At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in community activities and personal care.
- Company: HF Mencap empowers people with learning disabilities to thrive in their communities.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for SEN teachers or teaching assistants seeking extra hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just a passion for helping others and intermediate swimming skills.
Hours: part-time (flexible hours, including weekends and holidays)
Salary: £13.85 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.
Requirements
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.
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.
About HF Mencap
Our Mission: To empower children and adults with learning disabilities and autism to get their voice heard, reach their potential and be included in their local community.
Our Vision: We seek to promote the wellbeing and development of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism in all areas of their lives as well as supporting their families and carers.
Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends) in London employer: HF Mencap
HF Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With flexible part-time hours, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career development, employees can make a meaningful impact in their community while enjoying a culture that values compassion and teamwork. Located in the vibrant areas of Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, and Hounslow, staff benefit from a diverse and dynamic setting that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism during any conversations or interviews. This role is all about compassion, so sharing personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the local community activities and resources available in Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, and Hounslow. Being knowledgeable about local events can show your initiative and help you connect better with clients.
✨Tip Number 3
If you have any experience in teaching or working with children, be ready to discuss how those skills can translate into engaging activities for the service users. Your background could be a great asset in delivering workshops and facilitating social inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your flexibility by being open about your availability for various shifts, especially weekends and holidays. Showing that you're willing to adapt to the needs of the centre will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (Holidays and Weekends) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Check Commutability:Before applying, ensure you can reliably travel to Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, Hounslow, or surrounding areas. This is crucial for your availability and commitment.
Craft Your CV:Highlight any relevant experience, such as support work, teaching, or swimming. Make sure to include your availability for weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts, as this role requires flexibility.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Express your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. Share specific examples of how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Support Worker role.
Prepare for the Interview:Research HF Mencap's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and demonstrate your strong communication skills and empathy during the interview process.
How to prepare for a job interview at HF Mencap
✨Show Your Passion
Make sure to express your genuine desire to support individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this role.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Discuss any relevant skills you possess, such as strong communication abilities, swimming skills, or experience in teaching. This will demonstrate your capability to engage with clients effectively.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations involving clients. Think of examples where you've shown patience, empathy, or problem-solving skills in challenging scenarios.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, or training opportunities. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
