An award-winning supported housing charity in Newton Aycliffe is looking for support workers who have a passion to help others succeed in life.

ROC Solid, based at Hope House in Burnhope, helps a range of vulnerable people including care leavers, people with complex needs, young parents and babies, families at risk and people recovering from life controlling habits.

“It’s really rewarding work and we’re a really supportive team,” said service manager Mandy Shaw.

The charity was founded in 2007 and has around 70 units of accommodation. It operates two centres staffed 24/7 in Newton Aycliffe and Billingham and supports people living in ROC Solid houses in local communities. It has gained several awards and its work with women at its Billingham project has been cited as an example of national good practice by the Prison Reform Trust.

“We help people learn independent living skills and we can go with them to various appointments to give them support,” said Mandy. “Some clients have been with us for several years because they’re too vulnerable to be without ongoing support.”

Experience is preferred but not essential. “We do ongoing training, all staff have personal development plans and regular supervisions and we also have a health care scheme for everyone,” said Mandy. “We work in partnership with a lot of other professionals and keeping people safe is our top priority.

“It’s a 40-hour week sessional contract and you have to be able to work on a rota that includes days, weekends and some sleepovers in Hope House,” said Mandy.

“You also need transport and a driving licence – a level 3 qualification in a relevant subject would be good but some of our staff achieve the qualification once in post.” All employees are subject to Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks.

Members of the team have varied past working experiences – the manager at Newton Aycliffe, for example, was a factory worker who wanted a new career in a health and social care setting. He started as a support worker and grew into his current role – he now has a raft of qualifications to his name.

Support workers are paid £9.50 per hour plus £50 sleepover allowance. If you’re interested, call HR manager Elicia Crane on 07540 640586 or email her on elicia.crane@rocgroup.org.uk