At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health issues and learning disabilities in a working environment.
- Company: Join The Woodfuel Centre CIC, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Empower others while gaining valuable skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Driving licence, good communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
JOB PURPOSE: To support people with mental health issues and (or) learning disabilities to experience a working environment and access training/employment. To assist in the production of our products within The Woodfuel Centre and its garden area and support clients in maintaining gardening projects within the local community. To transport people from collection points to their place of work and return at the end of each day, collect goods and deliver them to customers, co‑ordinate the maintenance of our vehicles and participate in the wider work of The Woodfuel Centre and our partner organisation, Blyth Star Enterprises Limited.
AREA OF INVOLVEMENT: Working within The Woodfuel Centre to produce wood fuel products for both retail and wholesale markets, and within the wider day and employment services with our partner organisation Blyth Star Enterprises. Assisting in the provision of support and training to enable people who may have mental health needs or who may be currently unemployed to gain skills, knowledge and confidence. To promote their independence and well‑being, supporting them to obtain or regain the skills to return to work should they choose. Providing transport to enable people who use our services to access the various activities available. Providing a delivery service to enable the products produced within our various departments to get to market in a timely and cost‑effective manner. To assist in the monitoring and maintenance of vehicles used at The Woodfuel Centre.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience required:
- Experience in retail and dealing with the public (essential)
- Ability to operate machinery in a safe manner (essential)
- Basic ability in English and maths (essential)
- A good driving record and full driving licence including D1 (essential)
- Good eyesight and colour vision (preferable)
- Excellent practical driving skills and road safety awareness (essential)
- An enjoyment of driving (preferable)
- The ability to work alone and concentrate (essential)
- The ability to work as part of a team (essential)
- A willingness to be flexible (essential)
- Patience and a polite attitude towards other road users (essential)
- A track record of good customer interface skills (preferable)
- Good spoken and written communication skills (essential)
- A good knowledge of the delivery area (preferable)
- A reasonable level of fitness (essential)
- A basic knowledge of gardening skills to assist with and develop our gardening area and projects within the community (essential)
- The ability to complete record sheets and paperwork (essential)
- Willingness to undertake further training in health & social care as well as trade specific training (essential)
- A non‑judgmental approach to working with people who may experience mental distress (essential)
- To be able to support and encourage others to develop their own skills (essential)
Working relationship/communication:
To work within an already established team, but also to work as part of a number of teams. To work in collaboration with other professionals ensuring good lines of communication, both written and verbal, thus ensuring a multi‑professional concept of support is delivered to people who use our services. To communicate effectively with users and carers in promoting an awareness of their individualised action plans. To communicate with and serve members of the public as appropriate.
Key Result Areas:
- Supporting other members of staff in providing advice, guidance and support to people who experience mental ill health, who attend The Woodfuel Centre or its partners as either a day service or an employment training placement
- Meeting the agreed production targets
- Participating in planning and review meetings with Care Managers or other official representatives of funding agencies as appropriate
- Dealing appropriately with customers and members of the public
- Collecting goods from the appropriate department
- Using a forklift truck to load deliveries as appropriate
- Using a forklift truck within The Woodfuel Centre for moving supplies etc.
- Loading the vehicle to match the delivery route
- Planning the route to make sure deliveries are made on time
- Unloading goods at the right addresses
- Collecting signatures and giving invoices on delivery and updating delivery records
- Recording mileage and fuel purchases
- Returning undelivered items to the appropriate base
- Collecting and returning workers from various locations as agreed
- Assisting in monitoring and ensuring the maintenance of the vehicles used in the delivery of our services. This currently includes a delivery vehicle and a minibus
- Safe/correct use of equipment within the department and undertaking the relevant maintenance procedures
- Taking responsibility for the health and safety of areas in which you work and the activities that are carried out in them, adhering to all statutory requirements e.g. Health & Safety, COSHH and policies of The Woodfuel Centre or Blyth Star Enterprises
- Participating in the planning and development of services within The Woodfuel Centre and Blyth Star Enterprises
- Undertaking training as indicated by Supervisors or the Management Team
- Keeping within any agreed delegated financial budget and targets
- Participating in a formal appraisal system
- Always acting as an ambassador for The Woodfuel Centre and Blyth Star Enterprises
Most challenging part of your job:
- Being responsible for delivering a progressive service that is unique in its approach to meeting the needs of people with enduring mental health problems
- Maintaining the balance between support/training and production
- Maintaining a positive approach and acting as a role model at all times
- Adapting to a constantly changing working environment
Support Worker/Driver - Ad hoc (The Woodfuel Centre CIC) in Bedlington employer: Blyth Star Enterprises Limited
Contact Detail:
Blyth Star Enterprises Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker/Driver - Ad hoc (The Woodfuel Centre CIC) in Bedlington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research The Woodfuel Centre and Blyth Star Enterprises. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the work culture and what it’s really like to be a Support Worker/Driver. Plus, it might just give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves driving and possibly using machinery, brush up on your driving skills and safety protocols. Being confident in these areas will make you stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker/Driver - Ad hoc (The Woodfuel Centre CIC) in Bedlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting people with mental health issues and learning disabilities shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in retail or working with the public. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blyth Star Enterprises Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Support Worker/Driver and the specific needs of people with mental health issues or learning disabilities. Familiarise yourself with The Woodfuel Centre's mission and how they support their clients. This will show your genuine interest and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in retail and working with the public. Highlight any relevant skills, such as driving, communication, and teamwork. Be ready to give examples of how you've successfully supported others or managed challenging situations in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job requires a willingness to adapt to changing environments and tasks. Think of instances where you've had to be flexible in your previous roles. Share these experiences to illustrate your ability to handle the dynamic nature of the work at The Woodfuel Centre.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how success is measured in this position. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.