Job Description

POST: Wellbeing Support Officer

HOURS: Part-time, Nights and Weekends

LOCATION: Dorchester, Dorset

SALARY: 13.50 per hour (27,000 FTE)

INTRODUCTION TO WHITEHEAD-ROSS EDUCATION

Whitehead-Ross Education is a dedicated organisation focused on education and social welfare.

Since our founding in 2012, we've been offering a diverse range of high-quality skills-based programmes and social services to support individuals in need.

Our services include job retraining for the unemployed, vocational training, adult education, and a variety of social welfare services.

As an independent provider, we specialise in delivering fully funded, government-approved courses -- making us one of the few organisations focused solely on offering these funded opportunities. Our valued partners include local authorities, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Department for Education.

At Whitehead-Ross Education we can deliver a wide range of programmes to support individuals, business owners and employees as well as community and local government projects. Between 1st August 2023 and 30th July 2024, we supported a total of 5,344 participants. Since we started in 2012, we have now supported 16,837 individuals!

Our recent Ofsted inspection (28th - 30th June 2024) found that "Leaders and managers are proactive in helping to promote the well-being of their staff. They provide staff with manageable workloads. Leaders have created a culture where adults develop positive attitudes to learning and work as a result of studying the curriculum and receiving support and guidance from tutors."

From September 2025, we are opening our first Supported Accommodation for care leavers, both male and female aged 18-25. Our building at 30 High West Street, Dorchester, is Grade II listed property constructed over three floors, and has recently undergone a full refurbishment. The Supported Accommodation team will consist of a Registered Service Manager and four Wellbeing Support Officers.

The building comprises of:

Single occupancy rooms (5 units). Shared communal areas (e.g. bathroom, living rooms, kitchen). Foyer-type accommodation that combines support with education, training, and employment opportunities.
We will provide a stepping stone for young adults, offering individually tailored support on their journey toward adulthood. Our core values of integrity, respect, dignity, compassion, fairness, responsibility, empowerment and collaboration underpin all that we strive to achieve. We believe that young people have a better chance of success when they have the skills and resources to navigate their next steps towards independence.

We believe that with the appropriate support and guidance, every young person has the potential to develop the motivation and skills they need to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life. Our aim is to create a supportive environment in which to facilitate each young person's access to education or vocational training, and to support them on to a diverse range of employment opportunities.

The main objectives to be achieved by the post holder

To support the Registered Manager in ensuring that Whitehead-Ross Education is providing a high quality, safe, responsive and needs led supported accommodation service. To be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of our young people residing in our supported accommodation, ensuring full compliance with the supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, Ofsted regulations and quality standards for supported accommodation. To aim for and achieve the highest possible outcomes for young people and support the Registered Manager to achieve and maintain the highest grading possible within Ofsted inspection regimes. To provide effective support to the Registered Manager and fellow Wellbeing Support Officers, to deliver a high-quality service for young people. To be accountable and supportive to the Registered Manager, in the delivery of safeguarding interventions.

Support

To support the Registered Manager to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to policies and procedures. Build positive relationships with our young people, external stakeholders and maintain a clear line of support and accountability within the service. Ensure high-quality support for young people that is person-centred, responsive and promotes independence and well-being. To support the Registered Manager to address issues and concerns promptly and decisively. Act as role model to young people, demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to the service's values and objectives. To form part of the emergency on call rota (including covering for day, evening or waking night shifts in an emergency). To support our young people to enter education, apprenticeships or the working world. To support and guide our young people in areas such as sexual health, independence, accountability, home management and safeguarding themselves. To attend scheduled shifts and ensure that the companies sickness protocol is followed if unfit for work.

Administration & Compliance with Regulations:

To support the Registered Manager to ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures related to supported accommodation services, including the supported Accommodation Regulations and Quality standards, children act 1989 and 2004, Care Standards Act 2000, and other relevant legislation. Ensure that all training is completed to maintain competence in applying relevant legislation, regulations, policies and procedures, in day-to-day support. Regularly review updated service policies, procedures, and practice guidelines, as directed by the Registered Manager, to reflect best practices and to comply with all relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards. Adhere to all health and safety requirements, including following fire safety and infection control measures, and maintaining accurate records, including placement and incident reports, as directed by the Registered Manager, following legislation and regulations. To support the Registered Manager to implement the Ofsted published Guide to the Supported Accommodation regulations, including Quality Standards and relevant legislation in all service delivery and compliance aspects. Comply with data protection legislation, confidentiality and information sharing policy and procedures and all legislation connected to your role, in order to uphold standards of best practice.

Human Resources

To attend scheduled shifts and ensure that the companies sickness protocol is followed if unfit for work. Ensure induction plan and training are completed as directed by the Registered Manager. To be available for scheduled support and supervisions and yearly appraisals.

Health and Safety

To follow Health and Safety across the project as directed by the Registered Manager. To ensure the building is safe at all times, implementing safety procedures and risk assessments on a regular basis, ensuring compliance with legislation. To comply with all aspects of Health and Safety and risk assessments within the project. Respond to any Health and Safety concerns immediately, take appropriate action to minimise any risks identified and report directly the Registered Manager.

Finance

To ensure compliance with all financial policies and procedures. To report any financial concerns directly to the Registered Manager.

Working with others

To effectively communicate internally and externally on a daily basis within policy and procedures. To promote positive relationships with external agencies, including dealing sensitively and professionally with any compliments and complaints in line with Whitehead-Ross Education's policy and procedure. To work in a way which demonstrates respect for and understanding of the diverse needs and choices of service users. Demonstrate confidence. Role model high standards of expected behaviour at all times.

Additional Requirements

To work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, in order to meet the needs of the service. To attend multi-agency and management meetings as appropriate. To support and positively promote the charity's activities, development and profile to service users and the wider community including assisting in the organisation and participation in publicity and fundraising events as required. To fully understand and comply with Whitehead-Ross Education's safeguarding policies and procedures for child protection and the protection of vulnerable adults, fulfilling the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. To engage in all relevant training as appropriate with grade and post.

In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.

Person Specification

Essential criteria - successful applicants must have/be;

Minimum 1 year's recent experience in a supported accommodation or similar setting. Proven experience of working in a supported/care setting for young adults. Experience in implementing person centred support and risk management for young people. Understanding and experience in supporting, reporting and recording safeguarding issues. Experience in working collaboratively with other professionals and stakeholders to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of young people, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures and maintaining accurate records. The ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations with support from the Registered Manager. Knowledge of diversity, equality, and inclusion principles and their importance in supported accommodation services. Able to form part of an on-call rota providing out of hours support (digitally and including cover for shifts - day/ evenings/weekends/waking nights in an emergency). A full UK driving license and have use of a vehicle for work purposes. Able to work flexibly and sometimes unsociable hours. Possess/gain and maintain a satisfactory enhanced disclosure and barring service check. Willingness to undertake training and professional development. Ability to work productively in a fast paced, robust environment.

Desirable Criteria - Applicants with these requirements are more likely to be successful.

Level 2 health and social care diploma (young people & adults).

Personal Qualities

Commitment and understanding of trauma informed approaches. Dedicated to improving and advocating better outcomes for all. Resilience and determination. Proactive attitude. Integrity and honesty. Flexible and adaptable. Improvement focused.

Other

You will require an Enhanced DBS Disclosure for this role, which the Company will pay for. We do not offer sponsorship, and all applicants must have RTW in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Free fitness classes Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay Store discount
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/09/2025