At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people and adults with learning disabilities in a rewarding day service.
- Company: Join Durham County Council's dedicated Positive Behavioural Support Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting independence and empowerment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care and key qualities like patience and empathy required.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28598 £ per year.
We’re expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team in County Durham and currently have one 28 Hour post and 24 Hour post based at Barnard Castle. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals passionate about delivering high-quality care and making a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll work in a specialist day service (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm), supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex behaviours.
As part of a dedicated team, you’ll help implement positive behaviour support plans, manage behaviours effectively, and create a safe, empowering environment. You’ll act as a role model, promoting independence and informed choice.
We offer a full induction, ongoing training, and regular supervision.
If you would like more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Clare Rain – Pathways and Positive Journey’s Support Manager by email at clare.rain@durham.gov.uk or telephone 07768801053.
What will I need?
You’ll need experience in care or support (professional or personal), and key qualities such as patience, empathy, and understanding of behaviours that challenge.
Qualifications: 4 GCSEs (A–C) or NVQ/Diploma Level 2 (or equivalent). Please refer to the attached person specification for full criteria. Successful applicants will need to complete a DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Adults Barred List, due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with adults.
Interviews
Interviews will be held Week Commencing 29th June 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Positive Journeys Support in Barnard Castle employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Barnard Castle. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary and a robust pension scheme. Join our dedicated team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities while enjoying a fulfilling career in health and social care.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Positive Journeys Support in Barnard Castle
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council!
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council, 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council 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 Positive Journeys Support in Barnard Castle
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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kirklees Metropolitan Council! 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨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.
