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- Tasks: Support a fun-loving man with autism in daily living skills and community activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team providing essential care in a friendly environment in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, paid training, and ongoing support from a caring team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: Must be self-employed, have a DBS check, and good communication skills; experience preferred but not required.
- Other info: Enjoy a mix of day and night shifts with opportunities for additional hours.
A support worker is invited to join a well-established team of three support workers who provide support to a man in his early 30s with autism and learning disability, supporting and caring for him in his home in Cambridge. The post is funded by a direct payment from the local authorities and managed by the man's parent. Therefore, the employer cannot act as a sponsor for the skilled worker visa applicants for this support worker position.
The support workers provide one-to-one care. They support the man in his everyday living skills, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, engage him in community and social enterprises, encourage his physical activities and assure a safe and predictable environment as dependable carers. The man is friendly and fun-loving; he likes computers, cycling, swimming, ice-skating, eating out, music and gardening. The man requires supervision and direction in most day-to-day tasks, but no hands-on care is required.
Support workers work on a 24/7 rota. We are looking to cover two day and one night shifts totalling 25 hours per week. Day shift is from 10 am to 7 pm. Night shift is from 7 pm to 10 am and consists of 7 wake and 8 sleep-in hours. Shifts will be on weekdays and at weekends. The weekends are shared equally with two other support workers. Additional hours may be requested when required to cover absence and holidays. All support workers are registered as self-employed. The day shifts are self-employed, but for the night shifts, they would have to enrol as an agency's night staff, but would work only with this client.
Requirements for this support worker opening:
- Right to work in the UK as a self-employed support worker, carer.
- Enhanced DBS check and two references.
- Caring, friendly, reliable and well-organised person with excellent communication skills and a good level of English and Maths.
- Flexibility of working hours as a support worker.
- Experience of working with learning disabilities and autism in a residential setting is preferable, although full training will be given.
- Ability to use your own initiative, make decisions and at the same time work in accordance with the support plan, the team and the man's parents.
- Willingness to travel with the client in your own car and a clean driving licence.
- Good local knowledge.
The support worker will undergo the full induction process and paid shadowing shifts to introduce them to the daily routine and carer duties. The support worker will have help and support from the rest of the team and the man's parents and continuous on-the-job training.
This is a permanent post for a support worker, subject to two references, a 6-month probationary period and DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
Support Worker, Carer employer: Private Employer
Contact Detail:
Private Employer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker, Carer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with autism and learning disabilities. Understanding the specific needs and behaviours associated with these conditions will help you connect better with the client and demonstrate your commitment to providing quality care.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your flexibility in working hours. Since the role requires covering various shifts, emphasising your availability and willingness to adapt to the rota will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience you have in similar roles. Even if you haven't worked specifically as a support worker, any experience in caregiving or working with individuals with disabilities can set you apart from other applicants.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your communication skills during the interview. Being able to effectively communicate with both the client and their family is crucial, so think of examples that showcase your ability to engage and build rapport.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker, Carer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with individuals with learning disabilities or autism. Emphasise your communication skills and any previous roles that required flexibility and initiative.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your caring nature and reliability. Be sure to address how you can contribute to the man's daily living skills and activities.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to care work, such as training in autism awareness or first aid, be sure to include these. Also, mention your willingness to undergo further training as required by the employer.
Prepare for References: Since two references are required, reach out to former employers or colleagues who can vouch for your skills and character. Ensure they are aware they may be contacted and can provide a positive reference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Private Employer
✨Show Your Caring Nature
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your caring and friendly personality. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you provided support or assistance to individuals with learning disabilities or autism. This will help the interviewer see that you genuinely care about making a positive impact.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since the role requires working on a 24/7 rota, emphasise your flexibility regarding working hours. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage day and night shifts, and share any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or demands.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to prepare answers to common interview questions, ensuring you convey your ideas effectively, especially when discussing how you would engage with the man in various activities.
✨Demonstrate Initiative
The ability to use your own initiative is key in this role. Prepare to discuss situations where you had to make decisions independently while still adhering to a support plan. This will show the interviewer that you can balance autonomy with teamwork and follow guidelines set by the man's parents.
