At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in their daily activities and maintain positive relationships.
- Company: Join Ark, a supportive organisation dedicated to social care.
- Benefits: Earn up to £26,526.23 pro rata, with generous holiday and pension options.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in Loanhead and Dalkeith.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care roles is a plus, but full training is provided.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Location: Loanhead & Dalkeith | Salary: Earn up to £26,526.23 per year pro rata | Full time
Midlothian Support Practitioners - Loanhead & Dalkeith - Female Only
A pay approach that recognises your value - from day one and beyond. At Ark, all Support Practitioners are paid at least the Real Living Wage, currently £13.45 per hour (£25,947.47 pro rata). After successfully completing your probation period, your hourly rate increases to £13.75 (£26,526.23 pro rata). We recognise the responsibility of this role, and have chosen to build in a clear and guaranteed pay progression – reflecting the commitment, skill and consistency it takes to do this job well. It’s one of the ways we aim to support a more sustainable and valued social care workforce.
The Midlothian service operates in both Loanhead and Dalkeith. In Loanhead, we support 6 people in 5 flats within the same block. Our supported people have a wide range of support needs including Dysphasia. There are good transport links to Loanhead including Lothian's bus numbers 37 & 47 and Borders bus X62. Dalkeith supports 5 people within the same complex all in their own flats. There are good bus transport links from Edinburgh on Lothian bus numbers 3 & 33. East Coast Bus 140 also operates between Musselburgh and Dalkeith.
During your induction and training period, you will work alongside our experienced team members; once your training is complete this role will involve lone working.
Responsibilities:
- Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
- Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
- Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
- Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Ark's Information Management system.
Qualifications:
Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Social Care Worker. Working towards equal opportunities and a diverse workforce.
Benefits:
- Annual Leave Buy & Sell Scheme: Employees have the option to sell or buy additional annual leave, up to a maximum of 5 days (or 1 working week for part-time staff) per year.
- Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata.
- 4% Contributory pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark.
The Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, part 1) applies to this post. Applications therefore are restricted to female candidates only.
Midlothian - Support Practitioner employer: ARK Housing Association Ltd
Ark is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its Support Practitioners in Midlothian. With a commitment to fair pay progression, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals. The vibrant communities of Loanhead and Dalkeith offer a welcoming environment, complemented by excellent transport links, ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.
Contact Details:
ARK Housing Association Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Midlothian - Support Practitioner
✨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 ARK Housing Association Ltd.
✨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 ARK Housing Association Ltd!
✨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 ARK Housing Association Ltd, 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 ARK Housing Association Ltd 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 Midlothian - Support Practitioner
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 ARK Housing Association Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ARK Housing Association Ltd! 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 ARK Housing Association Ltd
✨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.
