At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to a young man, enhancing his independence and well-being.
- Company: Join Head First, a supportive team dedicated to high-quality care.
- Benefits: Earn £17.50-£19.00 per hour, with full training and ongoing support.
- Other info: Full induction and ongoing training provided in a friendly environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying flexible hours.
- Qualifications: Kindness, reliability, and a willingness to learn new communication methods.
The predicted salary is between 17.5 - 17.5 £ per hour.
Location: CT4 Area
Vacancy Type: Part-Time – 19 hours per week
Opportunity to make a difference to a wonderful young man in his family home! We are looking for a compassionate and reliable Support Worker to join a small, friendly team providing 1:1 support to a young man living in his own adapted home in the CT4 area. This is a rewarding opportunity to build a meaningful relationship while supporting independence, well-being, and participation in everyday life.
Pay & Hours
- £17.50 per hour (weekdays)
- £19.00 per hour (weekends)
- £12.71 per hour (sleep-in rate – 8 hours)
- Part-time: 19 hours per week
- Shifts include a mix of day and sleep-in shifts (10–24 hours)
- Fixed 2-week rolling rota (includes weekends and bank holidays)
About The Role
You’ll be supporting a 26-year-old man with an acquired brain injury and quadriplegic cerebral palsy. He lives in a purpose-adapted home with access to large gardens and enjoys:
- Getting out into the community
- Video games and baking
- Visiting the zoo and cinema
- Socialising and conversation
He uses an electronic communication aid (VOCA) and a communication book, and requires support with:
- Personal care, mobility and hoisting
- Daily living tasks (meals, budgeting, household tasks)
- Social and leisure activities
- Clinical care (e.g. PEG and suprapubic catheter — full training provided)
This is a person-centred role, supporting independence, dignity and choice.
What We’re Looking For
- Kind, patient and reliable, with a good sense of humour
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
- Flexible to work a rolling rota including weekends
- Confident communicators (or willing to learn new communication methods)
- Willing to support occasional holidays (UK and abroad)
Requirements
- A full UK driving licence (automatic vehicle) and be aged 25 or older (requirement for vehicle insurance)
- Willingness to drive a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (training provided)
- Enhanced DBS check (paid for if required)
- Experience in care is helpful but not essential – full training and support will be provided
What We Offer
- Full induction and ongoing training (including specialist clinical skills)
- Support from experienced case managers and a dedicated HR team 24/7 on-call support
- A supportive, long-standing team environment
- Opportunities to build long-term, meaningful relationships
Important Information
- This role is subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS
- Due to the nature of the role, there is a genuine occupational requirement to hold a driving licence (Equality Act 2010 compliant)
- We are an equal opportunities recruiter and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals
- Smoking is not permitted during shifts due to health sensitivities within the environment
About Head First
Head First recruits support workers on behalf of clients with complex needs. Our experienced case managers provide ongoing guidance and supervision to ensure high-quality care and a supportive working environment.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Head First, please do not hesitate to apply.
Support Worker in Canterbury employer: Head First
At Head First, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work culture where compassion and reliability are valued. Our part-time Support Worker role in the CT4 area not only provides competitive pay but also includes comprehensive training and ongoing support from experienced case managers, allowing you to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the life of a young man with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Canterbury
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Head First, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Head First. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Head First's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Head First. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Head First.
How to prepare for a job interview at Head First
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Head First.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker at Head First.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Head First that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker role.
