Greater Horizons

Job Description: Support Worker – 16+ Supported Accommodation
Company: Greater Horizons Accountable to: Registered Service Manager Job type: Full-time Location: Birmingham, Walsall, Cannock and Wolverhampton
Working Hours
Hours will be determined by the needs of the service, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays and overnight stays. Typical shifts are 9:00am–11:00pm, followed by an overnight stay. Overnight stays are paid at £30 per night.
Staff will be expected to work approximately 1–2 weekends in every 4 on a rotating basis, with bank holiday cover shared fairly across the team.
Salary
Competitive, based on experience and qualifications, in accordance with applicable National Minimum Wage requirements.
Right to Work
Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom and hold an Enhanced DBS registered with the Update Service. Greater Horizons does not offer visa sponsorship.
1. About the Role
To provide high-quality, trauma-informed support to young people aged 16–18, including young adults aged 18 and over and young people with disabilities up to age 21, where applicable.
The role involves promoting young people’s safety, welfare, emotional wellbeing and independence through consistent support, positive role modelling and the development of practical life skills. Support Workers will work in partnership with colleagues, families, social workers and other professionals to help young people achieve their goals and progress towards independent living.
2. Main ResponsibilitiesSupporting Young People
<ul>
<li>Build trusting, professional relationships and act as a positive, consistent adult role model.</li>
<li>Provide emotional, practical and social support, recognising individual needs, experiences, identities and circumstances.</li>
<li>Promote independence through support with cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, budgeting, appointments, education, employment and training.</li>
<li>Encourage healthy lifestyles, positive relationships, social awareness and community integration.</li>
<li>Support young people to develop confidence, self-esteem, decision-making skills and the ability to manage their emotions and anxieties.</li>
<li>Promote dignity, privacy, equality, diversity, rights and individual choice.</li>
<li>Establish appropriate boundaries and apply positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies, using physical intervention only as a last resort and in accordance with policy.</li>
<li>Support young people on admission by explaining house rules, expectations and relevant welcome information.</li>
<li>Act as a key worker or co-key worker, providing consistent support and helping young people work towards their individual goals.</li>
</ul>
Safeguarding and Risk Management
<ul>
<li>Safeguard young people at all times and respond promptly to any concerns, disclosures, allegations or signs of abuse, following Greater Horizons’ safeguarding procedures.</li>
<li>Read, understand and contribute to risk assessments, pathway plans and support plans, ensuring these reflect young people’s changing needs.</li>
<li>Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality when communicating with young people, colleagues and external professionals.</li>
<li>Follow lone-working procedures and risk management arrangements when working independently within the accommodation.</li>
<li>Record and report accidents, incidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns promptly, following the required procedures.</li>
</ul>
Records, Reporting and Professional Communication
<ul>
<li>Maintain accurate and up-to-date daily records, logbooks, communication books, health and safety records and other required documentation.</li>
<li>Prepare weekly reports and contribute to pathway plans, support plans, reviews and progress reports.</li>
<li>Participate in handovers, staff meetings, supervisions, consultations and professional meetings as required.</li>
<li>Liaise effectively with colleagues, managers, social workers, families, carers and other relevant agencies to promote positive outcomes for young people.</li>
<li>Respond appropriately to informal complaints and escalate concerns when necessary.</li>
<li>Maintain accurate financial records, including retaining receipts for independent living allowances (ILA) and petty cash.</li>
</ul>
Accommodation and Health and Safety
<ul>
<li>Help maintain a safe, clean, welcoming and homely environment that supports young people’s wellbeing and independence.</li>
<li>Monitor the condition of the accommodation, report maintenance issues promptly and ensure utility meters have sufficient credit.</li>
<li>Follow health and safety procedures and report hazards, accidents and potential risks to the appropriate manager.</li>
<li>Participate in shift handovers and provide cover where reasonably required to maintain safe staffing arrangements.</li>
<li>Respect staff-only areas and maintain appropriate boundaries regarding access to the staff room.</li>
</ul>
Teamwork and Professional Development
<ul>
