At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities and promote independence in daily living.
- Company: Join CareTech, a leading provider of person-centred care in the UK.
- Benefits: Earn £13.03 per hour, enjoy up to 28 days holiday, and access ongoing training.
- Other info: Full training provided; no experience necessary!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Caring attitude, good communication skills, and a Category D1 Driving Licence required.
Must have a Category D1 Driving Licence
Location: Cottenham, Cambridge
Rate: £13.03 per hour
Permanent | Full-time | 35 hours per week (rota-based)
Please note: We may be unable to support applications where Home Office visa restrictions prevent candidates from meeting the full contractual hours or requirements of the 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 Support Workers to join our service in Cottenham, 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 Service – La Marsh
Rated Good by CQC, La Marsh is registered for 6 service users who have a diagnosis of severe learning, complex and physical difficulties as well as dementia. All are wheelchair users. The Service is close to public transport links and is easily commutable from Cambridge. La Marsh is easily within walking distance of local amenities as well as enjoying its beautiful village location. La Marsh’s warm and friendly atmosphere is inviting to anyone who resides or visits. The staff strives to make the Service Users' lives as fulfilled as possible.
The Role
- Deliver person-centred support in line with individual support plans
- Assist with daily living skills and personal care where required
- Promote independence, dignity, and wellbeing
- Support activities, appointments, and community access
- Maintain accurate records and work effectively as part of a team
- Work a rota including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking people who are caring, patient, and respectful, with a positive and resilient approach. You should be confident working independently and within a team, have good communication skills, basic IT and written abilities, and be flexible and reliable.
No previous experience? No problem! If you have the passion, we’ll provide full training and a structured induction programme.
Requirements
- Willingness to work towards Level 2 in Health and Social Care
- Ability to work unsociable hours on a rota basis
- Category D1 Drivers is essential
- Enhanced DBS required (paid for by CareTech)
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
Apply today to join a friendly, empowering organisation committed to person-centred support and creating Extraordinary Days, Every Day.
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. Some roles may require male or female employees only, where this is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Cottenham
✨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 CareTech UK.
✨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 CareTech UK!
✨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 CareTech UK, 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 CareTech UK 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 in Cottenham
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 CareTech UK:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CareTech UK! 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 CareTech UK
✨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.
