At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in housing, helping them build life skills and confidence.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering vulnerable youth in St Albans.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, ongoing training, and a competitive salary of £25,857 pa.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while working in a supportive, values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a full UK driving licence are essential; experience in social care is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible shifts include evenings and weekends; apply early as interviews are ongoing.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Full time - 37.5 hours per week - £25,857pa
Do you want to make a lasting impact in the lives of young people? We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Support Worker to join our dedicated team at the Young People’s Housing Service (YPHS) in St Albans, supporting separated migrant children aged 16-18 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
This role operates within a 24-hour rotational shift pattern, which includes regular overnight sleep-in shifts on a weekly basis. Support Workers must be prepared to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, as part of a consistent rota.
As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in helping young people build the skills and confidence they need to live independently. You will work closely with each individual to:
- Develop personalised support plans tailored to their goals and needs
- Promote independence through life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting
- Support access to education, employment, and healthcare services
- Build trusting relationships and provide emotional support
- Respond effectively in crisis situations and contribute to safeguarding plans
You’ll be part of a passionate, values-driven team that works collaboratively with social workers, local authorities, and other professionals.
About you: We’re looking for someone who is empathetic, resilient, and committed to empowering vulnerable young people.
You will also need to:
- Communicate clearly and adapt to diverse needs and backgrounds
- Work flexibly as part of a 24-hour rota, including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins
- Work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle
We offer a structured induction, ongoing training, and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in health and social care.
Hightown Benefits:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 33 days per year, including statutory bank holidays, rising to 35 days with service
- £25,857 pa for a 37.5 hour a week contract
- Workplace pension scheme and life assurance of three times your annual salary
- Mileage paid for car usage
- Fully paid DBS
- Annual bonus based on satisfactory performance
- Monthly attendance bonus and annual salary and cost of living review
- Ongoing professional development and training to help you deliver outstanding support
- Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn a £130 bonus for each friend you refer to work for us
- Employee assistance helpline
Please note that we will be shortlisting and interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis and therefore we may close the vacancy early. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they are considered.
We are an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer.
Contact Detail:
Hightown Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by separated migrant children. Understanding their unique circumstances will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting them.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience working with vulnerable groups, especially young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in similar roles, as this will show your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to building trusting relationships. Think about how you would establish rapport with young people from diverse backgrounds, as this is crucial for the role of a Youth Support Worker.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your flexibility and adaptability. Since the role involves working various shifts, including nights and weekends, demonstrating your willingness to accommodate these requirements will be key in your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Youth Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in supporting young people or working in social care. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Write a Personalised Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting vulnerable young people. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your empathy, resilience, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise skills that are crucial for the role, such as communication, crisis management, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles or situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hightown Housing Association
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Youth Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding towards young people, especially those in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
This role requires working various shifts, including nights and weekends. Make sure to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to a 24-hour rota, showcasing your commitment to the job.
✨Demonstrate Crisis Management Skills
You’ll need to respond effectively in crisis situations. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you successfully managed a crisis or difficult situation, emphasising your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Discuss Team Collaboration
Working as part of a team is crucial in this role. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs or volunteer work, highlighting your ability to communicate clearly and work towards common goals.