At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in overcoming challenges like homelessness and mental health issues.
- Company: Join The Society of St James, a dynamic charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Empathy, calmness, and a caring attitude are essential; experience is a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 25947 - 25947 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering bespoke person-centred support and accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness by tackling the root causes of homelessness including specialist drug and alcohol support. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, we will support people for as long as they need to be able to recover and end their homelessness for good.
Are you ready for a career where no two days are the same, and your work genuinely changes lives? We're looking for a passionate and dedicated Support Worker to join the fabulous St James Care team in Woolston, Southampton.
Here's what you'll do:
- Working with us, you'll be on the front line, delivering high-impact, person-centred care.
- Your primary focus will be supporting vulnerable people to overcome complex challenges - including homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health issues - that prevent them from leading a fulfilling and rewarding life.
At the heart of what we do is the belief that every person deserves a chance to thrive. The needs of the people we support are our main priority, and that's why we are searching for individuals whose values, behaviours, and attitude match our commitment to compassionate care.
Who We're Looking For
While experience with adults facing alcohol and substance misuse challenges is helpful, the essential qualities we're looking for are your natural ability to be calm, caring, motivational, and empathetic.
What we can offer you
- A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays.
- Flexible working options.
- Buying additional annual leave.
- Comprehensive induction and training.
- Counselling, financial, personal support and health and well-being services via our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers.
- Electric Car Scheme.
- Blue Light Card.
SSJ are an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union.
Closing date: Friday 21st August 2026. Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier. Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Care and Support Worker in Southampton employer: The Society of St James
The Society of St James (SSJ) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Southampton where you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing challenges with homelessness and substance use. With generous benefits such as flexible working options, comprehensive training, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, SSJ fosters a culture of growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for emerging professionals and those with lived experience to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care and Support Worker in Southampton
✨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 Society of St James.
✨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 Society of St James!
✨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 Society of St James, 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 Society of St James 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 Care and Support Worker in Southampton
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 Society of St James:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Society of St James! 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 Society of St James
✨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.
