At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness by providing emotional and practical assistance.
- Company: Simon Community Scotland, the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and develop valuable skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives and fostering community connections.
- Qualifications: SVQ 3 in social care or willingness to work towards it; experience in support roles.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ 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 the Simon Community.
Job Summary
The Simon Community is Scotland's leading homeless charity. We are creative and innovative. We get things done with care and compassion that make a difference to our community, being true to our values. We are a community of staff, volunteers and the people that we support. We are looking for someone who is passionate about changing expectations and experiences of people we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, exclusion and stigma. They often engage in risk taking behaviours that put their physical and mental health, and their lives at risk. Despite the challenges they face they have incredible resilience, survival skills and a wicked sense of humour. They know what a good, and not so good service looks like.
As a residential support worker you will:
- Support the development of life skills and homemaking in preparation for a tenancy
- Provide emotional support
- Help to reduce harm caused by homelessness and trauma
There is a rolling rota including night shifts and sleepovers.
Job Purpose
As a support worker it will be your job to work with a team to:
- Help people in our community to manage and recover their mental health
- Support people who use drugs and alcohol to do so as safely as possible
- Support people who choose to reduce or stop their drug and alcohol use to do so safely
- Help people in our community to build a positive network of connections that will help them to gain and sustain their own housing
- Provide emotional and practical support to our community
- Any other duties directed by your service lead
Key Responsibilities
Our values support:
- Warmth and positive regard
- Inclusion and participation
- Innovation and personalisation of care and support
- Ambition
- Partnership
- Learning and leadership
Your key responsibilities to support those values will be:
- Developing honest and open relationships with our community that foster trust
- Using our training and reflective practice to develop additional skills to support and respond appropriately to our community who have experienced trauma
- Working with people in our community with a wide range of experiences and cultural backgrounds with dignity, respect and kindness
- Working 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
- Fostering connection, hope, 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
- Ensuring that our places reflect the respect we hold for our community
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications:
- Essential: SVQ 3 social care or willing to work towards SSSC Registered or willing to become so
- Desirable: Trauma informed practice, Assist/MHFA/SafeTalk trained, Naloxone trained, Mental health or addictions qualifications
Experience
- Essential: Experience of providing support to people with a range of challenges including homelessness, mental ill health and addictions, Experience of working in a fast paced environment which requires quick decision making
- Desirable: Lived experience of homelessness, Experience of working with a range of agencies as a team, Networking and connecting skills
Knowledge and Skills
- Essential: Experience of working with people with a variety of individual and cultural beliefs, Ability to use empathy and relational skills to build positive relationships with our community and colleagues, Understanding of and ability to work within ethical and relational boundaries
- Desirable: Knowledge and understanding of homelessness, addictions and mental health, Understanding of services that support homelessness, addictions and mental health, Evidence of good communication skills, written, verbal and digital
Personal
- Essential: Able to lead by example, A team player, A desire to learn and to develop innovative practice, Honest, ethical and keen to overcome obstacles, Flexible, responsive
Support Worker: Women\'s Services (Glasgow) Staff · Glasgow employer: Simonscotland
At Simon Community Scotland, we pride ourselves on being a compassionate and innovative employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering extensive training opportunities and a collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is valued. Located in Glasgow, we provide a unique chance to engage with a diverse community, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a commitment to social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker: Women\'s Services (Glasgow) Staff · Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Simon Community Scotland and understand their values and mission. This will help you connect your passion for supporting people with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the culture, plus it shows your genuine interest in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. This is key for a support worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker: Women\'s Services (Glasgow) Staff · Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your passion for supporting others and how your experiences align with our values. Don't be afraid to share personal stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Support Worker in Women's Services. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that show you understand the challenges faced by our community and how you can contribute positively.
Showcase Your Skills:We’re looking for people who can build honest relationships and work well in a team. Use your application to demonstrate your empathy, communication skills, and any relevant training or experience you have in social care or trauma-informed practice.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can consider you for this important role in our community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Simonscotland
✨Know the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Simon Community Scotland. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they tackle in homelessness services. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a support worker, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding towards individuals facing difficulties. Highlight how you’ve built trust and rapport with those you’ve supported.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific instances where you had to make quick decisions or adapt to fast-paced environments, especially in relation to mental health or addiction support.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you work within a team, share knowledge, and support colleagues. Mention any experiences where you’ve successfully partnered with others to achieve positive outcomes for the community.
