At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities through engaging activities and hands-on care.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with no weekend work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in care or willingness to learn; NVQ2 in Care preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25949 - 28142 £ per year.
We are looking for a Support Assistant to join our Day Service dedicated to supporting adults with profound multiple learning disabilities, offering hands-on care and engagement through various activities conducted predominately in our Tilehurst-based Centre (moving to Hexham Road, Reading late 2026) and within the community.
About The Role
- Full-time – 37 hours per week – 8.45am – 4.15pm (Monday – Thursday) & 8.45am – 3.45pm (Friday) – No weekend work required.
- Your role will be assisting in the delivery of a user led service, where service users are encouraged and supported to develop their independence, build positive relationships and be empowered to make informed choices.
- We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable people with practice working in a care setting, to join our existing experienced and skilled staff team.
- Our focus involves providing support to adults with complex learning disabilities in group settings, maintaining ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4.
- The successful candidate will work as part of a team to provide activities, a safe environment as well as follow and contribute to care and activity plans.
Skills Required
- Qualification in Care/NVQ2/Level 2 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence or willingness to undertake this.
- Capability to connect with service users, addressing their needs with a sense of understanding, patience, respect, and dignity.
- Ability to follow deliver Person Centred Support, Care plans, Risk assessment and highlight discrepancies.
- Ability to perform personal care duties with dignity and respect, including manual handling if necessary.
- Effective teamwork with the capacity to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Basic IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Packages such as Word and Outlook and to use online training.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- Kennet Day nursery (based at the Civic Offices) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Opportunities for further development and training available.
- We pay for your DBS application.
Closing date: Sunday 2nd August 2026
Interview setup: In person at Strathy Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 2PP
Support Assistant – Learning Disability Day Services in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant – Learning Disability Day Services in Reading
✨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 Local Government South East.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant – Learning Disability Day Services in Reading
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 Local Government South East:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Local Government South East! 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 Local Government South East
✨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.
