At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and promote independence.
- Company: An Carina Day Service, a community-focused centre in Polbeth.
- Benefits: 28 days paid holiday, health cash plan, and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a collaborative, values-led environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Patience, resilience, and a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Hours: 18 hours per week
Location: Polbeth
Service: An Carina Day Service
Pay Rate: £13.45 per hour
About the Service
An Carina is a day centre based in Polbeth, with plans to develop into a community hub for West Lothian. We currently support people with learning disabilities, both male and female, with a mix of verbal and non-verbal communication styles. Our service focuses on promoting independence, inclusion, and meaningful daily experiences within both the centre and the wider community.
About the Role – A Day in the Life
As a Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting individuals within the day service and out in the community
- Encouraging life skills development and leisure activities
- Promoting social inclusion and participation in the wider community
- Assisting with personal care where required
- Writing and updating support plans and risk assessments
- Providing 1:1 support tailored to individual needs
- Managing behaviours that may occasionally be challenging (verbal or physical)
This role is rewarding but can also be demanding, requiring patience, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting others.
About the People We Support
You will be supporting adults with:
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- A range of communication needs (verbal and non-verbal)
- Occasional challenging behaviours
Training & Development
You will receive full training, including:
- Induction programme
- Epilepsy training (including rescue medication)
- First Aid
- Moving & Assistance
- Online learning modules
- Shadow shifts with experienced staff
Shift Pattern
Day service hours: 9am - 3pm. Must be available to work any three days between Monday and Friday.
Requirements
- Driver preferred (due to limited public transport in the area)
- Willingness to support with personal care
- Ability to work flexibly and as part of a team
Why Join Us?
- Minimum of 28-days paid holiday a year, including bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff)
- Accredited training giving you the knowledge and skills to deliver a first rate job - develop professionally through training, mentoring, and a strong support network
- An employer contributory pension scheme
- Work in a collaborative, values-led environment
In addition to the above you also have access to the following great benefits:
- Health Cash Plan (for full/part time contracted hours)
- £10,000 Life cover
- A free Employee Assistance Programme (including a medical helpline, telephone and face-to-face counselling, debt, financial and legal information)
- A reward gateway with access to discounted goods and services
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- A financial wellbeing scheme
- Refer a Friend Incentive Bonus (terms and conditions apply)
- Recognition Initiative
Real Life Options are an equal opportunities employer. We seek to recruit, train and promote the best person for the job, to make full use of the talents and resources of all our people and to craft a working environment free from unlawful discrimination, victimisation and harassment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. If you have a disability, a learning difficulty, a medical condition or individual need that you believe may affect your performance in selection, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes to enable you to perform at your best so please do let us know.
Support Worker in West Calder employer: 1st Homecare
At An Carina Day Service in Polbeth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on employee development through accredited training and mentoring, we offer a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, a contributory pension scheme, and access to health and wellbeing resources. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities while enjoying a collaborative and values-led culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in West Calder
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the service! Research An Carina Day Service and understand their mission. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with a diverse range of individuals, being able to adapt your communication style is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former support workers on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insights into the role and may even give you a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in West Calder
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in people's lives, especially those with learning disabilities.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at An Carina Day Service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the Support Worker position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Homecare
✨Know the Service Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research An Carina Day Service. Understand their mission, the types of individuals they support, and the community initiatives they’re involved in. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Patience
As a Support Worker, empathy and patience are key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities, especially in challenging situations. This will help the interviewers see that you have the right mindset for supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing challenging behaviours or providing personal care. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your approach, focusing on promoting independence and inclusion.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the service aligns with your values.
