At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to access community opportunities and promote independence.
- Company: Dumfries and Galloway Council, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Access to discounts, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to high-quality, person-centred care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent; experience with additional support needs.
The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.
The Learning Disability Service provided by Dumfries and Galloway’s Health & Social Care Partnership supports young people and adults who have a range of needs including learning/physical disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
As a Link Worker within Day Services, you will be part of a team committed to delivering high quality person-centered services based on the principles of self-directed support, ‘The Keys to Life’ and Health & Social Care Standards. You will support people to access community-based opportunities to develop skills, promote independence, improve health and wellbeing and participate in adult learning/work-related activities.
Reporting to a Support Coordinator, you will provide direct care and support and contribute towards personal planning and reviews, team meetings and recording of electronic information.
In this post you will be required to work 33.5 hours per week 52.14 weeks per year. Some evening and weekend work may be required. You must hold a qualification at SVQ 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent (Band 5). If you do not hold a qualification at SVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent but meet the other essential criteria on the Person Specification, you may still be eligible for interview for a Link Worker position at Entry Level Band 4 whilst you undertake and/or complete the necessary qualification.
You must have some experience of paid or unpaid work with people with additional support needs, for example learning/physical disability or mental health conditions. Experience of assessment and recording is essential. You must have a flexible approach to work under pressure and remain objective whilst showing sensitivity towards others.
This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council. Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.
With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.
Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.
For further information please contact:
Daryll Moore, Day, Community and Home Support Services Manager
Kirkconnel Activity & Resource Centre, Main Street, Kirkconnel.
Telephone: 01659 67297
Email: Daryll.Moore@dumgal.gov.uk
Contact Details:
Dumfries and Galloway Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Link Worker - DGA13425 in Sanquhar
✨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 Dumfries and Galloway Council.
✨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 Dumfries and Galloway Council!
✨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 Dumfries and Galloway Council, 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 Dumfries and Galloway Council 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 Link Worker - DGA13425 in Sanquhar
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 Dumfries and Galloway Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dumfries and Galloway Council! 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 Dumfries and Galloway Council
✨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.
