At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new housing team supporting care leavers in their journey to independence.
- Company: Join Achieving for Children, a supportive and expanding service in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and a passion for supporting vulnerable youth.
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. Please note this role requires the ability to work a flexible shift rota consisting of two early shifts (starting at 8:00 AM) and two late shifts (2:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
About the role
This post will be based with the housing & Outreach Support Team (HOST) and you will be working at our new supported housing project in Maidenhead. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and manage a new team supporting a step down provision for 20 care leavers. You will be fully responsible for all aspects of operating a trauma informed home to ensure our young people are safe and prepared for more independent living. You will be responsible for leading and managing the delivery of high quality support and management services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leadership and supervision of a team of housing professionals;
- Ensuring referrals are suitable and liaising with the care leavers professional networks;
- Ensuring costs are within budget, rental income is maximised and voids are minimised;
- Ensuring health and safety compliance;
- Ensuring licence compliance and user participation is embedded within the home;
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Paul Coates, Housing & Outreach Support Team Manager on paul.coates@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
We are looking for an experienced housing professional educated to Level 3 or above. You will have the following skills and experience:
- Managing a service delivering outcomes for vulnerable young people within a social care setting;
- A comprehensive knowledge of managing risk, including safeguarding and challenging behaviour;
- Managing a team of staff, including performance and professional development;
- Maintaining financial records and managing budgets;
- Being solution focussed and working flexibly and independently with limited management oversight;
- Ability to work early shifts starting at 8am and late shifts finishing at 10pm;
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 Manager in Maidenhead employer: Homeless Link
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for its staff and the young people they serve. Located in the heart of Maidenhead, our newly refurbished facility offers a vibrant workplace where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of care leavers while enjoying generous benefits such as 29 days annual leave, flexible working options, and extensive professional development opportunities. Join us in this exciting venture to lead a new housing team and help shape the future of vulnerable young individuals as they transition to independent living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing & Support Manager in Maidenhead
✨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 Homeless Link.
✨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 Homeless Link!
✨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 Homeless Link, 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 Homeless Link 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 Housing & Support Manager in Maidenhead
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 Homeless Link:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Homeless Link! 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 Homeless Link
✨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.
