At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Company: Join CareTech, a leading provider of social care with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, up to 28 days holiday, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with clear career progression and employee recognition schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career in care.
- Qualifications: Confident leadership skills and a passion for person-centred support are essential.
The predicted salary is between 14.21 - 14.21 £ per hour.
Location: Ryeish Green, Reading
Rate: £14.21 per hour
Permanent | Full-time | 37.5 hours per week (rota-based)
Please note: We are unable to consider Skilled Worker or Student Visa applicants for this role.
‘Extraordinary Days, Every Day’
At CareTech, we are committed to delivering Extraordinary Days, Every Day through high-quality, person-centred care. Our focus is on empowering independence, building confidence and life skills, and supporting people to live fulfilling lives in environments that best suit their needs.
We are recruiting a Senior Support Worker to join our service in Reading, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. Whether you’re new to care or experienced, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding, long-term career - and truly make a difference!
About the Services – Ryeish Green
Ryeish Green has 5 service users that will be living there and it is a completely modern set of self-contained flats. Each flat has a living room/kitchen (with washing machine), bedroom and washroom with shower (except 1, who has a bath as per her requirements). They also have a small garden area each that leads to the main garden, which has lots of space. Situated in a lovely idyllic village with public transport links, and just 5 miles from busy Reading and Shinfield. There is a staff bedroom for waking night staff, complete with bathroom and shower.
You will be working alone and as part of a team supporting people with various needs, such as Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. You will have a person-centred approach to supporting people with their day-to-day living in order to provide a caring, safe and effective service that is responsive to the needs of the people we support. This will include providing support with household tasks, meal planning and preparation, maintaining relationships with their family and friends and with accessing the community.
Service User Interests
- The people we support enjoy a wide range of activities, and Support Workers play a vital role in enabling these experiences, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Days out such as Theme Parks, Meals out, Social activities, Christmas markets etc.
- Holidays and short breaks
- Walks in the local park and community
- Cooking and baking to develop life skills
The Role
- Lead and supervise a team of Support Workers, providing guidance, role‑modelling, and day‑to‑day direction.
- Deliver and oversee high‑quality, person‑centred support, ensuring support plans are followed, reviewed, and updated.
- Coordinate and participate in meaningful activities, appointments, and community engagement for the people we support.
- Maintain high standards of record‑keeping, completing documentation, incident reports, and reviews professionally.
- Participate in the Senior On‑Call rota, responding to staff queries, incidents, and operational needs as required.
Who We’re Looking For
- Confident in leading a team within a care environment
- Passionate about person-centred support
- Professional, proactive, and resilient
- Able to work independently while also supporting and motivating others
- Skilled in communication (written and verbal)
- Caring, patient, respectful, and calm under pressure
- Able to manage challenging situations with confidence
- Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work rota-based shifts including Senior On-Call
- Committed to maintaining high‑quality standards and excellent practice
Requirements
- Willingness to work towards Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care
- Ability to work unsociable hours on a rota basis
- Drivers desirable but not essential
- Committed to maintaining high‑quality standards and excellent practice
What We Offer
- Recommend A Friend Bonus
- Up to 28 Days Holiday, inclusive of Bank Holidays
- Free DBS Check
- Blue Light Card
- Stakeholder Pension
- Free Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual Employee Awards Evening
- Employee Recognition Schemes
- Ongoing training with clear career progression opportunities, including access to qualifications up to degree level
- CareTech Foundation - Opportunity to apply for family and friend’s grant
Our Values
- Friendly
- Positive
- Innovative
- Empowering
- Person-Centred
About CareTech
Founded in 1993, CareTech is one of the largest and most reputable specialist social care and special education needs providers across the UK. The Group has a track record of more than 30 years, delivering high quality, person-centred care to those with complex needs. The Group was founded by brother Haroon and Farouq Sheikh, who continue to lead CareTech today, providing continuity of leadership, long term stability and a deep personal commitment to the people we support.
CareTech Community Services are proud to inform you that they are a Disability Confident Leader.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7–10 days.
Senior Support Worker in Reading employer: Cambian Group Plc
Cambian Group Plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and child-centred work culture, making it an ideal place for passionate professionals in the field of music therapy. With flexible working hours and opportunities for collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with autism and complex needs. The Forum School offers a unique environment where your expertise can truly shine, fostering both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Reading
✨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 Cambian Group Plc.
✨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 Cambian Group Plc!
✨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 Cambian Group Plc, 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 Cambian Group Plc 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 Senior Support Worker in Reading
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 Cambian Group Plc:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cambian Group Plc! 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 Cambian Group Plc
✨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.
