At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people at risk of homelessness and help them achieve independence.
- Company: Join Nacro, a leading organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,807 with progression opportunities and professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive team; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Eligibility
This role does not offer eligibility for visa sponsorship.
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a starting salary within Nacro’s pay structure of £26,807 plus unsociable hour working allowances, with expected progression to £27,477 plus unsociable working allowances within the first year, subject to meeting clear criteria and performance standards. Further pay progression is available in the future. Nacro’s pay framework provides transparent progression points and supports ongoing professional development and career growth.
Role Overview
Would you like to be part of a new and growing team of Support workers working with young people? You will have your own caseload of young people, maintaining oversight of their progress from the point of service entry through to service exit and independence. It’s a flexible model in which we aim to provide the ‘right help at the right time’, underpinned by a trauma‑informed approach. Our mantra is “No decision about you without you!”. We are currently recruiting for staff to join our exciting new service where you will be working with:
- Young people aged 16 and 17 years old at risk of homelessness.
- Care leavers aged 18‑21.
- Vulnerable young parents up to the age of 21.
- Other vulnerable 18–21‑year‑olds.
Responsibilities
Engage with actual and potential referral agencies, including local authority central access point/gateway services, statutory and voluntary sector agencies, in order to generate referrals for the service as required. Plan and deliver an effective support and safety plan with the service user, referring to specialist agencies as required. Progressions and outcomes identified, delivered, and user contact should be recorded, monitored, reviewed, and updated regularly in line with contract requirements. Ensure that properties are always adequately equipped, maintained, furnished, and cleaned. Maximise rent collection, ensuring successful housing and other welfare benefit claims are submitted and maintained, taking proactive action to minimise rent arrears in line with targets, monitoring the account and recording all actions, and taking appropriate action when arrears arise in line with policy and procedure. Minimise void time by taking a proactive approach to ensure properties are re‑let as soon as possible in line with targets. Your duties may vary from time to time within the broad remit of your role and grade. You are required to undertake any reasonable and appropriate duties.
Qualifications
Full Driving License and access to your own vehicle with business insurance are essential due to the regular travel across an allocated area.
EEO & Additional Information
At Nacro, we believe in the power of a diverse and inclusive team. We are a Ban the Box employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with criminal records. Convictions are not discussed at application stage and will only be considered later if relevant to the role, assessed fairly, proportionately and confidentially. For advice, contact our confidential Criminal Record Support Service on 0300 123 1999 or helpline@nacro.org.uk.
Support Worker NEST - South Essex in Basildon employer: Nacro
Nacro is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. With competitive salaries, clear pathways for career progression, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful change in South Essex. Join our dedicated team and enjoy the flexibility and camaraderie that comes with working in a growing service focused on empowering vulnerable youth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker NEST - South Essex in Basildon
✨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 Nacro.
✨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 Nacro!
✨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 Nacro, 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 Nacro 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 Support Worker NEST - South Essex in Basildon
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 Nacro:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nacro! 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 Nacro
✨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.
