At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to thrive in their daily lives.
- Company: Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care provider in London and the South East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation in social care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and experience with Autism or learning disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 26228 - 26228 £ per year.
We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Social Care Service in Kent. £26,228.00 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning.
- Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
- Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
- Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
- Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
- Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
- Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
- Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
What you'll bring:
- Essential NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework
- Desirable: Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
- Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
- Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full Job Description.
Support Worker - Kent employer: Look Ahead
As a Specialist Support Worker in our Mental Health Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets, you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises your well-being and professional growth. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and award-winning learning opportunities to help you thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us to be part of a team that values compassion and resilience, ensuring you feel at home in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Kent
✨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 Look Ahead.
✨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 Look Ahead!
✨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 Look Ahead, 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 Look Ahead 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 - Kent
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 Look Ahead:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Look Ahead! 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 Look Ahead
✨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.
