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 £27,960.08 pro rata with generous holiday and pension options.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly team environment with opportunities for career growth.
- 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.
Earn up to £27,960.08 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 (£27,350.04 pro rata). After successfully completing your probation period, your hourly rate increases to £13.75 (£27,960.08 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.
East Lothian service supports people in Haddington, Tranent & Musselburgh. Haddington supports 8 people. There are 2 Houses of Multiple Occupancy each with 3 people in them and 2 people in their own flats. We have people who require 24‑hour support at this service, so it includes sleepover and longer shifts. There are good bus links between the villages in East Lothian as well as an express bus into Edinburgh.
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. We have a lovely team of Support Practitioners in East Lothian who are really supportive. Our supported people love getting outside whether that be sitting on a bench for a chat or getting involved with gardening.
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.
- Communicating and working well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
- Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout 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 & first‑year SSSC registration paid by Ark.
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
The Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, part 1) applies to this post. Applications therefore are restricted to female candidates only.
Support Practitioner - East Lothian (Haddington) in Tranent employer: Arkha
Ark is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its Support Practitioners in Haddington. With a commitment to fair pay progression, generous annual leave options, and a supportive team culture, Ark fosters an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The location offers excellent transport links and a close-knit community, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful work in social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Practitioner - East Lothian (Haddington) in Tranent
✨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 - East Lothian (Haddington) in Tranent
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.
