Job Description

Unity Housing Support is a provider of specialist housing and support services across London. We are launching a tailored service designed to meet the needs of young people leaving care. We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive, resilient and empathetic individual to join our service as a

Care Leavers Support Officer (CLSO)

.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people (aged 16-25) as they transition into independent living. You will be supporting residents in one of our HMO properties, working closely with each care leaver to provide guidance, advocacy, and structured support that promotes independence and positive life outcomes.

It is vital that you have a youth-focused, solution-oriented approach, with the ability to engage and build trust with young people who may have experienced trauma, instability, or disadvantage.

Responsibilities:

As a Care Leavers Support Officer, your primary responsibility is to support a caseload of up to

6 young people

living in one of our HMO properties. These young people will have varying support needs linked to housing, life skills, education, employment, and wellbeing. Your duties will include:

Building strong, professional and trusting relationships with young people. Creating and implementing tailored, person-centred support plans with clear objectives and outcomes. Holding

weekly support sessions

to review progress and provide practical guidance. Supporting young people to build essential life skills (e.g., budgeting, cooking, tenancy management, maintaining a safe home). Advocating on behalf of residents with local authorities, education providers, training and employment services, and health professionals. Supporting with applications for welfare benefits, education and training opportunities, and community engagement. Encouraging independence, resilience, and positive decision-making. Responding to emergencies and safeguarding concerns quickly and effectively. Conducting ongoing risk assessments of individuals and the property environment. Ensuring the HMO property is safe, well-maintained, and compliant with health and safety standards. Monitoring Housing Benefit claims and supporting residents with any financial or tenancy-related issues. Keeping accurate and detailed case notes, risk assessments, and support records. Supporting the Head of Operations with ad hoc duties as required.
To be successful in this role you will need to:

Have an understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and young people in transition. Be resilient, patient and able to work with young people who may present challenging behaviours. Be organised and able to manage multiple priorities. Be adaptable and able to respond effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Have knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities for young people. Be confident in liaising with external agencies in the best interests of residents. Have a genuine passion for supporting young people to achieve independence and positive outcomes.
Job Type:

Full Time and Permanent (Part-time not available)
Working Pattern:

Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:30 Flexibility required to work evenings or weekends in line with service user needs.
Requirements:

Essential:

Minimum 2 years' experience in youth support, social care, or housing-related roles. Excellent level of spoken and written English. Proficient with IT equipment and software, including Microsoft and Google packages. Holds a valid UK driving licence and has access to a vehicle.

Desired:

Experience working directly with care leavers or young people aged 16-25. Training in safeguarding children and young people. Knowledge of welfare benefits for young people. Experience of housing management or working in HMO/shared accommodation settings.

Salary:

25,396.8

Job Types:

Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

London, NW10 2JJ + Harrow area: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Application question(s):

Do you have your own transport? Do you have experience working with young people leaving care?

Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

Youth support: 2 years (preferred) Care leavers or 16-25 services: 1 year (desired)

Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location:

In person

Reference ID:

Care Leavers Support Officer

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 25,396.80 per year

Work Location: In person