Job Details:
Support Worker

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Support Worker

Salary: £12.60 per hour

Pension: Workplace pension contributions

Hours: 16 hours per week, Job share will be considered

Responsible to: Senior Support Worker

Responsible for: Client engagement, supporting the client learning experience and general support

Reports to: The Senior Support Worker

Main Tasks

To work as a member of the Support Team to deliver daily service support both at the main Drop-in Centre and satellite centres.

To warmly welcome people and encourage and enable them to engage with drop-in centre services, leisure & social activities, to access support and external advice & guidance and to work towards identified goals, aims and objectives they may have. To complete bespoke training plans with individuals and to support the delivery of a coordinated and supportive learning experience aimed at improving the skills, knowledge and lives of vulnerable people.

Advice and Support

1 To build positive relationships across the client group, encourage clients to engage with activities and services and to contribute to the client involvement agenda.

2 To build welcoming, trusting relationships with people coming to the Centre.

3 To execute timely referrals internally and externally.

4 To support, encourage and motivate people to work towards short-term goals which support their own long-term aspirations.

5 To carry out all associated administration, including keeping accurate case records, referral forms and attendance at agreed activities.

6 To provide cover for other members of the support team when they are on leave.

7 To build and develop external relationships for and on behalf of clients and SLAF.

8 To work closely with all external partners to achieve the best outcome for clients.

9 To support (when needed) sessions being delivered/supported by external partners

10 To work alongside the existing staff in both centres

11 To assist clients with their issues, signpost and support them to access appropriate services.

12 To act as an advocate for clients with other agencies where required.

13 To network with other agencies as appropriate to support and promote the interests of the Drop In Centre.

14 To promote good communication between all parties connected with the Drop-in Centre

15 To accompany clients on appointments where necessary.

Evaluation and planning

1. To deliver on agreed targets, plans and objectives.

2. To assist with the evaluation process to aid future planning, fundraising for and delivery of activities, projects and resources.

3. To assist in the planning process of co-production to actively include the participation of people who come to the Centre.

Operation of the Centre

1. To support the running of the Centre following agreed policies and guidelines.

2. To provide cover for other members of the support team when they are on leave.

3. To ensure the appropriate resources are available for the running of sessions.

· Work Related Circumstances

· Willingness to work the core hours flexibly, across multiple locations and to be punctual and reliable.

· Willingness to undertake practical tasks as required.

· Willingness to undertake training as required.

General

1. To attend regular supervision sessions and staff meetings.

2. To undertake any other duties as requested by the Learning Programme Manager.

3. To carry out all duties following the centre’s vision, mission and values, following policies and practice and in particular to show commitment to equality of opportunity.

Skills and Knowledge

· Excellent customer service skills.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work with people to help them to achieve their goals.

· A good knowledge of issues facing vulnerable housed, isolated and homeless people: legislation, welfare benefits, support service, safeguarding and equal opportunities.

· Ability to develop, organise and prioritise workload.

· Ability to react quickly to changing situations and to multi-task.

· An ability to motivate people to change.

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Computing skills, including word-processing and ability to produce reports.

· An understanding of the principles of equal opportunities.

· Commitment to the centre’s vision, mission and values and willingness to work within policies and guidelines.

· Ability to engage with a complex and challenging client group.

· Ability to maintain motivation and positivity within a challenging environment.

Experience

· Experience of working with people who are vulnerably housed, isolated and homeless people or marginalised in other ways, providing support to help them to access services.

· Experience of working in an empowering way with people.

· Experience of motivating people to make positive changes in their lives.

· Experience of working in a Drop-In environment.

· Experience of volunteering and/or supporting volunteers.

· Experience of working with people whose first language is not English.

· Experience of working under pressure and dealing with challenging and sometimes aggressive behaviour.

Work Related Circumstances

· Willingness to work the core hours flexibly, across multiple locations and to be punctual and reliable.

· Willingness to work on Christmas Day.

· Willingness to undertake practical tasks as required.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (formerly CRB) as it will involve work with Vulnerable Adults.

Company pension scheme.

4 weeks annual leave per annum plus bank holidays