Support Worker

Job Description

Location -Oysterfields (Outreach + Accommodation based),based in St Albans, Hertfordshire.About the roleWe are currently recruiting for a dynamic and motivated Support Worker at our service Oysterfields.The role will be split between supporting young mothers in supported housing accommodation, as well as providing housing-related floatingsupport in the community to a variety of adults via our outreach programme. This is an exciting, rewarding and varied role for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment and is able to organise and prioritise their workload effectively.Oysterfields is a Mother & Baby service providing accommodation and support to eight vulnerable women aged 16 - 30 who are pregnant, or have a child up to 2 years of age. The service is provided in partnership with St Albans City & DistrictCouncil (SADC). You will be supporting them in the accommodation and working with them to achieve independent living skills so that they may move on and live independently. You will work closely with a wide range of professionals, such as social workers, healthvisitors, perinatal team and others in order to provide the best support to residents and help them fulfil their caring responsibilities. You will also actively participate in child in need, child protection and other statutory arrangements that some of ourresidents may have. You will uphold strong safeguarding practice and principles in order to ensure the highest standards of care for our residents and their children. You will promote engagement positively with residents and be creative with their supportincluding running activities, workshops and house meetings. You will also carry out various housing management duties within the accommodation.Our Outreach programme provides housing-related support to vulnerable individuals living in the St Albans community who are experiencing issues sustaining their tenancy. This could be issues with debt, money management, living skills, accessing servicesand understanding their tenancy rights and responsibilities. You will also connect them to other agencies and services in order to help them thrive, live independently and achieve their goals. You will work closely with housing officers, community protectionofficers and other agencies in the community in order to provide sustainable housing-related support to individuals in the community. Those under the programme may have mental ill health, substance misuse issues and offending behaviours. You will be expectedto tailor support around their needs effectively.As a Support Worker you will be working as a part of a dedicated team, providing personalised support and assisting the service users to develop the skills needed to lead independent and fulfilling lives. You will hold a diverse caseload of vulnerable individualsand will be providing advice, advocacy and assistance - helping individuals work maximise their income, tenancy sustainment and developing strong support networks in the community.Supporting vulnerable people can often be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Patience, compassion, resilience and creativity will be crucial in this role where you can make a difference to a person`s life.About youWe are looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to join our scheme in St Albans. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team who are determined to help vulnerable individuals reach their potential and move towards independent lives.If you have previously worked in a care setting and have experience of providing support to vulnerable individuals who are in crisis, this role could be perfect for you. With relevant experience, you will have the ability to recognise the wishes of our serviceusers and communicate with them effectively. Demonstrating respect for confidentiality and a caring attitude, you will also use your own initiative, carrying out practical and administrative tasks as and when required.

• You will have some experience working with vulnerable individuals and be able to identify support needs and risk, offering innovative and effective ways of supporting an individual.
• You will have knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children and adults and how to respond to a safeguarding concern or alert. You will also have some knowledge and understand of child in need and child protection cases, and will be expected to respondto S47 enquiries from children services at times as well as attend core group and child protection meetings.
• You will be confident lone working at times in the accommodation and outside in the community and will take all necessary steps outlined by the Association to adhere to safe working practices.

To apply you will need to be able to work Monday - Friday 9-5pm.

• You will need a driving license and access to a vehicle
• You must be able to work as part of a team to deliver an excellent service to the people we support
• Be flexible in your approach to work with a `can do` attitude
• You will have a commitment to equality and diversity
• Take a positive approach to supporting people

About UsHightown is a charitable housing association operating principally in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. We believe everyone should have a home and the support they need, so our aim is to build new homes and to provide excellenthousing and support.We currently manage over 7,500 homes from our head office in Hemel Hempstead and employ over 1,000 full and part time staff. We have an annual turnover of £120 million and a development programme that will deliver over 450 new affordable homes each year.We offer a range of benefits which include:

Generous annual leave allowance of 33 days per year, including statutory bank holidays, rising to 35 days with service

£22,095 pa for a 37.5 hour a week contract

Regular support from your line manager and colleagues

Annual bonus based on satisfactory performance

Monthly attendance bonus on top of your basic salary

Annual salary and cost of living review

Commitment to health and wellbeing with the Five Ways to Wellbeing

Ongoing professional development and support to deliver outstanding support

Workplace pension scheme and life assurance of three times your annual salary

Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn a £130 bonus for each friend you refer to work for us

Friendly and supportive team environment

Employee assistance helpline