Job Description

Youth Support Worker: Semi-Independent Living

This position involves delivering support to Young People aged 16 – 18+ living within semi-
independent placements. The support will be based around a living package of structured key
work sessions to vulnerable young people. These sessions will aim to promote the life skills of
young people and support their transition into adulthood. The young people we support are
placed in semi-independent group homes in Gloucester and Bristol.

Job Description/ Duties

 To work in line with standards designated by the Children Act, Leaving Care Act, Local
Safeguarding Procedures and other relevant legislation at all times.

 Build and develop relationships with the young people we support and encourage them to
participate fully in the opportunities offered within the homes and external environments.

 To create a friendly and relaxed environment for the young person’s encouraging
enjoyment, self-motivation, self-esteem and respect for themselves and others.

 Be able to support young people in gaining skills through the safety and security of semi-
independent living.

 Be responsible for the effective safeguarding of the young people within your care and
understand how to raise concerns.

 Support our young people with everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning, appointments,
meetings etc.

 Build strong working relationships with external agencies such as Local Authorities and other
Health/ Social Professionals.

 Attend staff meetings and training sessions as and when required.

 To adhere to the organisational policies, procedures and guidelines at all times.

 To assist in the maintenance, good housekeeping and upkeep of the service.

 To encourage and support young people as to invest environment in the environment they
are placed, including their own rooms and communal areas and to be responsible for their
own personal effects.

 To assist with the day-to-day administration of the service by completing and maintaining
accurate recordings.

 To provide objective and professional verbal and written information on a daily basis where
required.
 To play an active part and promote the participation of young people in the decision-making
process of the service.

 To assist where appropriate, with the process of developing effective partnerships with
parents and families.

 To support and maintain effective working relationships with all other staff and to promote
good relationships with local residents and the general community.

 To assist with the process of developing and maintaining effective relationships with parents
and families.

 To provide the opportunity for young people to express their wishes and feelings as well as
their fears and concerns and offer appropriate support.

 To provide young people with information and signpost where appropriate or to help them
to seek advice from appropriate sources.

 To advise and encourage young people to access and participate in education, employment
or training programmes.

 To support young people attending interviews for school, further education, employment,
training, housing, solicitors etc.

 To contribute to the reviewing and monitoring process in the development of each

 To ensure that all identified support needs are met in line with support plans and external
plans from relevant professionals.

 To provide positive and acceptable health promotion to young people, including sexual
health.

 To ensure that a balanced and culturally appropriate (if applicable) diet is encouraged and
that young people are advised around the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise.

 To ensure that adequate risk assessments have been completed in respect of activities and
permission for those deemed as dangerous to be highlighted to the Placing Authority.

 To be available and prepared for relevant statutory reviews, planning meetings, child in care
review meetings and any other relevant meetings when requested.

 To fulfil all organisational requirements involving administration of client finances and the
homes budget.

 To contribute to the development of individuals and the team through active participation in
effective supervision, team meetings, training sessions etc.

 To display positive role modelling at all times in relation to personal hygiene, dress, attitude,
values and general demeanour.

Experience
 At least 1 years’ experience of working with children and/or adolescents or a similar
support worker/ care worker role desirable.

 Consideration will also be given to those that are educated to degree level.

Qualifications

 Have or be willing to work towards completing QCF /NVQ Level 3 award in Health & Social
Care (Children) within the set time frame. This is a statutory requirement for all employees
wishing to work in childcare.

Specific Conditions

 Ability to lone work with individual young people.

 Sleeping in duties may be required.

 Willing to work Bank Holidays & Christmas Holidays If required.

 Willing to work additional hours to cover sickness and holidays and to work in other homes
within your area.

 A satisfactory and ongoing Enhanced DBS reference is required.

 The holder of this position may be required to work in any service of the organisation where
there is a need or emergency.

 The holder of this position is expected to maintain confidentiality and observe data
protection guidelines.

 Due to the nature of the young people that we support, the rota pattern may change at
short notice.

Salary: £9.00 to £11.00 /hour

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary, Contract, Volunteer