The organisation exists to prevent homelessness and find routes out of homelessness into independent living for the people we support every day.

Our values are support, integrity, dignity, excellence.

Purpose of the service

Springboard helps young people experiencing homelessness build confidence and get ready for work, volunteering or learning. It is person led and young people can stay on the programme for as long as they need it. The majority of the young people on this programme come from our own homeless accommodation services: Keymoves, Stopover, Number Twenty and My Space.

In 2024 Four Square remodelled its employability programme Springboard, into a mentoring programme. We shifted the emphasis from qualifications and work to increasing confidence and working with young people to explore their interests and find their passions.

Now with National Lottery Fairer Life Chances funding we are expanding the programme to include a Wellbeing Practitioner. Through the experience of the last 12-18 month we know that many of our young people struggle to engage, and the pre-engagement phase of the programme can be prolonged. The addition of the Wellbeing Practitioner is to support the transition from interest in the programme, to being ready to fully experience the Springboard programme.

Purpose of the Role

The Wellbeing Practitioner will provide support to young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh. Your focus is to support these young people to expect and experience a better future. You’ll help them build confidence, take care of themselves and pursue interests.

Many of the young people you will support will be struggling with poor mental health, low self-esteem and social isolation. This can prevent them from having hobbies, engaging in work, learning, volunteering, or friendships and generally preventing them from thriving.

Through consistent mentoring, wellbeing support and positive experiences, you will help young people reconnect with what makes them feel good, discover their strengths, and take meaningful steps towards independent, fulfilling lives.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.

Mission Statement

Our long-term vision is to end youth homelessness, our more immediate mission is to ensure that every young person in Scotland has access to expert youth specific services to assist them to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness.

Context

Working as part of our Fife Short Term Housing Support Team, the Project Worker will work directly with young people age 16-25 yrs to coordinate and provide emotional and practical support to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness.

Working directly with young people in their home or within a community setting the Project Worker will support young people to improve their independent living skills, access other services, manage finances and secure/ maintain a permanent home.

The Project Workers are responsible for completing support plans and risk assessments and are the main contact for any key people involved in the care and support of young people.

Mission Statement

Our long-term vision is to end youth homelessness, our more immediate mission is to ensure that every young person in Scotland has access to expert youth specific services to assist them to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness.

Context

Working as part of our West Lothian Team, the Project Worker will work directly with young people age 16-25 yrs to coordinate and provide emotional and practical support to avoid, resolve and move on from homelessness.

Working directly with young people in their home or within a community setting the Project Worker will support young people to improve their independent living skills, access other services, manage finances and secure/maintain a permanent home.

The Project Workers are responsible for completing support plans and risk assessments and are the main contact for any key people involved in the care and support of young people.