At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and help shape a new service in Ashford.
- Company: Join East Kent Mencap, a local charity dedicated to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Earn £13.95 per hour, enjoy 28 days leave, and access funded training.
- Other info: Bring your passions to work and enjoy genuine career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting individuals with learning disabilities; NVQ Level 3 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13.95 - 13.95 £ per hour.
Senior Support Worker (Part-Time)
Help build something brand new. Shape a service, grow a team, and bring your own passions to work that changes lives.
East Kent Mencap supports people with a learning disability to live independently, build confidence and thrive in their community.
We're opening a new Hub in Ashford, and we're looking for an experienced Senior Support Worker to help establish a welcoming, person-centred service from day one, shaping its culture and mentoring the team as it grows.
- What's in it for you
- Part-time, permanent role: around 22.5 hours a week across no more than three days (exact pattern agreed with you)
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro rata)
- Company pension
- Employee discounts, long-service rewards, sick pay cover and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Funded training, apprenticeships and qualifications
- Genuine career progression in a growing local charity
About the role
You'll bring proven experience of supporting people with a learning disability, and a genuine desire to help develop both people and services.
An NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent) is ideal; we'll support the right candidate to work towards it.
Just as important, we want someone who brings their own skills and interests to the role, whether that's music, cooking, craft, wellbeing or something else entirely, to help create fun, meaningful activities built around what our members love.
- Act as key worker and role model for colleagues
- Support the manager with day-to-day service delivery
- Help recruit, coach and support new team members
- Chair team meetings and contribute to service planning
- Help people access community activities, build skills and confidence
- You'll need to be confident recording support information electronically.
A driving licence is preferred for this role; where you'll be driving our vehicles, you'll need to have held a full UK licence for at least two years and be aged 21 or over.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone who
- Brings a positive, can-do attitude to their work
- Enjoys motivating and supporting the people around them
- Stays organised and isn't afraid to take responsibility
- Is driven to help people achieve their goals
This won't always be easy, but it might just be the most rewarding job on the local market today.
East Kent Mencap is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Support Worker in Ashford employer: East Kent Mencap
East Kent Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Located in Margate, Kent, we offer a supportive work culture that values compassion and independence, alongside competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including ongoing training and development opportunities. Join us to not only advance your career but also to be part of a team that truly makes a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Ashford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like East Kent Mencap, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at East Kent Mencap. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through East Kent Mencap's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at East Kent Mencap. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at East Kent Mencap.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Kent Mencap
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with East Kent Mencap.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior Support Worker at East Kent Mencap.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show East Kent Mencap that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior Support Worker role.
