At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care leavers in a newly refurbished accommodation, ensuring safety and providing assistance.
- Company: Join Achieving for Children, a supportive organisation dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a new team in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Good education up to GCSE level; experience with young people is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a brand new housing team to support our care leavers moving into our in-house supported accommodation provision. The central Maidenhead location, which has been recently refurbished to a high specification, will accommodate 20 care leavers requiring step down provision before they move on into their more permanent housing. We will be operational from October 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an expanding service that is already well established in Kingston.
We have a number of vacancies available for housing professionals who would like to join Achieving for Children and be part of this new team in Maidenhead providing a supportive environment that empowers our care leavers to reach their potential and prepare them for more independent living. This role will be Monday to Friday 11am till 2pm, 15 hours per week.
About the role
You will be based within the Housing and Outreach support team (HOST) at our new supported housing project in Maidenhead. We are looking for individuals who have excellent administration and communication skills who can relate well to young people. We are looking for someone who can work flexibly with a can-do attitude who can undertake a varied role. You will be responsible for the safety and security of the building and, in the absence of the transition to independence facilitator, you will offer support to the young people.
Other parts of the role will include:
- Reporting and tracking repairs
- Ordering items for the home including cleaning products
- Overseeing voids including cleaning and decorating
- Inducting new residents to the property
- Cleaning and day-to-day maintenance
- Rents and benefits support
- Guest management and behaviour management
Key responsibilities include:
- Experience of running a large building including maintenance, cleaning and working with external contractors
- Being practical and completing small maintenance and decorative jobs around the house
- Experience with young people and able to support them in the absence of the transition to independence officer
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Laura Clarke, Green Leas Manager on laura.clarke@achievingforchildren.org.uk.
About you
Good level education up to GCSE level and a professional housing qualification would be desirable. Excellent time management skills and some basic ICT knowledge on Google. You will be involved in setting up and opening the new home in Maidenhead, so we are also looking for someone who is able to think creatively, problem solve and share new ideas and ways of working with the team. As a welcoming and approachable team player, you will support your colleagues by covering the reception area during lunchtime to ensure smooth, continuous service. Understanding of health and safety and building management. A willingness to clean and manage the COSHH items in the building. Commitment to share and develop resources and skills among the team and the organisation to develop and support the opening and development of the new accommodation. Experience of direct work with young people and managing behaviour and safeguarding situations.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work-life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
Housing & Support Assistant (Part-Time) in Maidenhead employer: Homeless Link
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for both employees and care leavers. Located in the heart of Maidenhead, our newly refurbished accommodation offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of young people while enjoying a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. With a strong focus on professional growth and a comprehensive learning and development programme, we are committed to helping our staff thrive as they make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing & Support Assistant (Part-Time) in Maidenhead
✨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 Housing & Support Assistant (Part-Time) in Maidenhead
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 Housing & Support Assistant (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 Housing & Support Assistant (Part-Time) role.
