At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to achieve independence and thrive in their community.
- Company: Join East Kent Mencap, a growing local charity dedicated to empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Earn £13.95 per hour, enjoy 28 days leave, and access funded training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with genuine career progression and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting individuals with learning disabilities; NVQ Level 3 preferred.
The predicted salary is between 13.95 - 13.95 £ per hour.
East Kent Mencap supports people with a learning disability to live independently, build confidence and thrive within their community. We're looking for an experienced Senior Support Worker to bring a welcoming, person-centred service from day one, continuing to shape its culture and mentor the team.
What's In It For You
- £13.95 per hour
- Permanent role: 37 hours a week across no more than five 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
Are you passionate about helping people with a learning disability achieve their goals, build confidence, and be part of their local community? Do you enjoy supporting others to grow whilst leading by example? We're looking for a caring, motivated and reliable Senior Support Worker to join our Hub Service. This is a rewarding role where you'll work directly alongside people with a learning disability, helping them to develop independence, make choices, build relationships and take part in activities that matter to them. 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.
As a Senior Support Worker, you'll play an important part in the day-to-day running of the service. You will:
- Support the Hub Service Manager to deliver a high-quality, person-centred service while providing guidance, encouragement and practical support to colleagues
- Contribute to the growth and development of the Hub Service, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance and mentoring to Support Workers, promoting good practice and supporting the recruitment, induction and development of staff
- Ensure support plans, risk assessments and organisational standards are implemented consistently whilst maintaining high standards of safety, quality and co-produced support
- 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.
You may have experience in the following: Senior Support Worker, Senior Care Worker, Team Leader, Support Team Leader, Senior Carer, Learning Disability Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Deputy Manager, Supported Living Worker, Care Team Leader, Social Care Worker, etc.
Senior Support Worker employer: East Kent Mencap
East Kent Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering comprehensive training and clear pathways for career progression. With a strong focus on building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to make a real impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Located in a vibrant community, this role not only provides a rewarding experience but also allows you to contribute positively to society while enjoying a fulfilling work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 East Kent Mencap.
✨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 East Kent Mencap!
✨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 East Kent Mencap, 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 East Kent Mencap 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
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 East Kent Mencap:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to East Kent Mencap! 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 East Kent Mencap
✨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.
