At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with autism and learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives in their community.
- Company: Agincare, a family-run business dedicated to caring for individuals since 1986.
- Benefits: Earn £13.50 per hour, enjoy discounts, and access fully funded training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience with learning disabilities is a plus, but a caring attitude is key.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 13.5 £ per hour.
Are you ready to make a real difference in someone’s life? We’re looking for a caring and reliable Support Worker to join our Dorset Outreach team in Shaftesbury, Dorset. You’ll be supporting two adults with autism and learning disabilities to live safely and happily in their own home and out in the community. This is a 2:1 support package for each person, delivered by a small consistent team, where your relationship with the people you support really matters.
About the people you’ll be supporting
Both individuals have unique personalities, strong preferences, and communicate in their own way using hand signs, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and gestures. Understanding how they communicate is key to supporting them well. Both individuals are supported separately during the day and enjoy different routines and activities. They both share a goal to grow in confidence and connect with their community. Some of the outings they enjoy include trips to the cinema, a swim, a walk, bowling, or a meal out. Your role will be to help them continue to build on that progress. You will be supporting them to try new activities, develop skills, and eventually explore things like social groups or clubs so that they can build relationships with likeminded individuals. You’ll be a key part of helping them live fuller, more meaningful lives. They thrive when supported by calm, confident staff who are patient and consistent.
Where you’ll be working
They live in a shared home where they each receive 2:1 support. You'll be working as part of a busy and collaborative team who support both individuals separately throughout the day. Vehicles are provided for community access, which means every shift must include a driver and a non-driver. You will not need to use your own car.
What you’ll get with Agincare
- £13.50 per hour
- Refer a friend bonus – earn up to £500
- Fully funded training and apprenticeships
- Blue Light Card (discounts in shops and restaurants)
- Company pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
What we need from you
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs is desirable, but not essential
- A calm and patient approach
- Willingness to learn and be part of a small trusted team
- Ability to follow detailed support plans and communication strategies
- Full UK driving licence is desirable, but not essential for some roles (driver and non-driver required per shift – vehicles provided)
What your role will include
- Supporting them to build trust and confidence
- Encouraging them to do things they enjoy, such as going to the cinema, swimming, walks, bowling and meals out
- Helping them feel safe and comfortable
- Communicating clearly and consistently using the methods that work for them
- Supporting with personal care, meals and daily routines
- Recording what happens in your shifts and raising any concerns to your line manager
- Helping them try new activities, explore social opportunities, and grow in independence
About Agincare
We’re a family-run business that’s been caring and supporting people since 1986. With over 4,500 team members, we’re one of the UK’s largest care providers and are continuing to grow. We have over 100 locations across England including care & nursing homes, home care branches, extra care schemes, supported living properties and live-in offices. Agincare are signatories of the Care Leaver Covenant and are committed to supporting care leavers to live independently. We are proud to be able to offer a guaranteed interview to care leavers, or an informal conversation about our career opportunities. All of our care services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Equal opportunities are important to us at Agincare and we welcome applications from all.
Bank Support Worker in Shaftesbury employer: Enable
Agincare is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism and learning disabilities. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer fully funded training, a supportive work culture, and a collaborative team environment in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Our commitment to staff well-being is reflected in our competitive pay, generous benefits, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with those you support, ensuring a rewarding career in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bank Support Worker in Shaftesbury
✨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 Enable.
✨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 Enable!
✨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 Enable, 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 Enable 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 Bank Support Worker in Shaftesbury
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 Enable:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Enable! 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 Enable
✨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.