<li>Work collaboratively with colleagues and management to maintain a high standard of care and support across Greater Horizons.</li>
<li>Contribute positively to team meetings, debriefs and the sharing of knowledge and good practice.</li>
<li>Complete induction, mandatory training and required qualifications within agreed timescales.</li>
<li>Attend supervision, appraisals and training, identifying opportunities for personal and professional development.</li>
<li>Engage in reflective practice, maintain professional knowledge and follow Greater Horizons’ policies, procedures and trauma-informed approach.</li>
<li>Take responsibility for maintaining personal wellbeing and seek support when needed.</li>
<li>Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as directed by management.</li>
</ul>
3. Person SpecificationQualifications and Experience
Essential:
<ul>
<li>Experience working with children or young people, ideally those in or leaving care, or a willingness to develop the required experience.</li>
<li>Understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality.</li>
<li>Understanding of the challenges young people may face when transitioning to independent living.</li>
<li>Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce or an equivalent qualification, or willingness to work towards the required qualification, subject to the service’s requirements.</li>
</ul>
Skills and Abilities
<ul>
<li>Strong written and verbal communication skills.</li>
<li>Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with young people.</li>
<li>Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.</li>
<li>Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.</li>
<li>Good record-keeping, report-writing and IT skills, including familiarity with Apple devices and Microsoft Outlook, or willingness to learn.</li>
</ul>
Personal Attributes
<ul>
<li>Empathetic, patient, respectful and non-judgemental.</li>
<li>Resilient and able to respond calmly to challenging situations.</li>
<li>Flexible and responsive to the needs of young people and the service.</li>
<li>Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.</li>
<li>Able to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.</li>
</ul>
Other Requirements
<ul>
<li>Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.</li>
<li>Willingness to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and overnight stays.</li>
<li>Commitment to completing required training and ongoing professional development.</li>
</ul>
Desirable
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of the care system or experience in youth work.</li>
<li>First Aid and/or mental health training.</li>
<li>Knowledge of housing and tenancy matters affecting young people.</li>
<li>Experience supporting young people with complex needs, including mental health difficulties, substance misuse or offending behaviours.</li>
</ul>
4. What We Offer
<ul>
<li>Training and progression opportunities, including Level 3–Level 5 qualifications in children and young people’s services and management.</li>
<li>Comprehensive training and development opportunities.</li>
<li>Company pension.</li>
<li>On-site parking.</li>
<li>Casual dress.</li>
<li>Staff support through Peninsula HR.</li>
<li>A supportive and inclusive working environment.</li>
</ul>
5. About Greater Horizons
Greater Horizons provides supported accommodation for young people transitioning from care towards independent living. We aim to engage, enable and enhance young people’s lives through trauma-informed support, the development of independence and positive community integration.
Greater Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in its care. Applicants must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check, provide at least two references covering the previous two years, and disclose relevant employment history, including details of positions involving children or vulnerable individuals and employment history since leaving full-time education.
6. General Statement
This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role and may be amended in line with the needs of the service, provided any changes remain appropriate to the level of responsibility of the post.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Benefits:
<ul>
<li>Company events</li>
<li>Company pension</li>
<li>Free parking</li>
<li>Health &amp; wellbeing programme</li>
<li>On-site parking</li>
</ul>
Application question(s):
<ul>
<li>How many years of experience do you have working with children or young people?</li>
<li>Do you hold a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce, or an equivalent qualification?</li>
<li>If you do not currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People, would you be willing to work towards achieving this qualification?</li>
</ul>
Work authorisation:
<ul>
<li>United Kingdom (required)</li>
</ul>
Work Location: In person

Support Worker for Young People 16 -18 - Supported Accommodation

Support Worker for Young People 16 -18 - Supported Accommodation

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