At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older people with tailored activities promoting independence and social interaction.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, mileage reimbursement, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and travel across Essex for training and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a valid driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
Permanent, full-time post on the ECL team, supporting older people in a specialist day service.
The work is person-centred support for people with reduced mobility, Alzheimer's, dementia or Parkinson's, using tailored activities that promote independence and social contact.
Weekday hours total 37 a week, with travel across Essex to training, other centres and the community.
A full driving licence and own vehicle are essential, and visa sponsorship cannot be arranged through direct application.
- What the job involves
- Deliver specialist, person-centred support to older people with decreased mobility, Alzheimer's, dementia or Parkinson's
- Plan and deliver tailored activities that maintain independence
- Encourage social interaction through on-site and community-based activities
- Provide personal care
- Travel across Essex to attend training, work at other centres and support people in the community
- What’s required
Skills & knowledge
- Exceptional listening and communication skills
- Empathetic approach
- Basic IT skills
- Proactive approach, able to work on own initiative
- Checks & eligibility
- Full, valid driving licence
- Own vehicle
- Right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship
- Other
- Passion for providing a high level of care and support to older people
- Willingness to provide personal care
- Flexibility to work according to the needs of the environment
- Willingness to travel across Essex
- Nice to have
- Previous experience in the care industry
- What’s offered
- 55p per mile tax-free mileage
- Up to 32 days annual leave a year, including bank holidays
- Company pension with employer contributions of up to 6% (enhanced NEST scheme)
- Fully paid induction and training, plus paid-for qualifications
- Career development opportunities
- Annual salary reviews and performance-related bonus
- Healthcare support scheme via Healthshield, paid for by ECL
- Employee assistance programme available 24/7
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Older People Support Worker employer: ESSEX CARES
ESSEX CARES offers guaranteed contracted hours for its care assistants, providing stability and a reliable income. The company emphasizes professional development through training and mentorship, ensuring that employees feel supported as they help clients regain independence in their daily lives. With a community-focused approach, staff have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Older People 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 ESSEX CARES.
✨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 ESSEX CARES!
✨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 ESSEX CARES, 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 ESSEX CARES 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 Older People 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 ESSEX CARES:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to ESSEX CARES! 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 ESSEX CARES
✨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.
