At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a safe home and support for young people aged 16-21.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to making a difference in young lives.
- Benefits: Flexible arrangements, bespoke training, weekly allowance, and 24-hour support.
- Other info: Join a supportive community of carers and receive ongoing guidance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people gain independence and confidence.
- Qualifications: A spare room and a caring heart; no formal qualifications needed.
The predicted salary is between 35045 - 42833 £ per year.
Make a difference to the lives of young people. Become a Supported Lodgings Carer!
We are looking for people with a spare room who could open their home and heart to a young person in their local area.
What is Supported Lodgings?
Supported Lodgings provides young people who are aged 16-21 and are either in care or who are leaving care with a safe, family environment, within your home. Supported Lodgings Carers support young people matched with them with practical skills such as:
- budgeting
- food preparation
- travelling
Our carers also provide strong emotional support for young people which helps them build resilience, confidence and self-esteem. Supported Lodgings carers play a huge role in young peoples' development to become successful independent adults. Many of our Supported Lodgings Carers work full-time alongside supporting their young person/people to develop their independence skills.
As a Supported Lodgings Carer for Surrey County Council you will benefit from:
- Flexible arrangements to enable you to continue working, while caring for your young person
- A bespoke training package
- One-to-one support from your own Allocated Case Worker
- The chance to build good support networks with other Supported Lodgings carers
- The option of having an experienced Supported Lodgings Carer 'buddy'
- A weekly allowance and contributions towards rental payments per young person
- 24-hour emergency support
- Fostering Network membership
- National Association of Therapeutic Parents (NATP) membership
- The reward of making a difference to a child or young person's life
Don’t live in Surrey?
If you live nearby, you can still apply to be a Supported Lodgings Carer! Contact us for a friendly and informal chat:
- Email: supportedlodgings@surreycc.gov.uk
- Call: 01737 737867
Supported Lodgings Carer in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including up to 31 days of annual leave, a local government pension, and access to a wealth of learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Located in Reigate, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of public services, all within a collaborative environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Lodgings Carer in Surrey
✨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 Surrey County Council.
✨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 Surrey County Council!
✨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 Surrey County Council, 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 Surrey County Council 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 Supported Lodgings Carer in Surrey
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 Surrey County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Surrey County Council! 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 Surrey County Council
✨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.