Support Worker

Support Worker

Shaftesbury Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support adults with autism and learning disabilities in their daily lives and community activities.
  • Company: Agincare, a family-run business dedicated to caring for individuals since 1986.
  • Benefits: Earn £13.00 per hour, enjoy career development, and access discounts with the Blue Light Card.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while building meaningful relationships.
  • Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities is a plus, but a caring attitude is essential.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy fully funded training opportunities.

Overview

Are you ready to make a real difference in someone’s life? We’re looking for a caring and reliable 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 likeminded 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

  • £13.00 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 We Need From You

  • Experience supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs is desirable, but not essential
  • A calm and patient approach
  • Willingness to learn and be part of a small trusted team
  • Ability to follow detailed support plans and communication strategies
  • Full UK driving licence is desirable, but not essential for some roles (driver and non-driver required per shift – vehicles provided)

What Your Role Will Include

  • Supporting them to build trust and confidence
  • Encouraging them to do things they enjoy, like going to the cinema, swimming, walks, bowling and meals out
  • Helping them feel safe and comfortable
  • Communicating clearly and consistently using the methods that work for them
  • Supporting with personal care, meals and daily routines
  • Recording what happens in your shifts and raising any concerns to your line manager
  • Helping them try new activities, explore social opportunities, and grow in independence

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.

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Support Worker employer: Agincare

Agincare is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism and learning disabilities. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer fully funded training, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and compassion. Located in Shaftesbury, Dorset, our family-run business provides a collaborative environment where you can thrive while helping others lead fulfilling lives.
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Contact Detail:

Agincare Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Agincare. Understanding their values and how they support their staff will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be supporting individuals who communicate in unique ways, it’s essential to demonstrate your ability to adapt. Think about examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully communicated with others, especially in challenging situations.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for helping others! During your interview, share stories that highlight your caring nature and commitment to making a difference in people's lives. This role is all about building relationships, so let your enthusiasm shine through!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker

Experience supporting people with learning disabilities
Calm and patient approach
Willingness to learn
Ability to follow detailed support plans
Communication skills using hand signs, PECS, and gestures
Encouraging and motivating individuals
Supporting personal care and daily routines
Recording and reporting observations
Teamwork and collaboration
Driving skills (Full UK driving licence desirable)
Building trust and confidence
Adaptability to individual needs
Understanding of autism and complex needs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Caring Side: When writing your application, let your compassion shine through! Share any experiences you've had that demonstrate your ability to support others, especially those with unique needs. We want to see how you can make a real difference in someone's life.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use simple language to explain your skills and experiences. Remember, we appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Support Worker role.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've worked with individuals with autism or learning disabilities before, make sure to mention it! Even if your experience isn't directly related, any roles that showcase your patience and teamwork will catch our eye. We love seeing how you can relate to the people you'll be supporting.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll get all the info you need about the role and our team. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our family at Agincare!

How to prepare for a job interview at Agincare

✨Know Your Support Techniques

Familiarise yourself with various support techniques, especially those relevant to autism and learning disabilities. Be ready to discuss how you would use methods like PECS or hand signs to communicate effectively with the individuals you'll be supporting.

✨Show Your Caring Nature

During the interview, let your genuine compassion shine through. Share personal experiences where you've made a difference in someone's life, highlighting your patience and calmness in challenging situations.

✨Understand Their Routines

Research the types of activities that the individuals enjoy, such as cinema trips or swimming. Be prepared to suggest how you could help them engage in these activities and build their confidence in social settings.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your interest in the position and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the individuals' lives and the team's success.

Support Worker
Agincare
Location: Shaftesbury
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