Support Worker / Young Persons Support Practitioner
Fusion Independence
Providing high-quality support, guidance, and practical assistance to young people, including care leavers and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), to support their transition into independent adulthood. Delivering person-centred, trauma-informed support to promote independence, wellbeing, and positive life outcomes.
Key responsibilities included:
Delivering person-centred support to young people to develop essential independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, self-care, tenancy management, education, and employment readiness
Building positive relationships with young people, families, and professionals to promote stability, wellbeing, and positive outcomes
Implementing and reviewing individual support and care plans, ensuring support was tailored to changing needs and circumstances
Monitoring progress in daily living skills, emotional wellbeing, education, employment, social development, and healthcare needs
Providing advice, guidance, and emotional support on a range of topics, including health, relationships, finance, education, substance awareness, and personal safety
Maintaining professional boundaries while creating a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental environment that respected cultural, religious, and individual differences
Acting as an advocate for young people, empowering them to achieve independence, celebrate achievements, and build confidence
Safeguarding vulnerable young people by recognising concerns, maintaining accurate records, and escalating risks in line with safeguarding procedures
Attending care reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency discussions to support care planning and represent the organisation professionally
Conducting health and safety checks, room inspections, and maintenance reporting to maintain safe, welcoming living environments
Completing accurate daily records, shift handovers, incident reports, risk assessments, and weekly progress reports to a professional standard
Managing financial support payments and maintaining accurate expenditure records in line with care plans
Adhering to GDPR, confidentiality, lone working, safeguarding, and organisational policies at all times
Working flexibly across shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays, while contributing positively to a professional and supportive team environment
Experience
Experience working with vulnerable young people, care leavers, young adults, or individuals with complex needs
Experience supporting individuals to develop independence and life skills
Previous experience within supported accommodation, residential care, youth work, social care, mental health, or similar settings
Experience of safeguarding children, young people, or vulnerable adults
Experience maintaining accurate records, reports, and care documentation
Knowledge & Understanding
Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
Knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches to support
Understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and vulnerable young people transitioning to independence
Awareness of equality, diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity
Knowledge of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and GDPR principles
Understanding of health and safety procedures and risk management
Skills & Abilities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships
Ability to motivate, empower, and positively influence young people
Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally
Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to complete accurate records, reports, and documentation to a high standard
Ability to work independently using initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team
Good problem-solving and decision-making skills
Competent IT skills and confidence using digital recording systems
Personal Qualities
Compassionate, empathetic, and approachable manner
Patient, resilient, and emotionally mature
Non-judgemental attitude with the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds
Honest, trustworthy, and professional in all interactions
Flexible and adaptable approach to working hours and service needs
Passionate about supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes and independence
Other Requirements
Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays
Commitment to ongoing professional development and training
Ability to work across multiple locations if required
Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain)
Full UK driving licence (desirable depending on service requirements)
Desirable Criteria
Experience working with care leavers and/or Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)
Relevant qualification in Health & Social Care, Residential Childcare, Youth Work, Psychology, or a related field
Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, behaviour support, de-escalation, or first aid
Experience working within multi-agency environments and liaising with external professionals
Knowledge of housing, tenancy support, benefits, education, and employment pathways for young people
