At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide practical and administrative support to a visually impaired senior manager.
- Company: Join Guide Dogs, a charity dedicated to supporting those with sight loss.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for hybrid working and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 19900 - 24875 £ per year.
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant to provide practical, administrative and mobility support to a senior manager with sight loss, helping them to carry out their role efficiently and confidently. An excellent opportunity for a motivated individual with strong communication and organisational skills to support a visually impaired employee at Guide Dogs, combining practical assistance with administrative and driving duties.
SALARY: £24,875 pro rata (Actual Salary based on 28 Hours per Week £19,900 per annum + Excellent Benefits)
LOCATION: Southampton, Hampshire (SO53) – you must be within a commutable distance (30 minutes) of Winchester or Chandler’s Ford
JOB TYPE: Part-time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 28 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm, with some flexibility needed and occasional overnight stays. There is the opportunity for Hybrid working, from home for part of the week.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates MUST hold a full UK driving Licence with access to a vehicle.
JOB DUTIES
- Travel and Driving Support: Driving or travelling by train to internal offices and external meetings across the UK, including occasional overnight stays.
- Sighted Assistance: Providing orientation, sighted guiding and support in unfamiliar environments.
- Journey Planning: Locating addresses, planning routes and managing travel timings effectively.
- Meeting Support: Taking accurate, confidential notes at meetings in accessible formats, ensuring GDPR compliance.
- Administrative Support: Assisting with data input using Microsoft Word, Excel and internal IT systems.
- Visual Description: Explaining visual information within charts, tables, diagrams and interactive maps.
- Diary Management: Planning and organising Outlook calendars, sending invites, booking rooms and avoiding scheduling conflicts.
- Research Assistance: Supporting research by sourcing information from internal systems, intranet, policy papers and presentations.
- Guide Dog Care: Providing exercise and environmental enrichment for a guide dog, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Previous experience handling confidential information with discretion and integrity.
- Proven administrative skills with strong Microsoft Office knowledge.
- Excellent verbal communication and listening skills.
- A positive, flexible and team-focused approach to work.
- Ability to work independently using initiative and good time management.
- Strong organisation and planning skills.
- Functional English and Maths for accurate note-taking and document checking.
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
BENEFITS
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing support.
- Wellbeing Buddies offering confidential peer support.
- Menopause Champions providing dedicated guidance and resources.
- Cycle-to-work scheme with a wide range of bike options.
- Eye care vouchers for free tests and VDU glasses contributions.
- Hearing tests for colleagues working in kennel environments.
- Discounts and cashback across retail, supermarkets, travel and more.
- Pension scheme with employer matching plus 2%, up to 9% employer contribution.
- Life assurance at four times salary, with options to increase cover.
- Flexible benefits allowance (3% of salary) for gym memberships, health plans, dental insurance, travel insurance, critical illness cover, additional life assurance and the option to buy or sell annual leave.
As this role requires an Enhanced Disclosure check the start date for the successful candidate will only be confirmed upon receipt of the check. The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom they work. They expect all of their employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
Please note: we reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE APPLY TODAY… By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant in Southampton employer: Guide Dogs
Contact Detail:
Guide Dogs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Guide Dogs and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires strong verbal skills, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past roles where you successfully managed tasks or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the administrative side of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team at Guide Dogs.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience as a Support Worker or in similar roles. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves strong communication, be sure to demonstrate your verbal and written skills in your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well – it’s a great way to show us you can handle the responsibilities of the job.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: This position requires excellent organisational abilities, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully managed tasks or schedules. We love seeing examples of how you’ve kept things running smoothly in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guide Dogs
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like providing sighted assistance and administrative support. This will help you articulate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Support Worker and Driver, strong communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially when handling confidential information or assisting others. This will demonstrate your ability to support a visually impaired employee confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Highlight your organisational abilities by discussing how you manage tasks like diary management and journey planning. Bring up specific instances where your planning made a difference, showing that you can handle the logistical aspects of the role efficiently.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the support provided to employees, and the training available. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.