At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in activities and community engagement.
- Company: Join HF Mencap, a caring and inclusive organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ13.85 per hour with flexible part-time hours and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a passion for helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a diverse, inclusive team.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 ÂŁ per hour.
Overview
Hours: part-time (flexible hours, including weekends and holidays)
Salary: ÂŁ13.85 per hour
Location: Hammersmith / Fulham / Shepherd’s Bush / Hounslow (and surrounding areas) (Please ensure you are within commutable distance before applying.)
No sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you a caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic individual with a passion for making a positive impact on others’ lives? Join our team at HF Mencap as a Support Worker! No prior experience is necessary—just a genuine commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism. As a Support Worker, you will help our clients lead happy, fulfilling, and independent lives by facilitating activities at our centre and in the local community.
We operate Monday–Saturday (with weekend and holiday cover requirements), and have a variety of shifts so you can choose the pattern that suits you best:
- Weekday shifts: 8 a.m.–6 p.m., 9 a.m.–5 p.m., or 10 a.m.–4 p.m or as required by clients
- Saturday & Sunday shifts: Flexible timing to meet centre needs (e.g., morning, afternoon, full-day).
- Holiday cover: We run additional programmes during school holidays, requiring extra staff to support outings, workshops, and centre-based activities.
If you’re a SEN teacher or teaching assistant looking for extra weekend or holiday work, this could be the perfect opportunity to use your skills in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct Support: Assist service users with learning disabilities and/or autism to participate in centre-based and community activities (e.g., personal training, digital skills workshops, health & wellbeing programmes, local outings, bowling, swimming, movie nights).
- Personal Care & Wellbeing: Provide personal care in a respectful, dignified manner; promote independence wherever possible.
- Community Inclusion: Facilitate social inclusion by helping clients form positive relationships and engage with their local community.
- Record-Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate records for each service user, ensure all activities are safely planned and executed, and comply with relevant health & safety regulations.
- Relationship Building: Foster positive, trusting relationships through excellent communication, patience, and empathy.
- Flexibility & Innovation: Adapt to changing needs, embrace new digital tools, and respond constructively to feedback.
Who We’re Looking For
- Passion & Compassion: A genuine desire to support individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- Swimming Ability: Intermediate-level swimming skills are essential, as you will support clients in the pool.
- Strong Communication Skills: Able to build rapport quickly, listen actively, and work as part of a close-knit team.
- Resilience & Determination: Stay calm and impartial in challenging situations, with the ability to think on your feet.
- Digital Skills: Willingness to learn and use new digital platforms for record-keeping, communication, and delivering workshops.
- Flexibility: Availability to cover weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts as required.
Are you a SEN teacher or teaching assistant seeking additional hours? Your experience with lesson planning, behaviour management, and differentiated instruction will be invaluable in delivering engaging workshops and activities for our service users. We welcome your expertise and enthusiasm.
Training & Benefits
- Comprehensive Training: We provide full induction and ongoing training, including safeguarding, health & safety, positive behaviour support, and person-centred planning.
- Enhanced DBS Check: HF Mencap covers the cost of your enhanced DBS check.
- Vaccination Encouragement: We strongly encourage all colleagues to receive the Covid-19 vaccine to safeguard each other and the individuals we support.
- Career Development: Opportunities for professional development and progression within HF Mencap.
- Supportive Environment: Join a diverse, inclusive team that values each individual’s unique strengths and perspectives.
How to Apply
- Check Commutability: Ensure you can reliably travel to Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Hounslow, or surrounding areas.
- Submit Your CV & Cover Letter: Highlight any relevant experience (e.g., support work, teaching, swimming), your availability for weekday/weekend/holiday shifts, and why you’re passionate about this role.
- Interview & Induction: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview; successful applicants will begin a structured induction and training programme.
Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends) employer: HF Mencap
Contact Detail:
HF Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research HF Mencap and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role as a Support Worker. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your skills and experiences align with the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Check Your Commutability: Before diving into your application, make sure you can easily travel to Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, or Hounslow. We want to ensure you can get to work without any hassle!
Craft a Personalised CV & Cover Letter: When you’re putting together your CV and cover letter, highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it’s support work, teaching, or even swimming! Let us know why you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives.
Show Off Your Flexibility: Since we need support on weekends and holidays, be sure to mention your availability for those shifts. We love candidates who are flexible and ready to jump in when needed!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HF Mencap
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like assisting clients with activities and providing personal care. This will help you demonstrate your genuine commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your caring nature. Whether it’s volunteering or helping someone in need, showing your passion for making a positive impact will resonate well with the interviewers at HF Mencap.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples where you’ve had to stay calm under pressure or adapt to changing needs. This will showcase your resilience and determination, which are crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or specific activities you might be involved in. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.