At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate support to individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Company: Join a values-driven team at Gofal Cymru Care, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy Bupa healthcare, career development, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and a willingness to pursue further qualifications in Health & Social Care.
DEPARTMENT: Care and Support
RESPONSIBLE TO: Care Home Manager
SALARY: £13.45 Per Hour
CONTRACTED HOURS: 40 hours per week (Full Time) / 16 Hours per week (Part Time)
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
JOB PURPOSE
To provide compassionate, person-centred support that empowers individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs, autism, or acquired brain injuries to live with greater independence and social inclusion. This role involves delivering high-quality care through daily living support, personal care, and meaningful engagement in community and home-based activities. Support Workers play a vital role in promoting dignity, choice, and wellbeing, while working collaboratively with colleagues and professionals to ensure each individual’s needs and aspirations are met. This position offers hands-on experience, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional development within a values-driven team committed to improving the lives of vulnerable adults and children.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assisting individuals where necessary with personal care needs, including washing, bathing, toileting, dressing, undressing, mobility, and transport, while promoting dignity, independence, and choice.
- Helping individuals make their own choices and supporting them to engage in meaningful activities within and outside the home, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, attending appointments, going to the gym, participating in community events, and enjoying social and leisure activities.
- Acting as an advocate by promoting individuals’ wellbeing, safety, and quality of life, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect them and supporting their rights and preferences.
- Carrying out cleaning duties as part of the team and supporting individuals to participate in domestic chores, helping to maintain a clean, safe, and homely environment.
- Assisting with menu planning, shopping, and cooking for the home, while encouraging individuals to be involved in meal preparation and make healthy food choices.
- Administering medication safely and accurately following appropriate training and in line with company procedures, and monitoring for any side effects or changes in health.
- Carrying out regular health and safety checks, including fire safety, infection control, and risk assessments, to ensure a safe living and working environment.
- Following care and management guidelines, behaviour support plans, and working in line with company policies, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Completing documentation and keeping accurate records of care, incidents, medication, and daily activities in accordance with company policy and data protection requirements.
- Supporting individuals with emotional regulation and behaviour that challenges using proactive, person-centered approaches and positive behaviour support strategies.
- Building trusting relationships with individuals, families, and professionals, and working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
- Supporting new staff by modelling best practice, sharing knowledge of individuals’ needs and routines, and helping to create a welcoming and inclusive team environment.
- Support individuals with day-to-day financial tasks in line with organisational policies, including recording spending, keeping receipts, and ensuring all transactions are accurately documented.
- Participating in training, supervision, and team meetings to continuously develop skills, reflect on practice, and contribute to service improvement.
- Undertaking other reasonable tasks as required which fall within the scope and grade of the job, including responding to emergencies and supporting service continuity.
GENERAL DUTIES
Health and Safety
- To fulfil the general and specific roles and responsibilities detailed in the Health and Safety Policy.
Equal Opportunities
- To ensure that all activities are operated in accordance with Equal Opportunities legislation and best practice.
Safeguarding
- Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all employees. Any concerns should be reported to Responsible individual, safeguarding lead or care home manager.
Review and Right to Vary
- This Job Description is as currently applies and will be reviewed regularly. You may be required to undertake other tasks that can be reasonably assigned to you, including development activities, which are within your capability and grade.
BENEFITS FOR WORKING AT GOFAL CYMRU CARE
- Bupa Healthcare (Private Health Care)
- Continuous Professional Development
- Career Development Opportunities
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Referral Program
ROLE CRITERIA
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Minimum of 5 GCSE grades A-D or equivalent.
- Willingness to work towards a QCF Level 2/3 qualification in Health & Social Care.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Hold a QCF Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
- Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), safeguarding, or mental health awareness.
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- A caring and empathetic nature with a genuine interest in supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs.
- Ability to build positive relationships with individuals and teams.
Desirable
- Previous experience working in a residential or supported living setting.
- Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge or complex needs.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Well-developed communication and listening skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Basic numeracy and literacy.
- Ability to follow care plans and risk assessments.
- High standard of work, accurate record keeping and attention to detail.
- Uses initiative.
- Problem-solver.
- Good computer skills, with the ability to use Word, Excel, email and the internet.
- Ability to identify, manage and prevent triggers of behaviour.
Desirable
- Understanding of person-centred care and safeguarding principles.
- Knowledge of learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions.
- Experience liaising with families, professionals, and external agencies.
- Welsh language skills - spoken and/or written.
GENERAL
Essential
- Physically fit to meet demands of the post.
- Flexible to work shifts including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and wake-ins.
- Prepared to attend any job related training as identified by line management.
- Willing to undertake further training.
- Friendly and approachable.
- Minimum age of 18 (or 21 for children’s services).
- Commitment to upholding dignity, respect, and equality in care.
Desirable
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to drive service vehicles.
- Ability to support individuals in community-based activities and appointments.
- Willingness to undertake additional responsibilities such as key working or mentoring new staff.
Support Worker in Cardiff employer: Gofal Cymru Care Ltd
Gofal Cymru Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centred support to individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through continuous professional development, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable adults and children. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in our benefits, including private healthcare and career advancement opportunities, making us a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know about openings in the care sector. Personal connections can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to support work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for care! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life. This will highlight your commitment and empathy, which are key in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting individuals shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in people's lives, especially those with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Support Worker. Use examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to provide compassionate, person-centred support.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your qualifications and experiences effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values-driven team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gofal Cymru Care Ltd
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as assisting with personal care and promoting independence. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy and compassion in previous roles or experiences. Highlight any situations where you've supported individuals with learning disabilities or mental health needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Support Workers often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, so it's crucial to convey your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well in teams before, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a positive team environment.
