At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities, mentor staff, and lead service reviews.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Sutton, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and discounts on local services.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to community wellbeing and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, experience in care, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Found in zone 5 with good transport links in and out of London, Sutton boasts award‑winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing and great schools. As well as high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, the council provides quality services and successfully addresses financial challenges, while involving residents in key issues and high‑street changes. Sutton is continuously investing in the health, wellbeing and education of residents and the future generation, as set out in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan.
Your primary role will be to work closely with the management team to ensure the individual needs of adults with learning disabilities and complex needs are met.
Responsibilities:- Supervising, coaching, and mentoring junior staff.
- Delegating tasks and providing constructive feedback.
- Contributing to the professional development of team members.
- Promoting excellent practice and acting as a positive role model at all times.
- Carrying out timely assessments on people referred to the service and leading service review meetings.
This is a new role within the service to meet the growing demand and expansion of the service. We are especially interested in someone with experience supporting individuals with autism.
Essential Requirements:- A relevant qualification, such as an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- A manual handling assessor certificate, or the willingness and ability to successfully complete this qualification within the specified timeframe.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, including using IT equipment and systems.
- Proven experience of working in a care setting, ideally with adults with learning disabilities and autism within a community setting.
- Proven previous experience of supervising staff and delegating duties.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and up‑to‑date best practice.
- Confidence in managing routine issues and knowing when to escalate.
The London Borough of Sutton’s Support & Inclusion Team is a key part of the adult specialist Community Support Services. Operating from the Sutton Inclusion Centre, a resource hub for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, the service focuses on promoting independence and helping individuals achieve their personal goals through partnership working. This is an exciting time of service expansion, and the team is actively seeking new members. We currently offer a diverse range of daytime activities from Monday to Friday, including art, music, sensory sessions, interactive storytelling, companion cycling, skill building, keep‑fit, shopping, baking, tac‑pac, and sports and games.
Our Offer To You:As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We continually strive to improve our ways of working and encourage all ideas, big or small, to be shared and supported by colleagues and the dynamic management team.
Benefits:- A generous annual leave entitlement of 26‑32 days plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time).
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave.
- Two volunteering days per year.
- Flexible working – Smarter Working Scheme (subject to the role).
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks.
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses.
- Discounts on local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme.
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support.
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough and strive to create a workforce that reflects the community we serve, fostering a sense of belonging for staff. We celebrate and respect differences and welcome applications from under‑represented groups. Our inclusive workforce policies offer flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and inclusive staff networks to drive our diversity agenda. We are a disability‑confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. As a London Living Wage Employer, all employees are guaranteed the London Living Wage, regardless of contract type.
UK immigration rules may affect EU and non‑EU workers. Applicants should check the GOV.UK website for right‑to‑work guidance. Sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility and budgetary constraints; sponsorship can only be guaranteed on a case‑by‑case basis.
Senior Community Support Worker employer: LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
The London Borough of Sutton is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements, extensive annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, staff are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located just a short train ride from Central London, Sutton provides a vibrant setting with access to award-winning parks and a strong focus on health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Community Support Worker
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON.
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON!
✨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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON, 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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON 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 Senior Community Support Worker
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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON! 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 LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON
✨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.
