At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges to achieve stable housing and independence.
- Company: Join Simon Community Scotland, the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with no night shifts, working in a collaborative and inclusive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, experience in support work, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 € per year.
About Simon Community Scotland
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.
We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experiences to our team. 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.
In our Rapid Access Accommodation projects, we work with people who have current and previous experiences of rough sleeping to move into their own tenancies or move‑on accommodation and support them in fostering safety, choice and control in their lives. You'll be based in a residential setting, working one to one with individuals to provide person‑centred, trauma‑informed support linking in with other agencies and partners as required. As a residential support worker you will support the development of life skills and homemaking in preparation for moving on to a safe space.
We are presently seeking a full time Support Worker to cover shifts within our Edinburgh Rapid Access Women's Accommodation service. Hours are 37.5 per week on a rota basis - it's a 7 day service but no night shift cover is required. Please note that in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1), this post is open to women only.
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.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing honest and open relationships with our community that foster trust.
- Exercise our training and reflective practices to develop additional skills to support and respond appropriately to our community who have experienced trauma.
- Working with people with a wide range of experiences and cultural backgrounds with dignity, respect and kindness.
- Work as part of a team with a range of experiences and knowledge to the benefit of our community.
- Supporting our community to influence their care and support to meet their goals.
- Provide emotional and practical support as required.
- Fostering connection, hope, and a positive identity and meaning in life and a sense of control for our community.
- Working with other teams in SCS and with partners to support good outcomes for our community.
- Seeking opportunities that will make a difference to our community.
- Any other duties directed by the Service Lead.
Our Values
Inclusion homelessness, mental health, trauma and addictions. Experience of working in a fast paced environment which requires quick decision making. Experience in managing and resolving conflict in a safe, calm manner.
Desirable Experience of working across multi‑agencies. Networking and connecting skills.
Support Worker: Rapid Access Accommodation in Edinburgh employer: Simonscotland
Simon Community Scotland is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing homelessness and related challenges. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth, offering opportunities for professional development within a diverse team. Located in Edinburgh, our Rapid Access Accommodation service provides a unique chance to engage directly with the community, empowering individuals to achieve stability and independence while being part of a compassionate and mission-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker: Rapid Access Accommodation in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Simon Community Scotland and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join community groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in supporting individuals facing challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker: Rapid Access Accommodation in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting others and how your experiences align with our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences relate specifically to the Support Worker role. Mention any relevant experience in homelessness services, mental health, or trauma-informed care to show us you’re a great fit!
Show Your Commitment:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference. In your application, share examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations or contributed to community initiatives. It’ll help us see your dedication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simonscotland
✨Know the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Simon Community Scotland's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting individuals facing homelessness and trauma. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Share Personal Experiences
If you have any personal experiences or stories related to homelessness, mental health, or addiction, don’t hesitate to share them during the interview. This can demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by the people you’ll be supporting, making you a more relatable candidate.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role emphasises a collaborative approach, be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to team success, especially in challenging situations. This will showcase your ability to work within the #OneTeam ethos that Simon Community values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to manage conflict or support someone in crisis. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
