Senior Youth Support Mentor in Blackburn

About Us: Spectrum Children and Young People’s Services is a newly formed service but part of the Rehability UK Group and led by a team with significant experience in working with children and young people.

Role Purpose: To assist the Registered Manager to ensure the effective operation of the service. This includes overseeing the day-to-day management of the accommodation, supporting the development and progression of young people’s independence programs, and ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations, policies, and procedures. The Senior Support Worker will provide leadership to the support staff team, ensuring high standards of care and support are maintained while also supporting the health and safety, well-being, and development of young people.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Registered Manager: Assist the Registered Manager in the effective running of the service, ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations and internal policies and procedures. Participate in the development, implementation, and review of support plans and risk assessments for young people. Support the management team in monitoring and evaluating service delivery to ensure best practice and quality care.
• Supporting Young People’s Progression: Promote and support the development of young people’s independence skills through structured programs and activities. Facilitate and monitor the progress of individual young people in their independence and life skills programs. Encourage young people to engage in educational, vocational, and social activities to promote well-being and personal growth. Provide guidance and support to young people in achieving their individual goals and aspirations.
• Staffing and Team Support: Supervise and support the support staff team, providing guidance and mentoring. Provide shift leadership, ensuring appropriate staffing levels and high standards of care. Lead by example, providing a positive and professional role model for support workers and young people. Support the recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing development of new and existing staff members. Monitor staff performance and provide feedback.
• Home Management: Oversee the daily operations of the accommodation, ensuring it is clean, safe, and conducive to young people’s well-being and development. Ensure young people’s rooms and common areas are well maintained and their needs are met in terms of their living environment. Support the maintenance of the property.
• Health and Safety: Ensure that all health and safety requirements are met and that the environment is safe for both staff and young people. Participate in regular health and safety checks, risk assessments, and ensure that young people are aware of safety protocols. Actively promote and model good practice in relation to safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management.
• Report Writing and Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all young people, including progress reports, incident logs, and care plan reviews. Contribute to case reviews and meetings, providing detailed reports on young people’s progress and any concerns. Support the Registered Manager in preparing reports for Ofsted inspections and external audits.
• Safeguarding and Well-being: Promote a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy within the service, ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people. Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly, following company procedures and ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation. Provide emotional support to young people, acting as a trusted adult and offering guidance on a range of issues.
• Administration and Compliance: Ensure that all relevant policies and procedures are followed, including recording and reporting incidents, accidents, and complaints. Support the team in adhering to the service’s standards, procedures, and compliance with regulatory bodies such as Ofsted.

Qualifications:

• Essential Qualifications & Experience: NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) and young people in a residential, supported accommodation, or social care setting. A strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, Safeguarding policies, and child protection procedures. Experience in supporting young people with emotional and behavioural needs, promoting independence, and life skills. Previous supervisory or leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate, and support staff effectively.
• Desirable Qualifications & Skills: QCF Level 5 or above in Health & Social Care (or equivalent). Knowledge and experience in writing care plans, risk assessments, and reports. First Aid and Medication Administration training. Understanding of youth mental health and therapeutic approaches.
• Key Competencies: A genuine passion for working with children and young people, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their lives. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. A proactive and solutions-focused approach to challenges and problem-solving.