At a Glance
- Tasks: Support homeless individuals with advice and advocacy, helping them achieve their goals.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of a team that transforms lives and supports vulnerable people.
- Qualifications: Experience working with disadvantaged groups and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ per year.
Salary: £31,500 per annum full time - this role is three days per week with a pro rata salary of £18,900. Mondays & Thursdays required, plus one extra day per week.
Location: Hybrid role, with regular work at Glass Door's office (SW6 1BJ) and a partner day centre (W12 9LN).
Contract: Twelve month contract - with possible extension.
Reporting to: Senior Caseworker.
Job Description:
- Providing a specialist advice and advocacy service to the homeless guests of our services, which include partner day centres and night shelters over the winter season.
- Employing creative thinking and practices to ensure that guests are supported and motivated to achieve their goals.
- Attending appointments with guests occasionally when needed.
- Referring and signposting guests to accommodation providers, health services and other relevant internal and external support services, as necessary.
- Maintaining good communication with the Managers of our partnered Drop-in Centres, Glass Door colleagues and local statutory and non-statutory services.
- Attending meetings with the casework team, external service providers and partner organisations when required.
- Collating statistics and outcome measurements of the casework service for both internal and external use.
- Maintaining a well-organised and easily accessible administration system for the casework programme in line with relevant legislation (e.g. GDPR).
- Managing a small casework budget.
- Undertaking any other duties to aid the good running of the project, as required by the charity.
Person Specification:
- At least one year experience of working one-on-one with -- and assessing the needs of -- homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups.
- Empathetic attitude to homeless and vulnerably-housed people.
- Up-to-date knowledge of the welfare issues and legislation affecting homeless people.
- Knowledge of relevant support services available to homeless people, particularly in West London.
- Confident approach to, and experience of, dealing with challenging behaviour.
- Ability to maintain good relationships with colleagues and external service providers.
- Highly organised with strong time-management skills.
- Ability to keep clear and up-to-date case records.
- Ability to work independently and take the initiative to make important decisions.
- Flexible and supportive team member with excellent communication skills.
- Ability to adhere to and implement Health & Safety, HR and operational policies.
- Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities.
- For night shelter caseworkers, willingness to work a minimum of one evening per week.
Desirable:
- Ability to speak Polish, Romanian or other Eastern European languages.
- Experience of working alongside volunteers.
Caseworker (part-time) in London employer: Homeless Link
YMCA DownsLink Group is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer ongoing professional development opportunities and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caseworker (part-time) in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Homeless Link, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Homeless Link. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Homeless Link's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Caseworker (part-time) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Homeless Link. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Homeless Link.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Homeless Link.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Caseworker (part-time) at Homeless Link.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Homeless Link that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Caseworker (part-time) role.
