Outreach Support Worker

Job Description: Outreach Support Worker (Care Leavers, 18–25)

Job Title: Outreach Support Worker

Service Area: Leaving Care / Young People's Support Services

Location: Community-based (home visits, outreach, office, and multi-agency locations)

Reports to: Service Managers

Contract: Part-time 10-12 hours a week

Purpose of the Role

To provide practical, emotional, and motivational support to young people aged 18–25 who are leaving or have left care. The role focuses on helping young people develop independence skills, improve wellbeing, access education/employment, and secure safe and stable accommodation. The Outreach Support Worker will build trusting relationships, advocate for young people, and support them in achieving their personal goals.

Key Responsibilities1. Direct Support to Young People

• Build positive, professional relationships with care leavers through regular outreach, home visits, and community engagement.
• Support young people to develop independent living skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and managing appointments.
• Assist in accessing health services, education, training, or employment opportunities.
• Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience, offering guidance and motivational support.
• Provide crisis support where necessary, ensuring appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed.

2. Housing & Practical Support

• Help young people secure and maintain suitable accommodation.
• Support with tenancy readiness, understanding rights and responsibilities, and developing routines that support independent living.
• Assist with benefits applications, financial planning, and managing rent or bills.

3. Advocacy & Multi-Agency Working

• Advocate on behalf of young people with external agencies including housing providers, colleges, employers, health services, and social workers.
• Attend multi-agency meetings, reviews, and planning sessions as required.
• Work collaboratively with statutory and voluntary partners to ensure coordinated support.

4. Record Keeping & Administration

• Maintain accurate, timely case notes and update support plans in line with organisational policy.
• Monitor progress and outcomes for each young person, completing required reports.
• Adhere to data protection, confidentiality, and safeguarding guidelines.

5. Safeguarding & Professional Practice

• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with local procedures.
• Promote young people's rights, inclusion, and participation.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold organisational values.

Person SpecificationEssential Skills & Experience

• Experience working with young people, preferably those with care experience or complex needs.
• Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with diverse young adults.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers (e.g., trauma, homelessness, financial hardship, mental health).
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work independently in the community.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and risk assessment.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and provide reliable, consistent support.

Desirable

• Qualification in youth work, social care, psychology, community development, or related field.
• Experience working in a multi-agency environment.
• Knowledge of housing systems, benefits, or employment/education pathways.

Additional Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (if required).
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract, Zero hours contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

Work Location: In person