At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to enjoy meaningful and fun daily experiences.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy six weeks' annual leave, health plans, and discounts at top retailers.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact while sharing laughter and creating unforgettable moments.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your warmth, friendliness, and a manual driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Could you help make every day meaningful, fun and full of possibility? Looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference while sharing laughter, new experiences and great days out? No experience is needed – just the right values, a sense of fun and a willingness to support people to live lives that make sense to them.
We're looking for a Support Worker to join our team in Westoning, supporting seven fantastic people with learning disabilities in their own home. 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis, including weekends, bank holidays and sleep‑ins.
Why driving matters
Having a manual driving licence is essential, not because you'll be rushing from appointment to appointment, but because driving helps open up opportunities. Whether it’s a trip to the park, visiting friends, attending activities or exploring somewhere new, you’ll help people get where they want to be and do the things they enjoy.
Meet Jane and Simon
Who better to tell you about the role? Jane and Simon are non‑verbal, but they are experts at showing us what matters to them and what they value in great support. At home, they want someone who will:
- Create a relaxed and happy atmosphere
- Share plenty of laughter and fun
- Sing along to their favourite songs
- Invent silly games and use silly voices
- Turn everyday routines into enjoyable moments
When they're out and about, they enjoy:
- Visiting MacIntyre's Learning Centre in Ampthill to see friends and take part in activities
- Trips to the park, fresh air and picnics on sunny days
- Exploring new places and experiences
And when it's time to relax:
- Sixties music is always a winner – especially Elvis!
- Settling down with a favourite TV programme
- Trying new activities and discovering new interests with support from creative, enthusiastic staff
More than support
This role isn't about doing things for people. It's about working alongside them, listening to what they communicate in their own unique ways, and helping them shape lives filled with the things that matter most to them. Jane and Simon are full of personality, laughter and fun. They are looking for someone who will get to know them, celebrate who they are and support them to live rich, meaningful and fulfilling lives.
About you
Experience isn’t necessary. If you share our values, are warm, friendly and willing to learn, you’re likely to be a great fit. We’re looking for people who celebrate differences, and we strive to make all our staff feel included, valued and respected. You must be a driver with a manual licence, as you will be driving service vehicles, also confident in driving an 8‑seater vehicle.
Pay and Rewards
We provide a range of benefits to reward and thank our Support Workers which includes:
- Six weeks' annual leave including statutory public holidays
- Workplace Pension scheme – MacIntyre will contribute 3% of your salary to all eligible employees
- MacIntyre Staff Savings Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
- Health Cash Plan which provides money back on core health treatments such as optical, dental, physiotherapy, chiropody (at reduced cost)
- MacIntyre Sick Pay (qualifying period)
- Life assurance scheme offering valuable benefits to your dependents
- MacIntyre Rewards Scheme which recognises and rewards staff
- MacIntyre Perks which offers up to 6% discount off leading retailers including Tesco, Curry/PC World, Costa and many more
- Access to the Blue Light Card which offers thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street for emergency and social care staff.
- Enhanced DBS Certificate (cost paid by MacIntyre)
Safer Recruitment and Diversity statement
MacIntyre safeguards and promotes the welfare of the children, young people and adults we support. Therefore we work with successful candidates to complete appropriate checks prior to joining. MacIntyre is committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion among our workforce. We want our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and the people we support.
Support Worker in Westoning employer: MacIntyre Charity
At MacIntyre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values inclusivity, creativity, and personal growth. Our supportive work culture encourages staff to build meaningful relationships with the individuals they assist, ensuring every day is filled with laughter and joy. With generous benefits such as six weeks of annual leave, a workplace pension scheme, and access to exclusive discounts, our team in Westoning enjoys a fulfilling career while making a genuine difference in the lives of those we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Westoning
✨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 MacIntyre Charity.
✨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 MacIntyre Charity!
✨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 MacIntyre Charity, 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 MacIntyre Charity 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 in Westoning
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 MacIntyre Charity:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to MacIntyre Charity! 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 MacIntyre Charity
✨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.
