At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in transitioning to independent living through assessments and coaching.
- Company: Squared is a not-for-profit housing association dedicated to affordable housing since 1962.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health plans, discounts, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: A full clean UK driving licence is preferred; role subject to enhanced DBS check.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people, excellent communication skills, and a passion for empowerment are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 26000 £ per year.
Hostel Support Worker
Supported Housing | Squared Homes
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,000 – £26,000
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday) including 1 in 4 weekends
Location: Luton
About Squared
Squared is a not-for-profit housing association supporting communities across Luton and South Bedfordshire since 1962. We are a welcoming, inclusive organisation where people feel valued, supported and empowered to make a real difference.
Our Benefits
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service (up to 38 days)
- Option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave
- Free Health Cashplan (after probation)
- Canada Life WeCare Employee Assistance Programme
- Pension scheme (Squared contributes 1.33% of employee contribution up to 8%)
- Life Assurance
- Personal Accident Cover
- Staff benefits portal with shopping discounts
- Essential Car User Allowance (in addition to mileage payments)
- Flexible, supportive working approach
About Supported Housing
Supported Housing is a vital part of Squared Housings service delivery. We provide tailored support to Luton residents living in our temporary and shared accommodation. Adopting a person-centred coaching approach, we aim to empower customers to help themselves in a secure, safe and stable environment. With the appropriate support, we work towards customers achieving their own best potential and enabling a smooth transition into successful independence in the community.
About the Role
You’ll carry out assessments of new customers, devise and implement support plans and risk management plans; conduct regular coaching sessions and support the Service Managers, participate in group and one to one intervention with customers of a specialist nature (e.g. CT informed interventions, motivational interviewing or harm minimisation interventions) where possible.
You’ll also participate in reflective practice sessions with regards to supporting customers with complex needs; utilise your knowledge, skills and experience to recognise difficult or challenging resident situations, supporting colleagues to influence and bring about positive change to the customers behaviour, all whilst ensuring that customers are fully informed of their rights and responsibilities. There will be mandatory training to take part in during your induction, which takes place during the working day as a general rule, so you’ll need to be available for this.
The Person
The successful candidate will have experience working with vulnerable people within a customer centred environment and will have an awareness of social issues such as homelessness, well-being, support services and affordability.
You will be self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, be IT literate and a confident decision maker and highly organised, enabling you to plan and prioritise effectively. Ideally, you will have evidence of community-based work/voluntary work and have experience in social care or housing-related sector. You will have a real passion for supporting and empowering others, with a non-judgemental approach.
Please note, this role will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
So, if you welcome the challenge, and like to work in a collaborative and authentic way that gets results, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Work With Us?
At Squared, you’ll be part of a values-driven organisation where your work has genuine impact.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, develop your skills and work within a supportive and forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you.
Timeline of events:
The recruitment process will be a two part process, stage will be an AI video interview and the second stage will be a face to face interview on or around 7th October 2026. We do reserve the right to close the job advert early depending on the number of applicants.
Hostel Support Worker in Luton employer: Squared
Squared in Luton is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a significant impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment here. Join us in creating a positive change in the lives of those we serve, all while enjoying a competitive salary and a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Support Worker in Luton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Squared.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Squared!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Squared, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Squared or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Support Worker in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Squared:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Squared! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Squared
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
