At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with complex needs, providing compassionate care and building trusting relationships.
- Company: Durham Careline, a family-run specialist care provider focused on dignity and individuality.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, full training, career progression, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your compassion and commitment to helping others.
The predicted salary is between 13.04 - 13.04 £ per hour.
Location: Bearpark or Nevilles Cross
Salary: £13.04 per hour
Job Type: Permanent / On-site
Contract Type: Full-time or Part-time, Days or Nights
About The Role
This is not an elderly care role. We are seeking resilient, compassionate, and dedicated Support Workers to join our specialist services supporting adults with complex needs and challenging behaviour. The individuals we support may present with physical and verbal aggression as part of their condition, as well as the potential of targeting those with protected characteristics. This role therefore requires emotional strength, patience, and a genuine commitment to understanding behaviour rather than judging it. Our residents live with a range of needs including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and physical disabilities. Many have experienced trauma, exclusion, or long periods of institutional care. Your role is to help change that narrative - to provide consistency, kindness, and skilled support that genuinely improves quality of life. This is a highly rewarding but demanding role, suited to people who want to make a real difference and who believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live a meaningful life.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide person-centred support tailored to each individual's needs.
- Support residents through distressed or challenging behaviour, using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Build trusting, respectful relationships, even during difficult moments.
- Assist with personal care, daily routines, and household tasks.
- Support residents with shopping, appointments, and community activities.
- Encourage independence, choice, and skill development.
- Help residents engage in positive experiences that enhance their wellbeing.
- Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for everyone.
What We're Looking For
- Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient.
- Able to remain professional in the face of challenging behaviour.
- Compassionate, open-minded, and non-judgemental.
- Strong communicators with good listening skills.
- Reliable, positive, and committed to teamwork.
- Passionate about improving lives, not just providing care.
No previous experience is required, but desirable. Full training is provided through our Careline Academy, including behaviour support, de-escalation, and safeguarding.
About Us
Durham Careline is a family-run, specialist care provider supporting adults with complex and challenging needs, including acquired brain injuries, neurological conditions, mental health needs, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. We believe in doing the best for our residents, even when it's difficult. Our focus is on dignity, individuality, and real life outcomes - not just care, but support that helps people grow, reconnect, and live fuller lives. Our teams are highly valued, well-trained, and supported to deliver exceptional care in environments built on respect and inclusion.
Benefits Of Working For Durham Careline
- Flexible contracted hours to suit your lifestyle.
- Fully paid 7-day induction programme through Careline Academy.
- Excellent career progression and training opportunities.
- 24-hour employee assistance programme for wellbeing and support.
- Permanent and 0 hour contracts are available.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free onsite parking.
- Uniform provided.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.
Care/Support Worker employer: Careline Lifestyles
Durham Careline is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and growth of its staff while providing vital support to adults with complex needs. With a strong focus on dignity and respect, employees benefit from flexible hours, comprehensive training through the Careline Academy, and excellent career progression opportunities in a supportive and inclusive work environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for, where every day brings the chance to positively impact someone's life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care/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 Careline Lifestyles.
✨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 Careline Lifestyles!
✨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 Careline Lifestyles, 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 Careline Lifestyles 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 Care/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 Careline Lifestyles:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Careline Lifestyles! 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 Careline Lifestyles
✨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.
