Duties of a Support Worker in Supported Accommodation (Young People 16–17)
Main Purpose of the Role
To provide practical and emotional support to young people aged 16–17 living in supported accommodation, helping them to develop independence, build life skills, and prepare for adulthood. This includes supporting unaccompanied young people, ensuring their unique needs are met in line with safeguarding and support frameworks.
Key Duties
1. Promoting Independence and Life Skills
* Support young people to develop essential skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and managing their own routines.
* Encourage responsibility for personal spaces and shared living areas.
* Provide guidance on planning for the future, including moving on to independent accommodation.
2. Accommodation Support
* Help young people understand their rights and responsibilities within supported housing.
* Encourage respect for shared spaces and support them to maintain a safe, welcoming living environment.
* Assist young people to report repairs or accommodation issues.
3. Emotional and Practical Support
* Provide a safe and supportive environment where young people feel listened to and respected.
* Offer guidance around decision-making, problem-solving, and coping strategies.
* Be a positive role model and build trusting, professional relationships.
4. Education, Training, and Employment
* Support young people to access and engage with education, training, or employment.
* Help with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation.
* Encourage attendance and celebrate achievements.
5. Health and Wellbeing
* Support young people to register with and attend GP, dentist, and other health services.
* Promote healthy routines, diet, and exercise.
* Provide emotional support and encourage engagement with specialist services when needed (e.g. mental health).
6. Safeguarding and Safety
* Monitor the welfare of young people and take action if safeguarding concerns arise.
* Support young people to make safe choices around relationships, social media, and community activities.
* Contribute to risk assessments and safety planning.
7. Financial Support
* Assist young people to manage money, budget, and save.
* Support with benefit claims, bursaries, and grants where appropriate.
* Promote financial independence and responsibility.
8. Support for Unaccompanied Young People
* Assist young people to adapt to a new culture, community, and way of living.
* Support with language learning and accessing ESOL or other educational opportunities.
* Provide guidance around asylum or immigration processes, linking with solicitors, social workers, and specialist services.
* Help young people build social connections and reduce isolation.
9. Multi-Agency Working
* Work alongside social workers, key workers, schools, health services, and other professionals.
* Attend professionals' meetings and contribute to support plans.
* Advocate for the needs of young people where necessary.
10. Recording and Reporting
* Keep accurate records of key work sessions, progress, incidents, and safeguarding concerns.
* Share relevant information appropriately within the team and with professionals, ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
11. Boundaries and Professionalism
* Maintain professional boundaries while building positive, supportive relationships.
* Encourage independence, avoiding over-reliance on staff.
* Act as a positive role model in behaviour, communication, and respect.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Freelance
Pay: £13.00-£15.50 per hour
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Education:
* Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:
* Residential Children's Home: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
* English (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person