At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young adults in daily living skills and community activities.
- Company: Join a passionate team at St David’s House, dedicated to exceptional care.
- Benefits: Enjoy six weeks annual leave, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while having fun and being creative.
- Qualifications: Minimum one year’s care experience; Level 3 qualification support available.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for experienced support workers to join a fun, passionate and caring team to support our young adults aged 21-36 at St David’s House. Our residents have bespoke care packages with enrichment programmes that support independence, develop daily living skills, and support in accessing leisure, social, and vocational opportunities in the community. Retail therapy, a bite to eat down the pub, or a leisurely walk along the beach will definitely be on the list of things to do.
You will be required to support our young people in a highly personalised way and respond to their needs, wishes, and aspirations. You will also help them meet their personal care needs and medical needs with dignity. We provide exceptional care whilst encouraging our young people to follow their dreams. At St David’s House, we find that the rigid daily structures and strict routine of other care homes don’t really work here, so our staff get to spend quality time with the young people they support.
You will be working as part of a close team of staff led by a Team Leader who will provide supervision and support so that you are able to help deliver high-quality education, care, health, and therapy. You will be supported every step of the way, right from the beginning with an excellent, well-designed induction programme along with mandatory training and shadow shifts which will help you get off to the best possible start, ensuring that you fully understand your role within the organisation.
We offer many opportunities for personal development; in fact, if you haven’t already obtained a Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or equivalent, we will fund and support you in the enrolment and training of this qualification which is a requirement of the role.
About you
We are looking for kind, friendly, and compassionate individuals with a minimum of one year’s care experience who are eager to use their skills and experience to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people. You will bring valuable skills from previous roles where you have supported others, whether in care, education, or in a personal capacity. With a strong “can-do” attitude, you will be committed to helping young people achieve their potential through learning and personal growth.
Your communication skills, problem-solving ability, empathy, and adaptability will be key in providing the tailored support our young people need. Effective communication is essential in this role, as it directly impacts the quality of care and support we provide. A good standard of spoken and written English is important to ensure clear, accurate communication, particularly when working with young people with vision impairment and complex needs, where clear, sensitive, and consistent communication is vital.
This role can also be physically demanding. You must be willing to be on your feet for long periods, walk several miles, support swimming activities, use manual handling equipment, push wheelchairs, and respond to incidents. Our young people have a variety of complex needs; therefore, consistency is also very important to them.
Working pattern
The working pattern is 37 hours per week, working on a three-week rolling rota: early shifts (07:00 – 17:00), late shifts (15:00 – 23:00), and occasional weekends (08:00 – 21:30 or 09:00 – 22:30).
How we say “thank you”
- Six weeks annual leave plus eight bank holidays
- Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
- Paid medical appointments
- Comprehensive training and development
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Onsite café
- Access to discounted shopping
- On-site free parking
- 24-hour employee assistance programme
- Death in service life assurance and group accident cover
- Free flu vaccinations
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Contributory pension scheme for eligible staff
Equality, diversity and safeguarding
We are a disability-friendly employer and actively encourage candidates with a disability to apply. If you need support with completing your application form, please contact our HR team. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are conditional to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS), satisfactory medical check, references, and evidence of the right to work in the UK. Staff have a responsibility to inform InFocus of any conviction or prosecution that occurs whilst employed. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and adults at risk.
Support Worker-Young Adults in Exeter employer: InFocus
Infocus College is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering visually impaired youth in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on professional development and ongoing training, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Located in Exeter, our high-quality residential setting fosters a collaborative work culture that values dignity, respect, and individual aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker-Young Adults in Exeter
✨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 InFocus.
✨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 InFocus!
✨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 InFocus, 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 InFocus 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 Support Worker-Young Adults in Exeter
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 InFocus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to InFocus! 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 InFocus
✨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.
