At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independently and confidently in their community.
- Company: Balance, a charity dedicated to empowering people with complex needs.
- Benefits: London living wage, training opportunities, pension scheme, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your own skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Experience or commitment to person-centred support for individuals with complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 27783 - 33957 £ per year.
We are looking for someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence, self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. This will be across our Supported Living Services in Kingston. You will be supporting people to live independently in the community in their own homes.
At Balance, we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond.
You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing a person-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experience every day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with; to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receipt of and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable.
Key Responsibilities of this role:
- To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation.
- To apply a collegiate approach to deliver strengths-based support that maximises independence, knowledge and confidence of those using our services.
- To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.
- To work independently across the boroughs we operate in, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community.
Critical Values in the delivery of this role:
- A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to.
- Recognition of the skills, knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them.
- A professional, can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners.
- A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front.
Benefits in working for us:
- A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff.
- A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate.
- Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme, if eligible.
- Access to a range of discount schemes.
- Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.
Male Support Worker employer: Assistance Dogs
The Royal Statistical Society is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected charity and professional body dedicated to the importance of statistics and data. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and a robust pension scheme, the RSS fosters an environment where marketing professionals can thrive and grow their careers while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Male Support Worker
✨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 Assistance Dogs.
✨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 Assistance Dogs!
✨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 Assistance Dogs, 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 Assistance Dogs 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 Male Support Worker
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 Assistance Dogs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Assistance Dogs! 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 Assistance Dogs
✨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.
