At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in a community setting.
- Company: Imagine Independence is dedicated to empowering those with mental illness and learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including weekends and nights, to meet service needs.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in people's lives while fostering individuality.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care, especially with complex needs, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Ref: 25/39 Specialist Support Worker - Oldham, Greater Manchester
Job Reference: 25/39
Hours: Full time (37.5 hpw)
Salary: £25,658.00 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 25 Days annual leave plus bank holidays allowance
- Employer’s contributory pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
About us
Imagine Independence is a leading third sector organisation, passionate about supporting people with mental illness, neurodiversity, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge to live as part of their community. Imagine exists to challenge the stigma that having a mental illness or learning disability still brings. Imagine supports people to live meaningfully by nurturing their individuality and recognising the power of small steps.
Do you want to become part of this amazing organisation? If you have a passion for providing high-quality support and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!
The role
Imagine are recruiting Specialist Support Workers for women who have a Learning Disability and Autism who live in supported accommodation. They would like to be supported by staff who can share their experience of working with clients with a diagnosis of Autism, who are friendly and outgoing, who have a good sense of humour, good communication skills and who are keen to support them to maintain a tenancy and expand their social networks.
You will be required to work flexibly on a rota basis to meet the needs of the service, this includes, weekends, Bank Holidays, Day Shifts, and Waking Night shifts.
Service Delivery Model
To follow the principles of the REACH standards when working with individuals:
§I choose who I live with
§I choose where I live
§I choose who supports me
§I choose how I am supported
§I have my own home
§I choose what happens in my own home
§I make friendships and relationships with people on my terms
§I am supported to be healthy and safe on my terms
§I have the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens.
Job Description
Main Duties Include:
- Work with individuals in transition from hospital to a community setting according to their care and support plan.
- Take part in helping people draw up & follow their person-centred plan; follow set Positive Behaviour Support Plans
- Work in partnership with others to allow independence of choice
- Act with integrity and to identify opportunities to celebrate achievements to allow a positive, respectful and trusting relationship to grow and support people to improve their confidence and self esteem
- Support people to make informed choices around a healthy lifestyle including physical health and improving self-care
- Support people to manage finances to meet domestic responsibilities and personal aspirations
- Support people to access other services and attend, as appropriate, case conferences, reviews etc.
- To prompt individuals and undertake personal care duties as required
- To write up & record activities undertaken
- To report any significant change in client’s health, behaviour, wider situation to a manager & liaise with clinical teams
- To treat all people with dignity and respect; promote an environment free from bullying, harassment & intimidation
- To take responsibility for own health and safety, that of tenants and to report areas of risk to the Manager
- All employees are subject to the Health & Safety at Work Act.
Imagine is looking for candidates with previous experience of working in health and social care including complex needs, who may be looking for the next step in their career.
Imagine is a values-based recruiter and so it will be seeking to ensure that the successful candidate will align with the following:
- Meaningful Living: Using empathy to bring together diverse people and resources, to put the everyday within reach of everyone.
- Nurturing Individuality: Creating conditions that support people to be true to themselves and express their truth.
- Focused Dedication: Showing up each day hungry to do our best to learn and develop. We never give up on people.
- Challenging Ideas: Keeping our efforts real and centred on what matters most, we do not settle for the ordinary when better is possible.
- Generous Sharing: Giving of ourselves, our experiences and knowledge, to promote and provide a great service.
This is a great time to join, as we continue to expand our services across the north-west of England and beyond. For an initial chat, please call Melissa O’Neill on 07552 276974 or Lindsey Lewis on 07824 138141 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).
An enhanced DBS will be required for this post.
Closing date for applications: Monday 4 th August 2025 at 12.00 noon.
Interviews will take place: 20 th August 2025.
Imagine reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Imagine aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.
Head Office: 25 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BQ
#J-18808-LjbffrRef: 25/39 Specialist Support Worker - in Oldham employer: Imagine Independence
Imagine Independence is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and autism. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, a generous benefits package including 25 days of annual leave, and a contributory pension scheme, all while promoting a culture of empathy and respect. Join us in Oldham, where you can thrive in a dynamic team that values individuality and encourages meaningful living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ref: 25/39 Specialist Support Worker - in Oldham
✨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 Imagine Independence.
✨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 Imagine Independence!
✨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 Imagine Independence, 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 Imagine Independence 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 Ref: 25/39 Specialist Support Worker - in Oldham
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 Imagine Independence:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Imagine Independence! 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 Imagine Independence
✨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.
