At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges to secure stable housing.
- Company: Simon Community Scotland, the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals and fostering community connections.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social support.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, understanding of trauma-informed care, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 11.7 - 14.3 £ per hour.
Simon Community Scotland is the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland. Our vision is for everyone to have a safe place to live, with access to the support they need. Every day we help make positive things happen for people facing extremely difficult circumstances. Everything we do is about and for people, the people we support, our staff, our partners and everyone affected by homelessness. Our values are built into every area of activity and tell the story of how people remain at the heart of Simon Community.
Day by day, person-to-person, we tailor what we offer to what people need. We are here to provide consistent, friendly and informed support so that people can explore options and take 'the next step' towards a positive future. We offer support across a range of service delivery points; Street Outreach teams, Housing First initiatives, Floating Support, Information Hubs, Managed Alcohol Program (MAP), Supported Accommodations, Emergency Accommodation, Rapid Access Accommodation, and our own rented properties. These services are delivered across many local authorities within Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Perth.
To make a difference, we need to work flexibly, with everyday leadership and a 'can-do' approach. We want to make it right and make it happen – not only for the people we support, but also for each other. Our #OneTeam ethos is core to who we are, and it means caring for and supporting each other regardless of our role, service or location.
Job Purpose
The Support Worker role is to support and engage with people to manage and recover their mental health, in line with our trauma-informed approach. You will help people with safer substance use and assist them with the process when they choose to stop. You will assist our people to build a positive network of connections to enable them to gain and sustain their own housing.
As a Support Worker, you will provide work alongside people impacted by homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and trauma. You will provide guidance and assistance to the people we support to achieve their goals of securing safe housing and accessing the necessary support to feel secure, manage their challenges and live an independent life free from harm or abuse.
Our Preventing Migrant Homelessness programme works with people who are destitute and subject to immigration control, as well as refugees who are at risk of homelessness. You’ll be based in the community, working one to one with individuals to provide person-centred, trauma informed support, linking in with other agencies and partners as required.
You will be part of a new service being rolled out in North Ayrshire, Saffron which is currently running in Glasgow and has had some very good outcomes for young people so to take this model across another local authority will be an excellent opportunity for all involved. You will work directly alongside our UASC service, Saffron, to provide specialised support to unaccompanied young people.
Using a trauma-informed approach, you will deliver practical housing support—helping young people to adjust to living independently, navigate tenancy responsibilities, and build key life skills as they work towards sustainable, independent living. You will also collaborate closely with partner charities and external agencies to offer a safe, holistic support network tailored to the needs of the people we work alongside.
To be part of this team, you will be passionate about changing expectations and experiences of people we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma and continue to experience exclusion, stigma and racism in Scotland. You will understand the differential impact of race on their experience of services and support.
As part of our Preventing Migrant Homelessness team you’ll contribute to the development of our service, provide support to colleagues and work to improve outcomes for the people we support. This post is part time, working 18.75 hours per week. Days to be arranged but will be in the Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm perimeter.
Job Summary
You will be passionate about supporting and changing expectations and experiences of people we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and stigma. As a Support Worker in homelessness services, you'll be instrumental in empowering individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, challenging mental health and trauma. You'll provide compassionate, person-centred support, guiding them towards securing safe and stable housing and developing tools to manage their challenges.
Your role is vital in helping people access essential resources, build resilience, and ultimately live a life free from harm and abuse. As part of our Team, you will be at the forefront of supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. You will work collaboratively with partner agencies in a supportive environment.
The role involves providing both practical and emotional support, helping individuals to secure accommodation, access benefits, and connect with a wide range of health, wellbeing, and advocacy services. Our team builds strong professional relationships with local authorities, support providers, and other external partners to ensure our support is coordinated and effective.
You will adopt a harm reduction approach, providing advice and Naloxone trained as needed.
Support Worker Outreach: Preventing Migrant Homelessness employer: Simon Community Scotland
At our organisation, we prioritise people and foster a supportive work culture that values kindness, inclusion, and collaboration. As the Head of Harm Reduction & Service Development, you will lead innovative services in a dynamic environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to trauma-informed practices and partnerships ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker Outreach: Preventing Migrant Homelessness
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Simon Community Scotland, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Simon Community Scotland. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Simon Community Scotland's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker Outreach: Preventing Migrant Homelessness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Simon Community Scotland. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Simon Community Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simon Community Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Simon Community Scotland.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker Outreach: Preventing Migrant Homelessness at Simon Community Scotland.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Simon Community Scotland that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker Outreach: Preventing Migrant Homelessness role.
