Support Worker

Sixteen Plus bridges the gap to independent living for young people aged 16-17 years old - providing support, accommodation and life skills, in preparation for the challenges of life and to help them achieve their goals. Often coming out of residential care, foster care or placement breakdowns, our young people need emotional support, have complex needs and challenging behaviour. You will provide a supportive, safe, stable environment for young people (16/17 year olds) that prepares them with skills, knowledge, networks, attitudes and confidence for moving on to independent living (independent living skills, Education, Employment and Training opportunities). You are responsible for supporting young people allocated to you; providing a service of the highest quality, meeting necessary company standards and Local Authority contractual obligations, following the goals, guidance and monitoring requirements set for your team. Your Principle duties:

• To build supportive, positive, professional relationship with the young people - consulting and reviewing with them, recognising their potential capabilities and ensuring you provide a well-structured programme of activities to help them achieve their placement plan outcomes. Be proactive in identifying and offering opportunities and encouragement, whereby individual potential may be realised, in all areas of their lives. Support the development of positive social networks, relationships and development of resilience, self-esteem and confidence.
• To deliver happy, supportive and secure homes for young people. Display positive role modelling at all times in relation to personal hygiene, dress and demeanour. Co-operate with your line managers and other Support staff to cover necessary support hours.
• Ensure safeguarding of young people is your priority. Protect the welfare of young people and ensure you follow policy and procedure to report any acts of abuse or poor practice.
• To observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people (past and present) and all organisational information (both inside and outside the workplace), during and after employment.
• To be aware of and sensitive to the need to foster good relationships and communication with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of the young people.
• Ensure that your manager is kept informed of a young person's progress or any challenges arising; completing all necessary monitoring records for the service you provide and the young person's progress (principally Passport to Independence and Outcome Star), and submit these in the required timeframe.
Safeguarding and Child Welfare
• Ensure adequate safeguarding procedures are followed for young people you support to protect their welfare. Follow policy and procedure to report any acts of abuse or poor practice to the Project Coordinator, Supported Living Manager, and / or the Nominated Safeguarding Officer. If these are unavailable report to the Service Manager / Director.
  
  Essential
• Interpersonal skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Able to work under pressure and deal with challenging behaviours
• Work well with other colleagues and demonstrate respect towards others
• Able to work as part of a team
• Understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries
• Able to motivate young people so targets and goals are achieved
• Experience of report writing and record keeping
• Comply with all policies and procedures
• Deal with issues promptly and notify appropriate managers as necessary.
• Able to work a flexible working pattern including evenings, weekends and/or sleep in duties as and when required
• Full driving licence
Desirable
• One years' experience as a support worker/residential care worker and/or transferrable skills from a role of supporting vulnerable adults/children. Examples include teachers, learning support assistants, prison and probation officers.