At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young adults in their journey to independent living and help them build life skills.
- Company: Join Ark, a compassionate organisation dedicated to empowering individuals in Buckie.
- Benefits: Earn up to £26,526.23 pro rata, with additional perks like annual leave buy/sell scheme.
- Other info: Full training provided, including support for complex needs and communication tools.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a fun and dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion for helping others!
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
We are recruiting! Join us as we expand our Supported Living Services in Buckie. Earn up to £26,526.23 per year pro rata. 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.
An exciting new opportunity has arisen as we prepare to welcome three young individuals into a new shared supported living home. Each person is currently living with their family and is ready to take the next step towards independent living, and we are building a dedicated team to help make that journey empowering, safe, and fulfilling.
We are looking for compassionate, proactive, and reliable Support Practitioners who are passionate about helping young adults build confidence, develop life skills, and thrive in their own home. Ark already supports 15 individuals in Buckie who you will also provide support to as part of the existing team. Our supported people enjoy a wide variety of activities such as going out for lunch, bowling, trampolining, swimming, darts, football, snooker, spending time with their families, and going on holidays. An increasing number of our supported people have mobility cars which widens opportunity for activities in the community. We always try to make goals happen for people; this could be exploring courses to support people with employability or trying a new activity. Our supported people love to be part of the community and have been organising regular events such as discos and BBQs where they can invite their friends and family and everyone can get together.
We are looking for people who can bring energy, creativity and fun into each day, whether that’s helping someone try a new hobby, planning an outing, or supporting someone to build independence in a way that feels enjoyable and meaningful.
Please note that this role includes Sleepover shifts, 7am shift starts and 10pm shift finish times. As this service supports people with complex needs, all our Support Practitioner roles do involve personal care and giving medication in line with the Support Plan. Some individuals may also present with PICA, use Makaton, or rely on visual communication tools. Full training in PICA awareness, Makaton, positive behaviour support and all specialist communication approaches will be provided.
A sleepover shift consists of working during the day, a rest period sleeping over in the service between 11pm - 7am and then working again the next day. Sleepover shifts are typically 7am - 7am or 3pm - 3pm. The sleepover period is over and above your contracted hours and gets paid as an additional payment of £100.80 per sleepover.
If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!
Your main duties will include but not be limited to:
- 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.
In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:
- 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.
Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported people's lives, helping them to achieve their dreams. Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Practitioner or new to Social Care. Apply now by clicking the link below to complete the online application form. CVs will not be considered. Please note Ark is not a UK Visa Sponsor. All interviews are conducted in person.
Support Practitioner in Lincoln employer: Ark Housing Association
Ark is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering competitive pay starting at the Real Living Wage and opportunities for career advancement. With a supportive work culture in Galashiels, our team enjoys flexible shift patterns and a commitment to recognising individual contributions, making it a fulfilling place to work for those passionate about making a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Practitioner in Lincoln
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 Practitioner in Lincoln
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ark Housing Association! 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
✨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.
