At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities in community activities and personal care.
- Company: Go For It! is a caring, community-focused organisation dedicated to person-centred support.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and comprehensive training provided.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a caring attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Go For It! (Respite and Social Care) Ltd (GFI) is a CQC‑registered specialist provider delivering person‑centred, community‑based support to children (from age 5), young people and adults with learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s and related needs. We are seeking female Support Workers to work with female people we support who require gender‑appropriate, trauma‑informed care as part of individually assessed support packages. Support is delivered primarily within the community and people’s homes, enabling individuals to live fulfilling, safe and meaningful lives while promoting independence, dignity and inclusion.
Job Description
The role involves supporting people to access everyday and meaningful activities, including but not limited to:
- Shopping, library visits, cinema and community activities
- Attendance at medical appointments (e.g. GP, hospital)
- Travel training and confidence‑building in the community
- Support in education or structured activity settings
- Planned trips and social opportunities
A key aspect of the role is the ability to remain calm, patient and emotionally regulated when a person becomes anxious, distressed or unsettled, recognising that this may at times present risks to themselves or others. Support is delivered one‑to‑one or in small groups (maximum six) and is tailored to individual needs, preferences and risk assessments.
Hours and Working Pattern
Flexible working from 12 hours per week up to 40+ hours. Shifts available Monday to Sunday, typically between 8am–10pm. Some evening, long‑day or occasional overnight support may be required. Shift types include:
- Short and long shifts
- Afternoons / evenings
- Weekdays and weekends
Hours can be combined to create a “long day”.
Driving Requirement
This role requires the applicant to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a full UK driving licence, clean for a minimum of one year
- Have access to their own vehicle with valid business insurance
- Be willing and able to travel locally to support people in their own homes and community settings
Please note: possession of a full UK driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle for work purposes is essential for this role. Some roles do not require driving – please enquire.
Safeguarding and Pre‑Employment Checks
Before commencing employment, the following are required:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory references
Experience is desirable but not essential. Full induction, training and ongoing supervision are provided.
Purpose of the Post
To work as part of a team providing high‑quality, person‑centred care and support, enabling people we support to take part in daily activities, make choices and achieve positive outcomes in their lives.
Main Responsibilities
Responsibilities to the People We Support
- Treat all individuals with respect, dignity and equality
- Support people to access community activities and manage personal budgets
- Plan meaningful activities based on individual interests and strengths
- Promote independence, choice and control
- Support positive emotional regulation and wellbeing
- Provide personal and intimate care, hygiene and physical support as required
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of the people we support at all times
Responsibilities to GFI and Yourself
- Be personally accountable for the standard of your practice
- Complete daily records, activity diaries and required documentation
- Maintain confidentiality of written and verbal information
- Participate in training, supervision and annual appraisal
- Follow GFI policies, procedures and safeguarding practices
- Comply with Health and Safety requirements
- Report any safeguarding, wellbeing or risk concerns to a manager promptly
Main Duties
- Act as a named Support Worker for allocated individuals
- Safely support people from their home and ensure appropriate handovers
- Never leave a person unattended unless formally authorised
- Work one‑to‑one or in small groups, following care plans and family guidance
- Maintain accurate records, including behaviour and incident reports
- Work alongside families, carers, NHS and social care professionals
- Attend reviews and meetings where required
- Where authorised, drive the vehicles of people we support or your own vehicle (with verified business insurance)
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Abilities
- Respectful, caring and person‑centred approach
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt approach to different people and situations
- Ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure
- Basic IT skills
- Ability to work required shifts, including weekends and bank holidays
- Ability to meet the assessed needs of the people we support
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism
- Outreach or community‑based support experience
Personal Characteristics
- Commitment to inclusion, dignity and human rights
- Belief in enabling people to make choices about their lives
- Creative, flexible and solution‑focused
- A sense of humour and warmth
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally
Flexible Working Options Available
- Flexitime
- Staggered hours
- Compressed hours
- Annualised hours
- Job share
How to Apply
To arrange an interview, please submit/upload your CV and include your availability (days and times). We welcome applications from individuals who share GFI’s values of Aspire, Care, Respect and Partnership.
Support Worker (Female (OR / EA2010)) - Oxfordshire, Driver - FTE/PTE- £13ph+ employer: Mary Rush Care Ltd
Go For It! (Respite and Social Care) Ltd is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. Located in Oxfordshire, the company fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and collaboration, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about community-based care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Female (OR / EA2010)) - Oxfordshire, Driver - FTE/PTE- £13ph+
✨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 Mary Rush Care Ltd.
✨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 Mary Rush Care Ltd!
✨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 Mary Rush Care Ltd, 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 Mary Rush Care Ltd 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 (Female (OR / EA2010)) - Oxfordshire, Driver - FTE/PTE- £13ph+
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 Mary Rush Care Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mary Rush Care Ltd! 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 Mary Rush Care Ltd
✨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.
