Relief Key Worker

Are you passionate about making a real difference to the lives of young people? We are looking for dedicated and empathetic Relief Key Workers to join our team, providing support and guidance to looked after children and care leavers (aged 16-25) on an as and when needed basis. In this role, you'll help empower young people as they navigate their journey towards independence and emotional well-being.

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality support to young people living in our supported accommodation provision, encouraging responsibility to meet their emotional, social, educational, and health needs whilst also supporting young people to develop independent living skills. Key Workers help create a safe, supportive environment where young people can develop positive relationships, build resilience, and achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Support

• Build trusting, positive relationships with young people to promote emotional wellbeing and stability.
• Support young people with daily routines, education, health, and recreational activities.
• Promote independence and life skills, tailored to each young person’s needs and abilities.
• Provide consistent boundaries and behaviour support using trauma-informed and child-centred approaches.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people, reporting concerns immediately in line with safeguarding policies.
• Understand and follow relevant legislation, guidance, and supported accommodation regulations.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Record Keeping and Administration

• Maintain accurate records, including updating risk assessments, support plans, completing daily logs and any other recording required in line with compliance requirements.
• Contribute to support planning by offering observations and feedback on young people’s needs and progress.
• Communicate effectively during handovers and team meetings.

Teamwork and Professional Practice

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, education providers, social workers, health professionals, and families.
• Participate in training, supervision, and appraisal to maintain high standards of practice.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive team culture where every young persons needs are prioritised.
• Advocate for young people, particularly when navigating next steps to independence.

Home Environment and Daily Living

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing home environment.
• Support young people to develop the skills needed to prepare meals, household tasks, and organise activities.
• Support young people to attend appointments, education settings, and outings as required.

General Responsibilities

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Remain flexible to meet the needs of the young people, including participating in overnight and additional shifts where necessary.

Other

• A commitment to working flexibly to support the needs of the business, this will include evenings, weekends and overnight and could include working shifts at short notice.
• Follow all organisational policies, procedures, and codes of conduct.

· This job description is not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties as directed by the management team, provided these are appropriate to the role and in line with current employment law and good practice.

Safer Recruitment Statement

Surepath Homes is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff, volunteers, and contractors to share this commitment.

All job offers are subject to a range of safer recruitment checks in line with statutory guidance, including:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including the children’s barred list
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
• Receipt of satisfactory references, including one from your most recent employer
• Verification of employment history, qualifications, and professional status
• Completion of a satisfactory probation period

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings (even if considered "spent") must be declared unless they are "protected" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended).

How to apply:

If you are a kind-hearted, committed individual looking to support young people in care, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply for this role, please send your current CV and cover letter to [email protected].

Candidates will be contacted to discuss their CV and why they feel they are suitable for this role.

The recruitment cycle for this position will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £14.42 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site parking

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person