SENIOR FLOATING YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER
About the role
The young people’s semi-independent services are a dedicated team committed to providing supporting and empowering environments for young people aged 16 – 18 years who are under the care of the Local Authority. Our approach is rooted in the principles of psychologically informed environments (PIE), ensuring that our services are tailored to meet the psychological and emotional needs of those we support. We believe in creating safe, welcoming spaces that foster growth, resilience and positive change, whilst adhering to Ofsted regulations.
We are seeking a compassionate and dynamic Senior Floating Youth Support Worker to join our team. In this role you will provide flexible and responsive support to the young people across various locations, adapting to their individual needs and circumstances. Your work will be guided by the principles of PIE, ensuring that all interactions are trauma-informed and empathetic.
Key responsibilities:
Provide trauma-informed, person-centred support based on a strengths-based approach.
Co-produce support plans with young people which meet their needs and support their aspirations.
Complete risk assessments and agree risk management plans to minimise any identified risks with young people.
Support the young people to make decisions about their own lives by working within the guidelines of the Association’s person centred approach.
Assist the young people to live independently and maintain valued friendships and family networks. Reporting to appropriate professionals where this is not possible.
Signpost young people to receive appropriate advice when necessary. (e.g. health care, benefits, housing etc).
Create opportunities and enable the young people to develop and widen their social, educational work experience and leisure networks.
Keep up to date records of support provided to the young person.
Respect confidentiality and follow policy guidelines.
Ensure each young person is assisted to manage and maintain their accommodation.
Support the young people to attend appointments with other agencies and the Home Office, promoting the use of public transport or transporting the young people in their vehicle if the appointment is not accessible by public transport.
Work as part of a team, actively participating in meetings, bringing forward ideas and contributing to relevant decisions.
Communicate effectively with all team members, ensuring comprehensive handover notes are available.
Undertake lone working, as required.
Act as a mentor to less experienced staff
Qualifications and experience:
Qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Children & Young People/equivalent or willing to work towards achieving the qualifications within the work place.
Experience working with young people, particularly those facing complex challenges such as family breakdown, challenging behaviour, complex mental health issues or substance misuse.
Understanding and commitments to the principles of psychologically informed environments (PIE).
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication to the individual needs of the young person with the view to engage and motivate.
Flexibility and adaptability to work across different locations within the community and respond to varying needs.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Applicant must be car driver with use of car. Please note that business car insurance is mandatory.
Knowledge of or willingness to understand Ofsted regulations and standards, with experience in ensuring compliance in a youth support setting.
The senior youth floating support worker will need to be a car driver with business use insurance and be willing to use their vehicle to transport young people as per their support plan or in case of an emergency.
Safer recruitment requirements:
All applicants must complete a detailed application form, providing a full employment history and explaining any gaps in employments.
Applicants will be required to provide at least two professional references, including one from their most recent employer, which will be checked before any offer of employment is made.
A rigorous interview process will be conducted, which could include scenario-based questions to assess suitability for working with young people in a PIE environment & second stage interviews with our ‘Voicebox’ team, which includes current service users from various schemes.
All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS check prior to starting employment. There is a requirement that all employees register on the Update Service. Full costs will be reimbursed