Member Job Opportunity: Action for Children - Transition Worker

​​Salary: £23,000 per annum
Directorate: Children's Services Scotland
Location: West Lothian
Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time
Hours: 37
Closing Date: 21 July 2022

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Perks: Annual leave of 29 days, plus public holidays, flexible maternity, adoption and paternity packages, annual staff awards, up to 7% employer contribution pension scheme, employee discount portal with all your favourite brands, check out more on our career's portal. 

Contract/Hours: Fixed Term until 31st July 2023, with the possibility of an extension subject to funding.

Full-Time -37 hours per week (9am - 9pm), flexibly to meet the needs of the young people which could include weekend and evening work if needed

We're thrilled that you're considering a career with Action for Children so here's what you need to know….

About Us  
At Action for Children, we believe that every child should have a safe and happy childhood. Last year, we helped more than 600,000 children and families across the UK. We work to ensure their voices are heard and we campaign to bring lasting change to their lives.  

About the role
The last few years have been tricky for all of us and as a result, the demand for our support and services has dramatically increased.

West Lothian Housing Support Service is an outreach Housing Support provision based in Livingston. The service offers support to young people aged 16-26 years who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or are undergoing a housing transition with which they need support. The aim of the service is to assist young people to develop the skills to manage their own tenancy independently, and responsibly.

We also work with 15-year-olds to help prepare them to become independent or to help sustain their current and future living arrangements.

The Transitions worker will support care experienced young people move onto their own tenancy/suitable accommodation

The aim is to support young people overcome barriers that can include housing, homelessness, confidence and self-esteem issues, poor social skills, lack of qualifications, employment opportunities, and offer support and advice on maintaining their home 

You'll do this by: 

• Engaging and building trust with young people to carry out assessment of needs
  
• Providing support, encouragement and advocacy to young people to help sustain their tenancy
  
• Liaising with agencies to enable young people to feel safe and secure in their own home as well as other more specialist agencies where needed. i.e. counselling services etc
  
• Supporting young people to overcome their barriers to training, education or employment and support in preparation for a placement/job offer, open bank account, planning travel routes etc.
  
• Liaising with employers, college, volunteering opportunities, training providers and any other relevant agencies.

What we need from you: 

• Minimum qualification of SVQ 3 Social Care or equivalent
  
• Registered with SSSC
  
• A knowledge of the issues and barriers facing looked after young people
  
• A knowledge of statutory and voluntary agencies
  
• Experience in developing support plans
  
• Up to date knowledge of safeguarding
  
• A driving License and use of a car with business insurance
  

Working here is so much more than a job. It's an investment of time to truly make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK. 

We work together to reach our vision of safe and happy childhoods. Given this and our ongoing commitment to Diversity and Inclusion, we encourage applications from everyone.

We value and celebrate the diversity of those that work with us and as an inclusive workplace we want all our current and future staff to feel able to be themselves in the workplace. 

If you're interested in finding out more, click apply and visit our careers portal for more information. 

Interviews: Interviews are provisionally scheduled for Monday 25th July -  this date can change in special circumstances, but we do our best to stick to this.

Contact: If, for any reason, you need support with your application, please contact Laura McCarthy at [email protected]. We'll be happy to give you any support you require. 

Full details and application documents here