At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable customers with complex needs and deliver outstanding service in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Riverside, a housing association dedicated to enhancing lives and communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days holiday, and investment in personal development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in support work and knowledge of working with vulnerable adults.
The predicted salary is between 31124 - 38040 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £31,302.63 per annum
Working Hours: 37.5 per week
Working Pattern: Rota including early (7.15am-3.15pm) and late shifts (1.30pm-9.30pm) and every other working weekend and some bank holidays
Location: Old Tea Warehouse, High Wycombe
If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter.
At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.
The difference you will make as a Specialist Support Worker (Complex Needs Coordinator): This role is based at Old Tea Warehouse in High Wycombe. Old Tea Warehouse is a medium-high risk supported accommodation service for vulnerable customers aged 18-55. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment where customers have experienced homelessness and may have complex needs such as substance misuse, mental health, history of offending, etc.
You will work collaboratively as part of a team to deliver an outstanding service and a range of practical and emotional asset-based approaches to support. Have 'specialist knowledge' in relation to working with customers and be the lead of your specialism within the service.
Working in a Trauma Informed Care approach you will engage and connect with local services and external stakeholders to secure the best services and support for our customers. 'Specialist knowledge' can be in a range of skills relating to our customer groups; drug/alcohol misuse, mental health, employment and training, volunteering or similar.
About you: We are looking for someone with:
- Recent experience of support work, risk management and managing caseloads and working with vulnerable and diverse customer groups.
- Knowledge and proven continuous personal development of working with vulnerable adults utilising 'specialist knowledge'.
- Experience of working in challenging environments with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise tasks to achieve results.
- Experience of building effective relationships with customers and stakeholders.
Why Riverside? At Riverside, we're a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we've been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you'll enjoy:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.
Role Profile Service Delivery: As the Specialist Support Worker you will support the Service Manager with planning within the service, this could include delegating case management, or supporting the service to run effectively.
Actively connect, engage, influence, and develop relationships with a range of local services and stakeholders to enable customers to access the full range of community resources and regularly update colleagues about how to access external services.
Attend networking events, other support services and forums promoting our Psychologically Informed Framework and Trauma Informed ways of working.
Understand local pathways and services to ensure there is a consistent, asset-based support approach for all customers.
Produce reports and other written documentation as required to support service delivery.
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, safeguarding all our customers.
Develop, co-ordinate and deliver a 'group-based activities' programme for the service.
Share specialist knowledge with colleagues and wider teams to ensure both customers and services are supported in line with latest best practice.
Follow health & safety and safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the overall safety and security of all customers.
Keep accurate and timely records of specific activities.
Supporting colleagues: Manage the service as per contractual requirements, reviewing contract performance annually, to support and provide guidance to team members around your specialism - this could include coaching, upskilling or mentoring other colleagues.
Specialist Support Worker in High Wycombe employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker in High Wycombe
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Jobiqo!
✨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 Jobiqo, 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 Jobiqo 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 Specialist Support Worker in High Wycombe
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 Jobiqo:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Jobiqo! 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 Jobiqo
✨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.