At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in achieving their goals and overcoming barriers.
- Company: YMCA Open Door, dedicated to empowering youth in the Black Country.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to community impact and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth development and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Due to an expansion of our Open Door Supported Lodgings project, we are seeking applications from people who have a passion for young people and the desire to see them progress and thrive. YMCA Open Door offers vulnerable young people safe and enabling environment with Host Families – who live in the Black Country. Without a safe home and the guidance of caring, responsible adults, many young people lose their way. The Open Door Project provides young people with the stability they need to continue with their education and transition into responsible adults.
Responsibilities
- Engaging with young people identifying their passions and aspirations and helping to remove any barriers which will prevent them achieving their full potential.
- Conducting interviews with applicants, performing the appropriate needs and risk assessments and reference checks before offering accommodation.
- Identifying the young people’s personal needs and supporting them in addressing those needs with support from relevant agencies.
- Managing a caseload of young people living within the Open-Door project and engaging with the hosts.
- Visiting hosts properties as agreed, to ensure safety, overall good condition and residents’ adherence to the licence agreement.
Benefits
Apart from a competitive salary and the opportunity to work for an organisation that is passionate about giving back to the community, the successful applicant will also be eligible for:
- 24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Wellbeing Support
- Access to our IMHR Plus online portal, offering discounts at major brands and retailers
- 25 Days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and an increase based on length of service
- SimplyHealth cash plan e.g. dental care, physiotherapy, diagnostic consultation, tests, scans and more
- Staff discounts for: childcare at our YMCA nurseries, YGym membership, and Coffee at the Clock purchases
- Life Assurance scheme access
It is a requirement that the successful applicant will complete an enhanced DBS check before taking up the role.
For any queries, please contact Stanley Ifamene, on 07710 085614 (during office hours).
Closing Date: 22nd September 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please complete the YMCA Application form to ensure you are considered for this role – you can email hr.recruitment@ymcabc.org.uk for support with this. We do not accept CVs.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Therefore, we encourage and support the recruitment, retention and career development of people from as wide a range as possible of ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds.
YMCA BCG is a trauma-informed organisation; we recognise and understand the widespread impact of trauma on individuals to shape policies, practices, and culture. We are sensitive and responsive to the needs of those who have endured trauma to prevent its recurrence among clients and staff.
Supported Lodgings Project Worker employer: YMCA BCG
YMCA Open Door is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering vulnerable young people in the Black Country. With a strong commitment to community support, we offer a nurturing work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing through comprehensive benefits, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and generous annual leave. Our culture fosters personal and professional growth, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact while developing their skills in a trauma-informed setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Lodgings Project Worker
✨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 YMCA BCG.
✨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 YMCA BCG!
✨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 YMCA BCG, 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 YMCA BCG 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 Project Worker
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 YMCA BCG:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to YMCA BCG! 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 YMCA BCG
✨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.
