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.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for hybrid working and career growth.
- 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.
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
Guide Dogs is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits including an Employee Assistance Programme and flexible working options, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located in Southampton, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with the community and support individuals with sight loss, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant in Southampton
✨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 Guide Dogs.
✨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 Guide Dogs!
✨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 Guide Dogs, 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 Guide Dogs 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 Support Worker and Driver / Employee Access Assistant in Southampton
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 Guide Dogs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Guide Dogs! 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 Guide Dogs
✨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.
