At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a remarkable woman with autism and learning disabilities in her daily life.
- Company: Agincare, a caring and collaborative organisation focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50 per hour, enjoy flexible working, and access career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy job security with a company that values diversity.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while helping someone build a fulfilling life.
- Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities is a plus; patience and a willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in someone’s life? We’re looking for a caring, reliable and empathetic Support Worker to join our Dorset Outreach team. This is your opportunity to support a remarkable woman in her 50s living with autism, a learning disability and epilepsy, as she builds a happy, fulfilling life in her own home.
About the Person you’ll Support
Susan has a vibrant personality, is expressive and strong-minded. Although she is non-verbal, she communicates clearly in her own way – using gestures, facial expressions, and writing. Susan knows what she wants, and you’ll need to be someone who really listens, learns her communication style, and builds trust over time. She has shown great resilience and is now building a brighter, more fulfilling future. Your support will help her reconnect with the things she loves – like beach walks, drives, and lunches out – at her own pace. She values calm, patient and consistent people who support her with respect and kindness.
About the Role
This is a 2:1 support package, meaning you’ll be part of a small, consistent team working closely with another Support Worker at any one time. Susan’s home is her sanctuary – calm, quiet, and personal. Your relationship with her is central to the support you provide.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Susan’s confidence and trust-building journey
- Encourage activities she enjoys: music, TV, drives, beach walks
- Help Susan feel safe and supported in new or unfamiliar situations
- Communicate clearly in her preferred style
- Provide personal care and daily living support
- Follow support plans with care and accuracy
- Maintain accurate records and raise any concerns
- Promote independence and wellbeing in a respectful, person-centred way
Qualifications
- Experience with learning disabilities and complex needs (desirable, not essential)
- Calm, patient and thoughtful approach
- Willingness to learn and work closely with a tight-knit team
- Ability to follow detailed plans and communication strategies with consistency
- Full UK driving licence
- 12 months on your Right to Work
Benefits
- £13.50 per hour
- Company pension
- Refer a friend bonus – earn up to £1,000
- Full training and ongoing support
- Opportunities for career progression
- Blue Light Card (discounts in shops and restaurants)
- A caring, collaborative culture
- Job security and flexible working
Equal opportunities are important to us at Agincare and we welcome applications from all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Gillingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Agincare Weymouth.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Agincare Weymouth!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Agincare Weymouth, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Agincare Weymouth or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Agincare Weymouth:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Agincare Weymouth! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agincare Weymouth
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
