At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and mental health conditions in daily living tasks.
- Company: Imagine Independence, a leading organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour plus holiday pay and additional sleep-in payments.
- Other info: Flexible casual hours with training and development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, patient, and reliable individuals with a full UK driving licence preferred.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
Hours: Casual work, as and when required. Day work and sleep-in shifts available.
Salary: £12.71 per hour plus holiday pay and additional payment given per sleep-in.
Based in: Padiham, Lancashire
Driver: Preferred (Full, clean UK license)
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 Independence is looking for Specialist Support Workers to provide person-centred care to individuals with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, and complex needs. This includes personal care and supporting individuals with physical and emotional challenges.
You’ll help with:
- Daily living tasks (e.g. cooking, budgeting, healthcare)
- Personal care and hygiene
- Community activities (e.g. walks, swimming, arts & crafts)
Training & Development
We invest in you from day one:
- Full induction and shadowing
- Ongoing face-to-face and online training
- Opportunities to gain Health & Social Care qualifications
What We’re Looking For
- Compassionate & patient – you care deeply about others
- Energetic & creative – you bring positivity to everyday tasks
- Reliable & professional – you maintain high standards and clear boundaries
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.
An enhanced DBS will be required for this post.
Closing date for applications: Thursday the 1st October 2026 at 5pm. 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.
Read more in Rottingdean employer: Imagine Independence
Imagine Independence is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to person-centred care, our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and empowerment, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. Located in a vibrant community, we offer ongoing training opportunities and a rewarding environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more in Rottingdean
✨Get Involved in Local Communities
Social work is all about connections and community, so don’t shy away from getting hands-on. Volunteer at local charities or grassroots organisations. This not only boosts your skills but also helps you build a solid network, often leading to freelance opportunities in social work!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a portfolio showcasing case studies and successes from your social work. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights about your experiences. The more visible you are in showcasing your expertise, the more likely you are to attract clients who need your services.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Websites like The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have resources and connections tailored for freelancers. Being active in these spaces can lead to referral opportunities and job postings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Reach Out Directly to Organisations
Don’t wait for job listings – be proactive! Reach out to local charities, schools, and health organisations to pitch your freelance services. Many times, they might not advertise for help, but would love to know you’re available. Plus, applying through our website can give you an edge in visibility!
We think you need these skills to ace Read more in Rottingdean
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Social Work:When applying for a freelance social work position at Imagine Independence, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you've gained—whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or previous roles. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle diverse client needs and situations.
Include Your Qualifications and Certificates:Don’t forget to mention any qualifications or certifications relevant to social work, like your degree or specialised training. These can really set you apart from other candidates, especially since social work often requires specific credentials to ensure client safety and well-being.
Present a Strong Portfolio:As a freelancer, it’s great to have a portfolio that showcases your case studies or programme designs. This can help potential clients, like Imagine Independence, see the tangible impact of your work. Include client testimonials where possible to add credibility!
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:When you apply, be upfront about your availability and rates. Since freelance social work can be quite flexible, stating your working hours and what you charge will help Imagine Independence understand how you fit into their needs. It's all about setting the right expectations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imagine Independence
✨Showcase Your Experience
As a freelancer in social work, it’s crucial to highlight your previous experiences. Share case studies or anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage diverse client needs. Remember, specific situations where you made a positive impact can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Expect questions about ethical dilemmas you’ve faced in your past work. Social work often involves complex situations; be prepared to discuss how you navigated those scenarios and the decisions you made. This will showcase your critical thinking and adherence to ethical standards.
✨Pitch Your Unique Approach
Freelancing means you have a unique selling point. Be ready to explain what makes your approach distinct. Whether it's a specific methodology you adhere to or a particular demographic you focus on, articulating this can convince potential clients of your value.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Rates
In a freelance interview, it’s essential to clearly discuss your availability and how you structure your rates. Be honest about what you can commit to, whether it’s hours, specific projects, or ongoing support. Transparency here builds trust with Imagine Independence from the get-go!
