At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with disabilities to live their best lives through practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Join Ark, a leading provider of care and support services in Scotland.
- Benefits: Earn up to £23,555.29, enjoy flexible hours, and receive full training.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just a caring attitude and commitment to helping others.
The predicted salary is between 23555 - 23555 £ per year.
Location: Alloa
Salary: Earn up to £23,555.29 per year pro rata - 25/26 Pay Award Pending
Arkis a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism. Our aim is to ensure that those who use our services get the very best out of Ark to enable them to live as independently as possible and lead a happy life.
We currently support 8 people who live together in an HMO (House of multiple occupants) they have their own rooms but share other facilities such as kitchen and bathrooms. Our supported people receive individualised 1-2-1 support which is person centred around their outcomes and goals. Every supported person has a Good Life Plan and support workers use this to ensure they have the support they need to live the life that they want. The supported people have a varied age range and at the moment most supported people have a learning disability with a dual diagnosis. Supported people are very active and enjoy using local amenities for social and leisure. We currently support people in their own homes around the Clackmannanshire area. The supported people have a range of disabilities and ages and their support needs determine the size of their support package, all supported people have a Good Life Plan which is in place to ensure support staff are able to support them with their outcomes and goals, all of the supported people access local amenities for social and recreational use, some supported people also attend college and have jobs in the local area.
Ark is looking for dedicated and caring individuals who are committed to making a difference in our supported people’s lives. Your role will be to provide practical, emotional and social support. Ark offers a detailed induction and training programme designed to ensure you have all the skills you need for the job. First and foremost you will align with Ark’s values – Trust, Respect, Understanding, Equality and Integrity. If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives then apply now to join our team!
Your main duties will be but not limited to:
- Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable service users.
- Communicate and work well with individuals to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
- Carry out tasks in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines.
- 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:
- No Previous Experience Required - Ark provides full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
- Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully funds your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in-house SVQ team.
- Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
- Career Progression - Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
- Employee Assistance Program - Ark's Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
- Contracted hours to suit you - We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.
- 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.
- Enhanced Overtime - Any hours worked by a Support Worker over full-time contractual hours will be eligible to an enhanced rate.
- 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 Worker or new to Social Care. This is an exciting role and comes at a time where Ark have undertaken a major piece of work where we have reviewed and developed our Business Plan for the next 5 years and beyond. This business plan will see Ark reshape as a modern, future-focused organisation that builds on our technological and digital capability that aims to positively impact on the lives of its tenants, supported people and staff.
To apply, click the link below. CVs will not be accepted. Please note Ark is not a UK Visa Sponsor. 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Practitioner - Alloa
✨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 - Alloa
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.
