At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their daily living and promote their independence at home.
- Company: Join VSA, a respected charity making a difference in Aberdeen for over 150 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, fuel allowance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; must work every second weekend and be familiar with local areas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable lives while gaining job satisfaction and valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals preferred; care experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
VSA is a well-respected local social care charity, helping support the people of Aberdeen for over 150 years. Our mission is to provide the best of care to enable the best of lives; supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential. VSA provides vital support and services to people of all ages.
At VSA we support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social well-being through a range of residential and outreach support services. Working in social care is a hugely rewarding career, and you can help change the lives of vulnerable children and adults. We are looking for motivated and compassionate individuals to join our Care at Home team as a Support Worker working in Bridge of Don, Danestone and Bucksburn areas.
Hours: Between 16 - 39hrs, Relief, Part Time or Full Time hours can be considered.
Rota: This role offers flexible working, with shifts available from 7am and the latest shift finishing at 9pm. Rotas are reviewed on a fortnightly basis, and we will be taking the lead from successful candidates on the hours/days they are available to work; however, you must be able to work every second weekend.
Location: Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Danestone areas, caring for service users in their own home. Drivers are preferred who have a driver's license and own transport. Applicants must be familiar with the area and it would be preferential if they also reside nearby.
Salary: £13.45 per hour.
We offer our Support/Care Workers fantastic benefits including:
- Fuel Allowance
- Company pension
- Generous annual leave
- Refer a friend programme - Receive £225 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
- Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes
- Access to discount scheme through blue light card
You will have the opportunity to support a variety of clients with a range of disabilities and various health and support needs to maintain their independence while living at home. We are welcoming applications from motivated, compassionate and responsible candidates. Experience within a care setting is preferred, but we accept applications from individuals who are looking to progress with a career in Health & Social Care. You will also have the added benefits of extensive training as well as the opportunity to work in a role giving great job satisfaction. Successful applicants will be providing support to individuals in their own home setting.
Purpose of Job: To contribute to the provision of quality services to meet the needs of service users, according to agreed VSA standards, policies and regulatory requirements.
Main Duties/Responsibilities:
- Communicating effectively with individuals according to agreed standards and procedures, accessing and updating records in keeping with guidelines.
- Helping to provide a safe and protective environment by complying with health, safety, and security procedures, including medication, and reporting accidents/incidents when appropriate.
- Supporting service users in their daily living, according to their recognised and agreed needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practices which promote well-being, choice, and treating people with dignity and respect.
- Assisting service users in developing and maintaining social networks and relationships.
- Assisting and encouraging service users to develop skills and knowledge to live as independently as possible, if appropriate, with reference to the risk assessment process.
- Participating in the development, implementation and review of personal plans with service users.
- Supporting service users appropriately when they experience a significant life change or loss.
- Developing one’s knowledge and practice continuously through participation in training and development activities.
- Carrying out any other tasks from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the postholder’s capabilities.
- Have awareness and work within internal control systems in your area to facilitate improvement in the quality of service provided.
Key Skills/Aptitudes:
- Ability to communicate well verbally with individuals.
- Ability to write short reports.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Basic I.T. skills (e.g., emails).
- Record keeping.
- Problem solving.
- Using initiative.
- Organisational Skills.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Qualifications: Willingness and ability to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare (or equivalent) within 3 years of appointment or as determined by VSA.
If this role sounds of interest to you, then apply today!
Support Worker - Care in Aberdeen employer: Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas
VSA is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals in Aberdeen for over 150 years. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values compassion and motivation. Join our Care at Home team and enjoy the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact while benefiting from extensive training and a range of perks, including a fuel allowance and a company pension.
Contact Details:
Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Care in Aberdeen
✨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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas.
✨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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas!
✨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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas, 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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas 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 Worker - Care in Aberdeen
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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas! 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 Bridge of Don, Denmore, Danestone & Bucksburn areas
✨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.