Support Worker - young people leaving care

Elliot Leigh Supported Living provides semi-independent supported accommodation for young adults aged 18–25 who are leaving the care system. Our residents are at a pivotal moment in their lives — transitioning from care into adulthood — and they need more than just a roof over their heads. As a Support Worker, you will walk alongside them through that transition. You will help them build the practical skills, emotional resilience and personal confidence they need to live independently — whether that’s managing a tenancy, navigating employment, handling finances or simply knowing that someone is in their corner. This is not a passive role. It demands energy, creativity and a genuine commitment to working in partnership with young adults who have often experienced significant trauma, instability and disappointment. But it also offers something rare: the chance to be the person who helps someone turn their life around. WHAT YOU’LL DO Your key responsibilities will include: • Supporting young adults aged 18–25 to develop and sustain independent living skills (budgeting, cooking, cleaning, tenancy management) • Delivering structured keywork sessions and co-producing individual support plans with each resident • Assisting with education, employment and training goals — including CV writing, job applications and college enrolment • Maintaining accurate, timely records using our digital case management system — including keywork notes, risk assessments and support plans • Working collaboratively with the wider team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents at all times • Liaising with local authority leaving care teams, social workers, personal advisers and other professionals • Supporting residents to manage mental health, wellbeing and personal challenges in a trauma-informed way • Accompanying residents to appointments with external agencies (GP, Job Centre, local authority, etc.) WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR • Responding calmly and professionally to conflict, emotional distress or challenging behaviour • Actively contributing to team meetings, supervision sessions and continuing professional development Essential requirements: • At least 1 year of experience working with young adults aged 18–25 in a care, supported housing or semi-independent living setting • Genuine understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers making the transition to independent living • Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and trauma-informed approaches to working with care experienced young adults • Ability to work flexibly across a rota that may include evenings, weekends and bank holidays • Strong written and verbal communication skills — you will produce keywork records, risk assessments and support plans to a professional standard • Confident IT skills and ability to use digital case management and reporting systems • Current Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (Adults Workforce) — or willingness to apply • Current Safeguarding certification — or willingness to complete upon appointment • Right to work in the United Kingdom Desirable (but not essential): • NVQ / QCF Level 3 (or above) in Health & Social Care, Housing or a related discipline • Experience supporting young adults into education, employment or training (EET) • Knowledge of the Children (Leaving Care) Act, Care Act 2014 and Pathway Planning frameworks • Experience of working with young adults with complex needs, mental health challenges or substance use issues WHAT MAKES A GREAT ELSL SUPPORT WORKER Beyond qualifications, we’re looking for someone who: • Treats every young adult as a capable individual — not a case to be managed • Understands that independence is built gradually, and shows up with patience and consistency • Can hold clear professional boundaries while remaining warm & approachable • Is solution-focused — and creative enough to find new ways in when the obvious route isn’t working • Is a confident advocate who can speak up for residents with external agencies and professionals • Takes ownership of their own professional development and reflective practice • Brings energy and commitment to every shift — because for our residents, every interaction matters WHAT WE OFFER YOU We know that well-supported staff deliver the best outcomes. Here’s what you can expect from us: We are a London Living Wage employer 4% employer pension contribution Comprehensive induction and ongoing training Funded Health & Social Care qualifications Regular supervision and reflective practice sessions A genuinely inclusive and supportive team culture The chance to make a lasting difference SAFER RECRUITMENT All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure (Adults Workforce) and successful completion of our Safer Recruitment process. Elliot Leigh Supported Living is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all residents in our care. READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Apply today and help a care leaver build the future they deserve.