At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with complex needs using a person-centred approach.
- Company: Join Ark, a growing organisation dedicated to providing care and support.
- Benefits: Earn up to £26,526.23 pro rata, plus generous holiday and pension options.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and additional pay for sleepovers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care is a plus, but enthusiasm and motivation are key.
The predicted salary is between 26526 - 26526 £ per year.
Location: Livingston
Salary: Earn up to £26,526.23 per year pro rata. Full time.
Role Overview: Our Livingston service is growing! Ark is completing work on an exciting new housing development at Crusader Rise. Part of this development will provide housing to those with additional support needs who will require Care & Support packages. We are looking for Full & part time Support Workers to help us deliver these new Support Packages. You will join our team of Support Practitioners who support people using a person‑centred approach. Livingston Service already supports 3 people in their own homes. Some need 24 hour support, others only short periods. There will be 3 new Supported People requiring 24 hour care with a variety of complex needs (including Autism, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Epilepsy). We look for enthusiastic, experienced, and motivated individuals; experience is preferred but not essential.
Responsibilities:
- Work 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.
- Be responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
- Update and maintain accurate records using a tablet on Ark's Information Management system.
Shift Details:
Shifts are on a rota basis and include a variety of day, evening, and sleepover shifts. Sleepover shift consists of working an afternoon/evening shift starting at 3pm, a rest period (11pm‑7am) sleeping over in the service, then working a shift in the morning finishing at 3pm. The sleepover period is over and above your contracted hours and gets paid as an additional payment of £100.80 per sleepover.
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.
Qualifications & Experience:
Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential: Care Worker, Social Worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant, Social Care Worker.
Legal & Equality Statement:
The Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, part 1) applies to this post. Applications therefore are restricted to female candidates only.
Support Practitioner - Livingston employer: Arkha
Ark is an exceptional employer located in Stornoway, dedicated to empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives within their community. With a strong emphasis on employee support and development, Ark offers flexible relief work opportunities, competitive pay, and comprehensive training, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and appreciation, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Practitioner - Livingston
✨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 Arkha.
✨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 Arkha!
✨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 Arkha, 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 Arkha 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 - Livingston
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 Arkha:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Arkha! 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 Arkha
✨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.
