The role of a Social Bite Development and Support Worker

In the Social Impact Team (SIT), we work directly with people experiencing homelessness. The SIT supports people in situations of homelessness and/or poverty to break the cycle of homelessness through three pillars of our work: food, homes, jobs. Some of the team do this through our free food services in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, using food as a tool of engagement and building relationships through their presence at the daily meals and going on to provide one-to-one support to some people. They also identify supported volunteering opportunities and assist people into volunteer roles.

Others in the team, like me, work on our Jobs First programme. I’m currently supporting nine people, each of whom have experienced homelessness and now have a role with one of Jobs First’s employer partners. 

Many people we work with are experiencing loneliness, don’t have (and may never have had) consistent positive relationships, or have gone through trauma. I ensure I do what I say I will, show up on time to regular meetings, and always respond to questions and concerns. That way I can build relationships and provide an opportunity to create trust, becoming someone who they can depend on. It’s a very important aspect of my role.  

The support I provide can be practical or emotional. For example, after a series of meetings, as we get to know each other, I often see people’s confidence improve. I hear about how they’ve expanded their social network and tried new things. Practically, I’ll research college courses, provide support to complete applications, and signpost to organisations for specific needs. Simply being able to listen can make so much difference. 

For some people who have not been successful in securing a job within the Jobs First programme, our Skills Lab course can be a great stepping stone. Skills Lab is a four-week course which covers things like developing confidence, overcoming fear and nerves, CV writing, and interview prep. 

Whether it’s through Social Bite’s free food service, volunteering programme or the Jobs First programme, it’s vital that the Social Impact Team exists so that we can offer this continuous, directed, and stable support. But when you’re supporting people in tough situations, it can of course take a massive toll on you too.  

One of the things I love about working at Social Bite is that this cause-and-effect is recognised, and we’re supported in our roles too. We have regular catch-up meetings with our line managers, reflective practice sessions with a clinical psychologist, and external supervision every six weeks with a counsellor. We also have access to additional wellbeing programmes, like the Employee Assistance Programme. Having this type of support available, where you can explore what’s happened and how it made you feel, is so helpful to process the issues we face, and it consistently improves my approach to my work. 

The Social Impact Team (and wider Social Bite team) are also a great support to turn to when I have questions about our wider work or just need to talk something out. Without this level of commitment from others, I couldn’t be as successful in my role or provide the support that’s needed.