience, self-determination, and healing.
Key Responsibilities
Direct support and case management
- Conduct one-to-one sessions with clients to assess needs, identify goals, and develop tailored support plans that prioritise safety, trust, and emotional well-being.
- Facilitate group sessions, including the supportgroups, workshops, or activities designed to encourage self-expression, skill-building, and community integration.
- Be creative with ideas for our weekly drop-in sessions to ensure client retention and encourage new attendees.
- Provide advocacy for clients in navigating health, legal, social, and housing services, ensuring access to resources and information that promote independence.
- Engage with and build strong, trusting relationships with the charity’s clients.
- Lead our breakfast provision on a rota with our other support workers.
- Help clients with their educational, training and employment needs to further develop their skills.
- Promote volunteer placements within Helping Hands and external organisations.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures including those relating to safeguarding and health and safety.
Trauma-Informed practice
- Use trauma-informed principles to create a safe, supportive environment, including clear communication, client choice, cultural awareness, and emotional safety.
- Apply de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies when necessary, focusing on calming and centering clients in challenging situations.
- Work to avoid re-traumatisation by maintaining a respectful and non-judgmental approach, understanding the impact of past trauma on current behaviors and emotions.
Community partnerships
- Work closely with and maintain positive relationships with partner agencies including mental health providers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, and other relevant organisations to coordinate care, ensure a joined‑up approach and connect our clients to additional support services.
- Advocate for trauma‑informed care principles within the community and with external partners, promoting a more holistic approach to client support.
Documentation and reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of client interactions, care plans, and progress.
- Complete reports, evaluations, and feedback forms for management and/or relevant stakeholders that are in line with organisational policies and procedures.
Professional development
- Participate in ongoing training and workshops related to trauma-informed care, mental health, safeguarding and other relevant areas.
- Attend team meetings and supervision sessions to continuously improve service delivery and share insights or challenges with colleagues.
Required Skills and Experience
- Education : Good literacy and numeracy skills – GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths beneficial.
- Experience : Experience working with vulnerable women, particularly those impacted by trauma, abuse, homelessness or addictions or have lived experience.
- Knowledge : Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles, including an understanding of how trauma affects behavior, health, and mental well‑being.
- Communication skills : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information respectfully and discreetly.
- Empathy and compassion : Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and respect for all clients, with a strong commitment to promoting client autonomy and self-worth.
- Crisis management : Skilled in de‑escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and stress management.
- Organisational skills : Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage a diverse caseload.
- Leadership: Demonstrates situational leadership and is able to inspire and motivate others.
Preferred Skills
- Cultural competency : Awareness and respect for cultural, racial, gender, and sexual diversity in client backgrounds.
- Qualifications/training in trauma-informed, health and/or social care, mental health first aid, conflict management or similar fields would be desirable.
Core Competencies
- Empathy and relationship building : Ability to build trust and rapport with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Adaptability and resilience : Flexibility to adjust approaches to meet diverse client needs in often high‑stress or unpredictable situations.
- Collaboration : Works well within a team, respecting different perspectives and backgrounds, while contributing to a supportive team culture.
- Commitment to professional growth : Engages in continual learning and reflects on practice to adapt and improve skills in trauma-informed care.
Working Conditions
- Environment : Office based with the possibility of occasional home visits.
- Hours : 1 8 hours that must include a Friday and one evening a week.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that promotes equal opportunity and respects the diversity of all employees and clients. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experiences relevant to this role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
