At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs and lead a dedicated team.
- Company: Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care provider in London.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 30 days annual leave, training opportunities, and employee support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 37389 - 37389 £ per year.
We are looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Senior Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Croydon. £37,389 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Shift pattern including weekends and bank holidays.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- Free DBS
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
- Online wellbeing resources
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you’ll do:
- Work proactively with the team to handle the service caseload and support an effective team approach to meeting each customer’s identified needs in a recovery-focused way.
- Assess referrals received by the service, within the 4-hour target, and provide a rapid response to these - supporting the team to identify and promote positive risk management.
- Complete/support housing referrals as required, supporting customers with budgeting tools and providing support to customers in accessing any benefits or addressing any issues such as benefits.
- Build a relationship with the local borough and any key agencies, for example: no recourse to public funds teams, homelessness teams, community mental health teams etc.
- Support planning, including ward management liaison, medication profiles and medication reviews as required, identifying the goals and steps to support customers to manage their own support and risk and ensuring these are correctly documented within Look Ahead’s paperwork.
- Report and react to any observations relating to customers’ welfare.
- Proactive development of links with local statutory and voluntary organizations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community.
- Shift lead, ensuring effective coordination of staff time so that all planned service and customer activities are attended to during the course of the shift.
- Maintain records in accordance with Look Ahead’s Information Management policies, procedures and guidance under the direction of the Support Worker’s manager(s).
- Keep a clear desk at all times and assist with archiving and secure disposal of records when required.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
About you:
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments with an ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
- Is highly motivated and a self-starter
- Enjoys managing and motivating others
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude
What you’ll bring:
- Essential: NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Desirable: Previous experience with Look Ahead or another similar provider, in a support worker role. Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications.
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation, we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Locations
Senior Support Worker - Croydon, London employer: Look Ahead
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to social purpose, employees in Croydon can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values excellence, compassion, and innovation in mental health support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker - Croydon, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health sector or join relevant groups on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to support work. Think about how you would handle specific situations and be ready to share your experiences that showcase your skills and resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at Look Ahead, where you can make a real difference in people’s lives while growing your career.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker - Croydon, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Support Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience in mental health support and any qualifications that match what we're looking for. This shows us you're genuinely interested and a great fit!
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your skills in action! Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've handled challenging situations or supported individuals in need. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value kindness, compassion, and resilience, so don’t be afraid to share your story and what motivates you to work in this field. We’re looking for genuine people who care about making a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both of us, please apply directly through our website. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Senior Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, like assessing referrals and supporting customers with budgeting tools. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Show Your Compassion
As this role requires kindness and compassion, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Think about situations where you've supported someone in need or worked effectively within a team to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows you're engaged and serious about wanting to join their team.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be open about your motivations for applying and what you can bring to the team. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their culture, so let your personality shine through during the conversation.
