At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people leaving care by providing a nurturing home environment.
- Company: Rochdale Supported Accommodation Service dedicated to empowering youth.
- Benefits: Weekly allowance of £252, training, and ongoing support from social workers.
- Other info: Flexible role that allows you to work while supporting a young person.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young person's life while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Must be over 21 with a spare room; no parenting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 13104 - 13104 £ per year.
Rochdale Supported Accommodation Service Supported Lodgings Scheme - Supported Lodgings Host
Weekly Allowance of £252
Could you make a real difference to a young person preparing to leave Care? Supported Lodgings offer support to young people aged 16-21 who are leaving Care and enables them to live in a family environment, as they prepare to take their next steps in becoming an independent and successful adult.
As a Supported Lodgings Host, you will support a young person to help them learn and build their futures, from practical skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting, to support around accessing Education, Training and Employment.
To become a Supported Lodgings Host you need to be over 21 years of age and have a spare room in your home. You are asked to provide support for a young person for up to 2 years or more, depending on whether the young person remains in full-time education or is confident and equipped to live independently in their own property.
You don’t need to be a parent, and you can be single, married or in a same sex relationship. You can still work and be a Supported Lodgings Host too. All we ask, is that you are understanding of any issues the young person may have faced and be willing to work with Children’s Services as part of your role.
As well as all the practical support, it’s the ‘relationship’ that builds between a Supported Lodgings Host and young person that makes the real difference.
‘They are really supportive, and I have a brilliant relationship with them. I definitely feel I can open up to them about my personal life and spend time with the family. They always try to include me in every family thing which is nice, and they help me with anything I need… (Billy aged 17)’
You’ll have to go through an assessment to help us get to know you and to enable us to match you with the right young person. Also, there is some mandatory training that we will ask you to complete which will help you in your role as a Supported Lodgings Host and to help you make a real difference to the young person.
‘Its nice being able to help young people to feel ready for the difficult transition to independence and providing them with the stability to achieve their aspirations’ (Claire Supported Lodgings Host)
As you would expect, you will receive brilliant support, from our Supported Lodgings Social Worker, which will include regular Supervision. You will have access to the 6 weekly Supported Lodgings Support Group, Supported Lodgings WhatsApp Group, 24 hour ‘On-Call’ support and not forgetting a supportive yearly review.
Supported Lodgings Host employer: Rochdale Council
At Rochdale Supported Accommodation Service, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the vital role of Supported Lodgings Hosts in transforming the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters meaningful relationships and personal growth, offering comprehensive training and ongoing support from dedicated social workers. With a generous weekly allowance and a community-focused environment, you can make a real difference while enjoying the flexibility to balance your own life and commitments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Lodgings Host
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Rochdale Council.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Rochdale Council. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Lodgings Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Rochdale Council understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochdale Council
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Rochdale Council how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Rochdale Council serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Rochdale Council.
