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- Tasks: Support adults with autism and learning disabilities in their daily lives and community activities.
- Company: Agincare is a family-run care provider, dedicated to supporting individuals since 1986.
- Benefits: Earn up to £13.25 per hour, enjoy career development, and access discounts with the Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Qualifications: 12 months of experience in support services and a Level 2 in Health and Social Care required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for care leavers and opportunities for fully funded training.
The predicted salary is between 27600 - 39000 £ per year.
Are you ready to make a real difference in someone's life? We're looking for a caring and reliable Senior Support Worker to join our Dorset Outreach team in Shaftesbury, Dorset. You'll be supporting two adults with autism and learning disabilities to live safely and happily in their own home and out in the community. This is a 2:1 support package for each person, delivered by a small consistent team, where your relationship with the people you support really matters.
About the people you'll be supporting:
- Both individuals have unique personalities, strong preferences, and communicate in their own way using hand signs, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and gestures. Understanding how they communicate is key to supporting them well.
- Both individuals are supported separately during the day and enjoy different routines and activities. They both share a goal to grow in confidence and connect with their community. Some of the outings they enjoy include trips to the cinema, a swim, a walk, bowling, or a meal out.
Your role will be to help them continue to build on that progress. You will be supporting them to try new activities, develop skills, and eventually explore things like social groups or clubs so that they can build relationships with like-minded individuals. You'll be a key part of helping them live fuller, more meaningful lives. They thrive when supported by calm, confident staff who are patient and consistent.
Where you'll be working:
Shaftesbury, Dorset. They live in a shared home where they each receive 2:1 support. You'll be working as part of a busy and collaborative team who support both individuals separately throughout the day. Vehicles are provided for community access, which means every shift must include a driver and a non-driver. You will not need to use your own car.
What you'll get with Agincare:
- Up To £13.25 per hour
- Refer a friend bonus - earn up to £500
- Career development opportunities
- Fully funded training and apprenticeships
- Blue Light Card (discounts in shops and restaurants)
- Company pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
What is required from you?
- A minimum of 12 months on your right to work in the UK
- At least 12 months of experience in support services.
- Have a level 2 in Health and Social Care or working towards level 3.
- UK Valid Driver's Licence with access to own car.
A day in the life of a Senior Support Worker:
- Person-centred care - You will ensure that the people we support receive personal care from you and your team including bathing, dressing and oral care within their preferences, and actively promote right to choice and independence.
- Review - You will contribute to and carry out care reviews with your residents to ensure their plans reflect their needs.
- Medication - You will administer residents' medication in a safe and supportive and compliant way.
- Social Activity - You will lead in and participate in trips out, social engagements and activities within the home.
- Leadership - you may support new starters or existing staff with shadowing and development, and may be called upon to lead the service where more senior managers are not available.
About Agincare:
We're a family-run business that's been caring and supporting people since 1986. With over 4,500 team members, we're one of the UK's largest care providers and are continuing to grow. We have over 100 locations across England including care & nursing homes, home care branches, extra care schemes, supported living properties and live-in offices.
Agincare are signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and are committed to supporting care leavers to live independently. We are proud to be able to offer a guaranteed interview to care leavers, or an informal conversation about our career opportunities. All of our care services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Equal opportunities are important to us at Agincare and we welcome applications from all.
Senior Support Worker employer: Agincare
Contact Detail:
Agincare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with autism and learning disabilities. Understanding the unique communication styles and preferences of the individuals you'll be supporting is crucial. This knowledge will not only help you connect better but also demonstrate your commitment to providing person-centred care.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in support services during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted someone's life, as this will resonate well with the values of the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you've mentored or supported new staff. This is particularly important for a Senior Support Worker role, as you'll be expected to lead and guide others in the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your approach to promoting independence and choice for the individuals you support. Think about how you can encourage them to try new activities and engage with their community, as this aligns with the goals of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand the responsibilities of a Senior Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with autism and learning disabilities, as well as the importance of person-centred care.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in support services, particularly any work with individuals with disabilities. Include specific examples of how you've provided care, led activities, or contributed to care reviews.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. Mention your understanding of their unique communication styles and how you can help them achieve their goals. Be sure to align your values with those of Agincare.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, including your level 2 in Health and Social Care or progress towards level 3. Also, mention your UK valid driver's licence, as this is a requirement for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Agincare
✨Understand Communication Styles
Familiarise yourself with the communication methods used by the individuals you'll be supporting, such as hand signs and PECS. Demonstrating an understanding of their unique ways of communicating will show your commitment to providing person-centred care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in support services, particularly any roles that involved working with individuals with autism or learning disabilities. Highlight specific examples where you made a positive impact on someone's life.
✨Emphasise Patience and Consistency
During the interview, convey your ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations. Share examples of how you've provided consistent support in the past, as this is crucial for building trust with the individuals you'll be working with.
✨Discuss Team Collaboration
Since you'll be part of a collaborative team, talk about your experience working in teams and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic. Mention any leadership roles you've taken on, especially in training new staff or leading activities.
