Weekend Practitioner – Youth Services

Purpose of the service

The purpose of a homeless youth accommodation service is to provide safe, stable, and supportive housing for young individuals experiencing homelessness. This type of service aims to address the unique challenges faced by homeless youth and offer a range of support to help them transition to stable and independent living.

Purpose of the Role

The Practitioner for Youth Services plays a crucial role in delivering practical and emotional support to empower young people through a strength-based trauma informed approach, enabling them to make informed choices about their lives. The service aims to evidence and monitor the progress of young individuals through regular assessments, ensuring their safety and well-being. Additionally, the role involves supporting young people in various aspects, such as housing benefit applications, understanding hou sing options, accessing education and employment opportunities, and connecting with community resources. The service is dedicated to delivering a supportive environment and seeking feedback from young people to continuously improve the quality of the service.

The Behaviours we expect is someone who will demonstrate:

• Initiates conversations and activities with the people supported, adjusting their approach to meet individual need. Demonstrating the importance of proactive engagement with individuals and adapting communication styles.
• Adaptable to changing circumstances and adjusting support plans when needed. Will use feedback to improve and enhance the quality of support provided.
• Adheres to the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) Codes of Conduct, Health and Social Care Standards and Care Inspectorate requirements. 
• Respecting confidentiality, boundaries, and privacy. Recognises and addresses any potential conflict of interest.
• A person with good judgment and communication skills who will make informed decisions that involves critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in situations that require navigating challenges or conflicts with people who use our services.
• Taking accountability for your actions, decisions, and the outcome of support provided.
• Transparent about actions, decisions, and processes, including open communications with people we support and colleagues across the organisation. 
• Role modelling that demonstrates a positive regard, respect, and kindness towards those receiving support
• Take an active role in continuous improvement by identifying areas for enhancement, participating in training and education, and contributing to the overall improvement of the service.
• Is engaged in learning opportunities, sharing learning, and putting learning into practice. Emphasises a commitment to personal and professional growth and a culture of shared knowledge.
• Prioritise the safety and well-being of people we support and will follow safety protocols and guidance.

The person needs to:

• Attend and participate in monthly reflective practice groups.
• Attend and participate in monthly team meetings.
• Attend, prepare for and action monthly case management meetings.
• Evidence training and development undertaken to meet SSSC requirements.
• Participate and contribute to debriefing of significant incidents and near misses.
• Take responsibility for scheduling and preparing for supervisions, case management meetings and appraisals.

To apply for this job, you must have:

• Minimum qualification of SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or have at least 2 years relevant experience in a social care setting with young people.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and ways of working.
• Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
• Registration with SSSC and meet requirements.
• Be able to use IT effectively including management systems, databases, and Microsoft 365