Job Description

About the Role:

We're looking for an experienced, emotionally intelligent Lead Support Worker to support the stability, quality, and growth of our semi-independent homes for young people aged 16+.

This is a hybrid frontline and first-line management role, designed for someone ready to take the next step in their career. You'll continue to work directly with young people while also taking responsibility for staff supervision, practice leadership, and day-to-day operational oversight.

The role sits between frontline support and senior management. You will hold delegated supervisory responsibility, while strategic, disciplinary, and regulatory accountability remains with directors.

This role also provides a clear progression pathway for someone who may wish to move into a management role in the future as the service grows.

What You'll Be Doing

Frontline Support (30 hours)

Supporting young people (16+) in semi-independent living to develop life skills, confidence, and independence Acting as a positive role model, offering appropriate challenge, encouragement, and emotional support Supporting with behaviour management and emotional regulation Writing clear, accurate daily logs, handovers, and progress records Liaising with social workers, families, and other professionals Planning and participating in activities, outings, and key work sessions Promoting safety, respect, safeguarding, and inclusion at all times

Supervision & Staff Support (10 hours)

Holding

full ownership of staff supervisions

, including scheduling, delivery, recording, and follow-up Supporting staff development, confidence, and reflective practice Providing day-to-day guidance and constructive feedback Identifying performance concerns early and implementing informal support/action plans Supporting induction and probation processes, including completing probation reviews Escalating formal HR or disciplinary matters in line with company procedures

Practice Leadership & Oversight

Acting as a senior presence across both homes Leading by example and promoting consistent standards of practice Challenging poor practice appropriately and in line with company values Supporting quality and compliance through spot-checks of records and practice Identifying themes, risks, or training needs and feeding these back to senior management Supporting operational continuity, handovers, and staff communication

What We're Looking For

Demonstrable experience supporting young people in care, supported accommodation, education, or youth work Experience providing informal leadership, mentoring, or supervision to staff Strong communication skills with the confidence to give constructive feedback High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and sound judgement Organised, reflective, and confident with written documentation Ability to balance frontline work with supervisory responsibilities A commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for young people

Shift Pattern:

This role involves

a mix of day shifts, evening shifts, and sleep-ins

on a rota basis.
Applicants

must be flexible and able to work across weekdays and weekends.

Consistency is vital for the young people we support.

If you have set days or times you can't work, this role may not be suitable.

Role Structure:

30 hours per week

completing frontline lone-working support shifts

10 hours per week

dedicated to senior and management responsibilities - These responsibilities are delivered through planned shifts within the homes, enabling direct observation of practice, face-to-face supervision, and real-time support.

Location:

The role works

across two homes

in Ilford and Rainham to promote consistency, quality, and continuity of support.

Please Note:

We are

not offering bank (ad-hoc) positions for this role.*

Sponsorship is not available at this time

. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.*

Safeguarding Commitment

Assura Support Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 15.00 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):

Are you flexible and able to work across weekdays and weekends, doing a combination of day shifts, evening shifts, and sleep-ins on a rota basis?
Experience:

working with young people: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Enhanced DBS for the Child and Adult Workforce (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person