Job Title: Residential Care Leaver Support Worker
Location: Worthing
Salary: £13 - £14 per hour (Sleep in rate £12.21 per hour)
Reports To: Team Leader / Registered Manager

Purpose of the Role

To provide practical, emotional, and person-centred support to young people aged 16-25 who are leaving residential care and transitioning to independent living. The role focuses on helping care leavers develop life skills, access education, employment and training opportunities, maintain safe accommodation, and achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support young people in developing independent living skills, including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing appointments.
• Assist care leavers to access education, employment, training, and community resources.
• Help young people maintain accommodation and sustain tenancies.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and provide emotional support and guidance.
• Support young people to attend meetings with local authorities, healthcare services, colleges, employers, and other professionals.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of young people in line with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, support plans, risk assessments, and daily case notes.
• Encourage participation in social, recreational, and wellbeing activities that promote inclusion and personal development.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, personal advisers, housing providers, and other partner agencies.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience supporting vulnerable young people, care leavers, or individuals with complex needs.
• Working as a lone worker, managing the safety and support for YP within the service
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and professional boundaries.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to motivate and empower young people towards independence.
• Good record-keeping and organisational skills

Desirable

• Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People's Workforce, or equivalent.
• Experience within supported accommodation, residential care, leaving care, or homelessness services.
• Knowledge of the Children (Leaving Care) Act and relevant care leaver legislation.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable depending on the service)