Women's Development Worker

Simon Community Scotland is the largest provider of homelessness services in Scotland.

Our vision is for everyone to have a safe place to live with access to the support they need. Every day we help make positive things happen for people facing extremely difficult circumstances.

Everything we do is about and for people: the people we support, our staff, our partners and everyone affected by homelessness.

Our values are built into every area of activity and tell the story of how people remain at the heart of the Simon Community.

Job Summary

Within this exciting role you will be joining our team to deliver holistic care and support for women experiencing or at risk of homelessness within The Connect Hub. This role will involve working directly with women to provide access to trauma-informed care and support. This service will work in partnership with other agencies supporting women to access support regarding health, housing, welfare and overall wellbeing, as well as provide education and employability opportunities through psychoeducational group-work and developing skills. This role offers an opportunity to foster a supportive community where women can come together, access essential services, and embark on a journey of healing and empowerment.

Job Purpose

Within a team of skilled practitioners this role will:

• Provide a progressive model of support and care that goes beyond traditional approaches, reimagining what services for women can offer.
• Work collaboratively alongside women using a co-production approach that recognises the importance of living experience being at the centre of service design and delivery. Prioritise the voices of women accessing the service to reflect and adapt the operational model based on women’s expertise.
• Operate in partnership with a range of service providers, including third sector and statutory services to deliver life-changing support.
• Support a culture which encourages leadership through empowerment and dynamic risk informed decision making.
• Work using a human-rights based approach to ensure women have their rights upheld. Support women to activate their rights, access advocacy services and pathways and address systemic barriers.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering practical support and interventions related to mental health, substance use and overall wellbeing for women to ensure they can achieve the best outcomes.
• Facilitating and coordinating group activities, workshops, and support groups within the Hub.
• Creating a safe space for women to share experiences, build connections, learn new skills, and support one another.
• Developing and delivering educational programs and skill-building workshops that empower women to enhance their personal, social, and employability skills. Working in partnership with organisations to create and deliver employability pathways for women.
• Developing honest and open relationships with women that foster trust.
• Advocating for women's rights and access to services within the community.
• Providing information, referrals, and support to connect women with appropriate community resources and services.
• Upholding a welcoming and inclusive environment that will ensure psychological and physical safety for women.
• Using our training and reflective practice to develop additional skills to support and respond appropriately to our community who have experienced trauma. Championing best practice in providing support to women through a trauma-informed lens.
• Supporting women to influence their care and support to meet their goals.
• Working alongside women with a wide range of experiences and cultural backgrounds with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Working as part of a team with a range of experiences and knowledge to the benefit of our community.

Personal Specification

Training and Qualifications

○ Essential

• SSSC recognised practice qualification, SVQ Level 3, or willing to work towards.

○ Desirable:

• Qualification in Community Education, Psychology or related fields.
• Naloxone trained, Mental Health First Aid trained.

Experience

○ Essential:

• Experience of providing support to people with a range of challenges including homelessness, mental health and substance use.
• Experience of providing trauma-informed care.
• Experience of working in a fast paced environment which requires quick decision making.
• Experience of delivering group-work.
• A minimum of 2 years working within social care or equivalent.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness, substance use and mental health
• Knowledge and understanding of advocacy and how to adopt a rights based approach in practice
• Evidence of good communication skills: written, verbal and digital
• Understanding of the challenges people face in accessing support, particularly if they use substances and experience homelessness
• Understanding of the barriers women experience in accessing support and the unique challenges women who use substances face
• Experience of working with people with a variety of individual and cultural beliefs
• Ability to use empathy and relational skills to build positive relationships with our community and colleagues

Personal

• Creative thinker who enjoys thinking outside the box and thrives in a changing environment
• A desire to learn and to develop innovative practice
• Honest, ethical and keen to overcome obstacles
• Flexible, responsive