At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our home clean and welcoming while helping others feel comfortable.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Sobell Lodge, part of Leonard Cheshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, flexible hours, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, training provided, and a chance to grow your skills.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and willingness to learn; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.84 - 12.84 £ per hour.
£12.84 per hour | Part-time | 21 hours per week | Sobell Lodge, Staplehurst
“It’s the little things – fresh laundry, spotless rooms – that make people feel truly at home.” That’s how our team describes the difference they make every day. If you take pride in a job well done and want to use your skills to help others live comfortably, we’d love to hear from you.
A home, not just a service: Sobell Lodge, in the peaceful village of Staplehurst in Kent, is home for up to 18 disabled adults. Our home has extensive, accessible grounds and a warm welcoming team. Our service feels like family – relaxed, supportive, and centred around the people who live here. Every day brings new moments to celebrate from small wins in independence to big laughs over mealtimes.
This role offers part-time hours, at 21 hours per week. You’ll need to be flexible to work across weekdays and weekends as part of a rota. Typical shifts include: We’ll work with you to agree a pattern that suits the service and your availability.
Why you’ll love working here:
- 28 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays (+1 every year up to 33 days)
- Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
- Free Blue Light Card: Enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits
- Contributory Pension Scheme: Secure your future with competitive life cover
- Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
- Career Development: Opportunities for apprenticeships and recognised qualifications
- Free DBS Check: We’ve got you covered!
- Employee Assistance Programme: Support when you need it most, plus so much more!
What you’ll do:
- Carry out general cleaning duties to keep the service clean, safe and welcoming
- Handle laundry from start to finish – sorting, washing, drying, ironing and minor repairs
- Use cleaning and laundry equipment safely, following COSHH and infection control guidelines
- Keep track of stock and re-order supplies when needed
- Report faults or issues to your manager promptly
Whether you’ve worked in a commercial cleaning or laundry role before, or this is new to you, we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed.
What helps you shine here:
- A keen eye for detail and pride in your work
- Willingness to work flexibly, including weekends
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to carry out manual tasks safely
- Sewing skills (hemming, buttons, small repairs) – nice to have, but not essential
- Knowledge of COSHH and infection control (advantageous, but training provided)
About Leonard Cheshire: We exist to make sure everyone has the opportunity to live their life fully, regardless of the complexity of their care needs. Established over 75 years ago, we provide specialist support across residential care, supported living and respite services. Our teams work with people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, sensory impairments and learning disabilities. Our goal is simple: to support disabled people to live, learn and work as independently as possible, with real choice and control over their lives.
Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles. Visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship or are awaiting a visa decision.
Domestic Assistant in Staplehurst employer: Leonard Cheshire
As a Regional Director with us, you'll be part of a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career advancement, all while making a meaningful impact in the South West England community. Join us to lead change and strengthen services in a role that values your expertise and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic Assistant in Staplehurst
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Leonard Cheshire, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Leonard Cheshire. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Leonard Cheshire's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic Assistant in Staplehurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Leonard Cheshire. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Leonard Cheshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonard Cheshire
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Leonard Cheshire.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Domestic Assistant at Leonard Cheshire.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Leonard Cheshire that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Domestic Assistant role.