At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with autism and learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
- Company: Cygnet Group, a compassionate team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free meals, paid training, and 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, excellent career growth, and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join us to create positive change in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; experience in care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Helping others improve and turn their lives around – there's no better feeling. It's what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.
Cygnet Group is looking for a compassionate and enthusiastic Support Worker (Days) to join our dedicated team at The Squirrels. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives every day. No two days are the same, and you'll play a vital role in helping the individuals we support live fulfilling, independent, and active lives both at The Squirrels and within the local community.
About the Role
We are offering a 42-hour permanent contract, working 12-hour day shifts across a 7-day rota, including approximately two weekends per month. Shift patterns vary, with some starting as early as 7:00 am and others finishing at 10:00 pm.
The Squirrels:
The Squirrels is a specialist residential service for adults with autism and learning disabilities, who may present with behaviours that challenge. We aim to provide a safe, comfortable and effective care environment for those in our care, promoting independence and community integration.
Why Join Cygnet
- Salary: £13.45 – £14.00 per hour
- Free meal while on shift
- NHS Blue Light Discount Card
- Fully paid training and induction
- 28 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Paid breaks
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to a range of staff support and wellbeing services via Cygnet's online portal
- Excellent career development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships and nationally recognised qualifications to support your long-term career growth.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference and helping others live fulfilling, independent lives. While previous experience is valuable, we place just as much importance on your attitude, values, and commitment to person-centred support.
To thrive in this role, you'll have:
- Experience supporting adults with Autism and/or Learning Disabilities or working within a care setting.
- An understanding of behaviours that may challenge, and a positive, proactive approach to support
- A caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic attitude with a genuine desire to help others succeed
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, and colleagues
- A team-focused approach, with the ability to work collaboratively in a supportive environment
- Flexibility and enthusiasm for supporting a variety of community activities, social events, and meaningful experiences
- A commitment to promoting independence, choice, dignity, and wellbeing for the people we support
Who We Support
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Individuals with autism and/or learning disabilities
- People who may present challenging behaviours
- Residents with communication challenges and complex needs
Please note that successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you care about making a difference – we want to talk to you.
Support Worker in Southampton employer: Jobiqo
Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Southampton
✨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 Jobiqo.
✨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 Jobiqo!
✨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 Jobiqo, 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 Jobiqo 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 in Southampton
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 Jobiqo:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Jobiqo! 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 Jobiqo
✨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.