Young persons support practitioner in Taunton, Somerset

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