At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in achieving independence and personal development through training and guidance.
- Company: Sheffield Foyer, dedicated to helping young people facing homelessness.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with a rotating shift pattern, fostering a diverse community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or community support, strong communication skills required.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Sheffield Foyer supports young people who are experiencing homelessness by providing accommodation, practical support, and opportunities for personal development.
Our aim is to help residents achieve independent living, secure sustainable tenancies, and move forward into employment.
About the role We have an opportunity for a Support Officer to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, reviewing and delivering our in-house training programme, supporting young people to build confidence, develop independence and improve their wellbeing.
You will create a safe, supportive environment where residents can develop life skills, engage in positive activities and take meaningful steps towards employment, training and independent living.
At Sheffield Foyer, we are proud of our diverse community and committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
You will design and deliver engaging tenancy ready and independent living training programmes and workshops, encouraging participation, celebrating diversity and supporting young people to progress towards education, employment and independent living.
This role involves a rotating shift pattern, including late shifts (12.30pm to 8pm) once a week and twice every three weeks, with other shifts typically 9am to 5pm.
What we are looking for
Essential
- A sensitive and supportive approach, with a commitment to helping young people achieve their goals.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
- Experience of engaging and supporting young people, particularly those facing challenges or requiring additional support.
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively in challenging situations.
- Knowledge of organisations and services that support young people.
- Knowledge of welfare benefits.
- Good IT, organisational and numeracy skills.
- A relevant youth work, community work or related qualification
Desirable
- Experience of working in supported housing, residential services or a similar environment.
- Understanding of health and safety requirements and fire procedures.
- Experience of using Microsoft Office applications.
If you are interested in finding out more about the key responsibilities of the role and to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached role profile.
TGPCVL
Support Officer employer: The Guinness Partnership
Guinness is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oldham with a strong commitment to employee growth and innovation. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our investment in cutting-edge digital tools like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and AI technologies ensures that you will be at the forefront of digital product management. Join us to make a meaningful impact on resident experiences and operational efficiency, all within a supportive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Officer
✨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 The Guinness Partnership.
✨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 The Guinness Partnership!
✨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 The Guinness Partnership, 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 The Guinness Partnership 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 Support Officer
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 The Guinness Partnership:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Guinness Partnership! 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 The Guinness Partnership
✨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.
