The Ark Project

Senior Youth Support Worker - Young People's Services



Are you looking for a job where you can really make a difference but also have fun?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Senior Youth Support Worker for our Young People's Services in Bognor Regis, providing care and support for vulnerable young people aged 16 and over.

The Ark Project aspires to be recognised as proficient leaders in unique service provision. Our Children and Young People's Service has been set up in response for the need to accommodate young people and provide them with the necessary skills to maintain a tenancy and keep themselves safe and well.

We have sound principles for the way we run our service. Central to these is our belief that the rights of young people are paramount.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the people we support, adults and children, and expect all staff to share this commitment.

Applicants must be aged 25 and over to meet the requirements of our contract with the Local Authority.

VACANCY DETAILS


The young people we support are at the heart of everything we do - they are wonderful individuals and deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and kindness. Our main priority, therefore, is to find staff with values, behaviours and attitudes to match our own.

This is permanent full time role of 39 hours per week. Hours are to be worked in line with the rota and are usually comprised of 3 shifts of 8am to 9pm. Sleep shifts are also available and run from 9pm to 8am.

Hourly rate: £13.32 per hour.

Annual salary based on full time hours: £27,012
Annual salary with one sleep shift per week: £32,061
Annual salary with two sleep shifts per week: £37,110

COULD THIS BE YOU?

Your duties will be varied and no two days will be the same. You'll be providing support for day-to-day living, helping our young people gain access to education, health care and any other professionals or services they need along with supporting them with general household duties such as cooking, cleaning and money management.

As a Senior Youth Support Worker you will be expected to:

  • Provide first line management and lead a small team of support staff.
  • Be responsible for ensuring all current and newly referred individuals receive high quality, person centred support.
  • Lead and support practice development within the team and provide coaching and mentoring to team members.
  • Prepare and maintain up to date support plans, risk assessments and co-ordinate the provision of high quality, individualised support by support staff.
  • Ensure good joint working practices are established and maintained.
  • Adopt a proactive approach to build a positive and engaging relationship with Local Authorities and all other stakeholders.
  • Ensure the well-being of clients and promote the development of their physical, social, emotional and daily life skills.
  • Plan, develop and implement the services provided and evaluate these services, including the recreational, social and/or educational activities provided for clients.
  • An element of the role will be direct support provision to establish and maintain direct contact and involvement with those we support.
Our services operate 24/7, so you will work in shifts to meet the needs of the young people (as allocated by your manager). We will try to work as flexibly as possible, but this means you may need to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You may also be given the option to cover the occasional sleep-in shift.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE


  • We expect our Senior Youth Support Workers to share our vision to ensure that ‘every moment has potential’ for the young people we support to learn new skills and to achieve their goals.
  • Ideally you will have experience in supporting young people and leading a small team.
  • Basic numeracy and literacy skills as well as good English are a must as are basic computer (Word/Email) skills and some knowledge of Health and Safety requirements.
  • An NVQ/Diploma L3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent Young People qualification is preferred or expected to be worked towards once you are in post.
  • Above all you need to be kind, caring and ready to work as a team to ensure that our services are comfortable, happy, fulfilling and safe places to live.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU


  • Free DBS check and access to the DBS update service.
  • Holiday pay and 29 day’s holiday pro-rata (includes 8 bank holidays plus an extra day’s leave for your birthday).
  • Time and a half paid for bank holiday shifts.
  • Flexible hours and a variety of shifts available.
  • Every other weekend off with a predictable shift pattern allowing you to plan your free time.
  • A contributory pension scheme.
  • Access to a national retail and leisure discount scheme (Blue Light Card).
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Casual dress.
  • Career development and free training provided including fully funded apprenticeship opportunities up to Level 5 in Leadership and Management giving you a clear pathway into a management role (dependent on achieving your targets).
  • Refer a friend bonus of £150 on successful recruitment plus an additional £250 if they successfully pass their probationary period.

HOW TO APPLY


If you feel this role is for you, we want to hear from you!

You can apply for this role by completing our online application form here.

You can also please contact us by completing our contact form or emailing HR@ark-project.org.uk. We can then get in touch to discuss the role, the hours and answer any further questions you may have.