Trainee support worker jobs in st albans, hertfordshire
We are looking for a female candidate to fulfil this role (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010)
Come and join us
The GROW Traineeship gives people with lived experience of homelessness and/or other related disadvantages (including but not limited to; contact with the criminal justice system, mental ill-health or substance use) access to paid employment, training and personal development opportunities. The traineeship lasts for up to 12 months, and each GROW receives personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented gaining meaningful employment.
We are looking for people who are passionate about using their own experiences to help make change for people in London experiencing bad housing and homelessness.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent. We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the role
As a GROW Trainee, you will play an essential role in delivering Shelter’s purpose to defend the right to a safe home in East London. Our GROW Trainee will learn how to provide advice and advocacy to people experiencing the housing emergency and work alongside a team of advisors, solicitors, support workers and managers who work together to give communities easier access to support and advice. The successful candidate will be given extensive training, support, and supervision to support them to achieve this. They will also have access to a flexible personal budget to help in your own personal and professional development.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to community hub priorities and be involved in systems change work in the area.
The GROW trainee programme includes opportunities to get involved in developing services in London and across Shelter at a national level, using your experiences to influence our local strategic aims.
About you
We are looking for people who have experience of overcoming personal challenges and barriers and who are passionate about using their own life experiences to help make positive change for others. Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential. Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided. Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.
Please note
This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free of harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs sent by external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £27,144
Location: Camden (NW3)
If you are looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career where no two days are the same, this might be the job for you!
The only thing you need is a passion for making a difference. We don't require previous care experience as we provide all the training and support you need to excel in your role.
About the Role
As a Waking Night Support Worker in a Semi-Independent Home, you will have the opportunity of developing authentic relationships with our young people (aged 16 – 21 years old), you will also have responsibility for making sure our residents are safe, providing support, liaison with other professionals and completion of support documents to record information.
Throughout the shift you will have the additional support of an on call manager should you have any questions. Further to this, you will be involved in team meetings monthly and will also receive monthly supervision.
St Christopher’s Academy
At St Christopher`s we can provide more than just a care job. We can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.
When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please visit our website.
We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions.
Working Hours
Our Young People need care 24/7 so we have fixed rotas, with staff needing to be able to commit to weekends and bank holidays.
For Waking Night support staff; shifts are 11.5 hours from 20:00 - 07:30 or 21:00 - 08:30, on average you will be working 40 hours a week.
There is always the possibility to do overtime if you need a bit extra, this is paid time and half; same as bank holidays.
What you need to bring to this role
- Genuine commitment to working and supporting Young People to achieve their full potential.
- An understanding of the issues facing young people.
- The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour.
- Good communication and team working skills.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
What you should expect from us
- Salary: £27,144
- 4 weeks full induction and training program (paid).
- Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance.
- Tailored career development plan through our “St Christopher’s Academy”.
- A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
- 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
- Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
- Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
- UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
- BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
- Discretionary funded training programs.
- Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
- Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.
About Us
Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.
St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man. We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do. We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.
We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong. We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.
Recruitment Process
In order for your application to be reviewed, it must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification.
For the full Job Description and Person Specification - please visit our website.
At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.
Once application has been submitted, candidates will require to complete an online situational test which will inform the shortlisting process. Unsuccessful candidates will be communicated the outcome via email.
Closing date: Monday 30th June 2025
First stage interview: Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June & July 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an individual interview. The interview will be face to face at our offices in Putney.
Second stage interview: Successful candidates will then attend the second stage at their preferred location.
We advise you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please note:
- This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
- It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.
- All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.
We are a leading charity for children and young people, providing fostering, children's homes and leaving care services across the UK and Isle of Man





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.