At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to enhance their life skills and independence.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a leading employer making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, excellent pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team dedicated to improving lives in Barnsley.
- Why this job: Make a life-changing impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 NVQ or equivalent, experience with vulnerable groups, and strong communication skills.
Position reference: 50007677 50007845 50058638
Working Arrangements: Agile Working
Contract type: 1 x 37 permanent, 1 x 22.5 permanent, 1 x 37, Fixed term until 01.06.2027
We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you, please get in touch.
Suitable for Secondment: Employees wishing to be considered for secondment for the Fixed Term position should agree with their head of service before submitting an application form.
The successful candidate will be required to speak English to an appropriate standard. This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.
If you are currently living overseas or have lived overseas in the last five years please be aware, if you are the preferred candidate for the post, you will be required to apply for an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in. If you experience difficulty in obtaining an overseas criminal record check please email dbs@barnsley.gov.uk.
When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.
Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances of those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
About the Post: Our Support workers help to support and improve the lives and wellbeing of the people in Barnsley who have learning disabilities, providing support with daily activities that develop their life skills and integrate people into community life. You’ll have a life-changing impact.
Role Responsibilities: As a Support Worker, you’ll support and help people with learning disabilities to develop skills to live as independently as possible. You’ll help them to access the services and interventions that can help them build their independence, gain confidence, and develop the personal and social assets that will enable them to meet their aspirations. Support people in activities who have support needs with care and personal care needs.
What you’ll need: To join us, you’ll need a relevant Level 2 NVQ (or equivalent) or willing to achieve within 2 years plus experience of working with vulnerable groups and level 1 literacy and numeracy. Whether as a volunteer or professionally, you have worked with people who are experiencing multiple needs. As important as your ability to engage with vulnerable people will be your flair for building collaborative working relationships with their personal support network and our partner agencies.
Benefits: Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley. We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development. With flexible working we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it.
Why Join Us: We’re an award-winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough supporting around 243,000 people. Working at Barnsley Council means being part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where you can develop the skills you need to make change happen. If you join the team you’ll receive great pay alongside an excellent pension scheme. With flexible working we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it. We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development. Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.
EEO Statement: We’re committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. CV’s are not accepted for this role.
Support Worker (3 Posts) in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to grow their skills while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Join our award-winning team and be part of a community that values diversity and collaboration, all while enjoying competitive pay and an excellent pension scheme.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (3 Posts) in Barnsley
✨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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
✨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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council!
✨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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, 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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council! 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 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨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.