Youth Support Worker

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The support team are responsible for supporting the delivery of an effective, needs led and personalised service to our clients. They work in partnership with teachers, social workers and senior staff, as well as external colleagues and family members. However support workers are encouraged to contribute to discussion and add amendments in the support plan where possible.

The support staff deliver day to day interventions with clients and they may be delegated responsibilities such as devising timetables, completing activities or health and safety tasks where appropriate.

The support worker should ensure the smooth running of the shift, creating and implementing routines, ensuring young people are well fed, cared for and and living in a positive environment. The staff all contribute to the clients holistic pedagogic development by sharing in educational, social and health related learning tasks.

Finally the support worker is responsible for achieving a positive relationship with the client and contributing to a culture of relationship based practice within the team/home. Overall, the support worker has responsibility for ensuring the clients wellbeing is paramount and raising any concerns or potential areas for development to a senior member of staff.

FEVACA recruitment policies are in line with legislation and guidance related to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults; including Safer Recruitment Guidance 2007 and the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2014.

Please note that all candidates must:

• Complete a good standard of application form
• Meet FEVACA expectations in interview
• Complete an enhanced DBS check
• Provide evidence of their right to work in the UK
• Provide satisfactory references for 5 years or more (including most recent employer)

JOB DESCRIPTION

To be responsible for managing the project whilst on shift, taking full responsibility for managing the establishment, the resources and the fabric of the building) and, most importantly, the welfare of the young people.

CLIENTS

• Promote the development of the young people
• Protect young people from threats to their health, welfare and normal development, both from inside and outside the home. Understand and implement all safeguarding related policies
• Ensure that key stages in the stay of young people such as admission and discharge are properly managed and reflect decisions recorded in care plans
• Ensure that young people facing particular crises and stresses are offered appropriate additional support
• Ensure that young people are responsible for their own lives, involving them in planning their lives, supporting them and helping them towards taking greater control and responsibility
• As a support worker, participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of individual support plans and engaging young people in learning
• Contribute to and complete risk assessment regarding clients when necessary
• Support and deliver FEVACA education programme (life skills programme)
• Support and deliver FEVACA Health & wellbeing programme
• Support our clients with transport when required

COMMUNITY

• Use the community as a means of support and social learning for the young people
• Encourage, and where possible ensure, that our clients respect others in the community.
• Build positive relationships with community members, ensuring that the privacy of the clients is not effected.
Interagency Working
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with family members where appropriate, social workers, school staff and other professionals with a concern for the young person’s needs.
• Offer support where necessary to staff on site at other FEVACA Houses.
• Ensure constructive and positive communication and negotiation with referring agencies regarding young people.
Meeting standards of practice
• Ensure that practice is anti-discriminatory and ensure specific needs are met where appropriate such as dietary requirements, religious observance and culturally significant activities
• Ensure compliance with the Children’s Act 1989/ 2004 and associated regulations.
• Read, comply and keep up to date with all FEVACA policy and protocols.
• Ensure regular communication with Line Manager and Director of Service; including attendance at individual supervision and team meetings.
• Attendance at and completion of induction, training sessions related to the role of supported housing worker.
• Complete health and safety checks and cleaning tasks as set out within the projects daily plans.
• Complete training and subsequently administer medication in compliance to policy when required.

ESSENTIAL

• Positive and non-judgmental value base
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to equality of opportunity to colleagues, service users and all external personnel
• A knowledge of the Children Act and subsequent relevant legislation
• Ability to represent the organization to outside bodies and those within local communities
• Demonstration of a commitment to supporting and motivating young people
• Ability to maintain boundaries and communicate effectively with young people
• Ability to work within a team.
• Ability to manage issues relating to health and safety
• Willingness to manage household tasks
• Experience of working with children or young people
• Good standard of written and verbal English
• Full clean driving licence and the use of a vehicle for business use
• Highly motivated, adaptable and able to work under their own initiative
• The ability to admit mistakes and ask for help and guidance
• Ability to work shifts including sleep-ins – weekends and bank holidays

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of health and safety requirements relevant to Houses of Multiple Occupancy
• An understanding of the legislation and guidance relating to the provision of supported housing services and social care for care leavers
• Experience working at a level of responsibility with children and young people in a supported housing setting
• Ability to show leadership skills
• Ability to write reports and contribute to support plan