Senior Support Worker – Supported Accommodation

Senior Support Worker – Supported Accommodation

Location: London & Essex, including CR7, RM11, RM3, RM12 and RM6
Pay: £14.00 per hour
Waking Night Set Rate: [Confirm rate for a 12-hour waking night shift before posting]
Contract: Zero-hours contract
Availability: Applicants must be available for 40+ hours per week. Hours offered depend on service needs and are not guaranteed.

About the Role

Inclusive Care Support provides supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25, mainly care leavers and young people who need structured support to prepare for independent living.

Our work supports young people with budgeting, education and employment, tenancy readiness, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and everyday life skills.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Support Worker who combines confident leadership with a calm, compassionate and person-centred approach. You will lead shifts, mentor staff and support young people directly, working closely with the Registered Service Manager to maintain safe, consistent and high-quality services.

We value someone who listens carefully, responds thoughtfully and helps young people feel respected and understood while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Person Profile – The Approach We Value

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates calmly and respectfully, including when situations are challenging.
• Takes a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach, recognising how past experiences can affect behaviour, relationships and trust.
• Places young people’s voices, choices and individual needs at the centre of their support.
• Takes a holistic view of wellbeing, considering emotional, physical, social, cultural and practical needs.
• Combines empathy and patience with clear boundaries, consistent expectations and sound safeguarding judgement.
• Encourages independence by helping young people develop skills and confidence rather than routinely doing things for them.
• Leads by example, reflects on their practice and welcomes feedback.
• Brings creativity and enthusiasm to meaningful activities that support wellbeing and personal development.

An interest in nature, gardening, outdoor activities and sustainable living would be welcomed. This could include encouraging young people to grow plants, take part in community gardening or tree-planting projects, reduce waste and care for their surroundings, guided by their interests and abilities.

Shift and Availability Requirements

• Availability for 40+ hours per week, across weekdays and weekends.
• Availability to undertake at least one waking night shift per week.
• Day shifts usually start between 8am and 10am and finish between 6pm and 8pm.
• Night shifts usually start between 6pm and 8pm and finish between 8am and 10am.
• Willingness to travel between accommodation sites and work lone shifts when required.

Shift lengths and times vary by placement and will be confirmed when shifts are offered.

Main ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Service Management

• Support the Registered Service Manager with the day-to-day running of supported accommodation placements.
• Lead shifts, allocate tasks and ensure staff follow support plans, safeguarding procedures and organisational expectations.
• Act as the senior on duty, making appropriate operational decisions within delegated authority and escalating concerns when necessary.
• Maintain a calm, respectful environment for young people and staff.
• Identify areas for improvement and contribute to audits, quality monitoring and inspection readiness.
• Support compliance with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and relevant Ofsted requirements where applicable.

Supporting Young People

• Build consistent, professional relationships that encourage trust, independence and progress.
• Deliver individual support covering daily routines, budgeting, education, employment, tenancy readiness and emotional wellbeing.
• Act as a key worker where required, contributing to support planning, goal setting and regular reviews.
• Recognise changes in wellbeing, respond appropriately to risk and take prompt action in emergencies or safeguarding situations.
• Encourage participation in community activities, positive relationships and opportunities that reflect each young person’s interests.
• Promote practical, sustainable living skills and opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Staff Development

• Provide guidance and positive role-modelling to Support Workers.
• Contribute to induction, coaching, supervision and staff development.
• Help staff respond to challenging situations with patience, consistency and professional judgement.
• Promote a team culture based on accountability, reflection and respectful communication.

Recording and Communication

• Ensure case notes, incident reports, risk information and support records are accurate, factual and completed promptly.
• Contribute to support plans and reviews, clearly reflecting young people’s views and progress.
• Liaise professionally with social workers, local authorities, families, advocates, education providers and other professionals.
• Participate in handovers, staff meetings and multi-agency reviews.

Safeguarding and General Duties

• Safeguard young people’s welfare and report concerns immediately in accordance with ICS procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and safe lone-working practices.
• Help keep accommodation safe, clean and suitable, using resources responsibly.
• Carry out reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as delegated by senior management.

Essential Requirements

• At least one year’s experience as a Support Worker in supported accommodation, leaving-care or young people’s services.
• Experience of supervising staff, leading shifts or holding senior responsibilities in a similar setting.
• A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent, or strong evidence of relevant experience and competence at this level.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and confidence in recognising, responding to and escalating risk.
• Ability to lead staff and manage challenging situations calmly and consistently.
• Strong written communication and recording skills.
• Willingness to travel between placements and work lone shifts when required.
• The right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and relevant safer recruitment checks.

Inclusive Care Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Benefits

• Company pension scheme.
• Statutory sick pay, subject to eligibility.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Supportive leadership and opportunities to develop your practice.

To apply, please explain how your experience meets the essential requirements and give an example of how you have used a calm, person-centred approach when supporting a young person through a challenging situation.

Pay: £14.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person