Support Worker in Colchester, Essex

Support Worker Wanted Come Make a Difference with Mencap! Great Tey, Essex

Relief or Fixed Term Contract

Calling all kind, caring, and community-minded people! Mencap is on the lookout for passionate Support Workers to join our friendly team in the beautiful Essex countryside of Great Tey. We’ve got two great options available: a Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover) and Relief work for those who love flexibility.

A quick heads-up before we start: Due to the rural location of this service, public transport links are limited, so you’ll need:

• Your own transport
• A full, clean UK driving licence (some of the people we support have their own cars)

What’s the role all about? As a Support Worker, you’ll be making a genuine difference every single day. You’ll be supporting people with learning disabilities to live life their way—happily, independently, and confidently. This service supports 6 amazing people who share their home, and your role will help ensure they live their best lives possible.

Your day might include:

• Supporting with everyday activities
• Encouraging independence and choice
• Providing emotional support and reassurance
• Building strong, meaningful relationships

It’s a role full of purpose, laughter, learning, and connection.

What we’re looking for:

• A genuine passion for supporting others
• Excellent communication skills
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• A positive, empathetic attitude towards people with learning disabilities
• No previous experience? That’s okay! We’re looking for great people—we’ll provide the training.

Contract Options Available:

• Fixed Term Contract Full time 37.5 hours per week (Maternity leave cover)
• Relief Contract Flexible working with no set hours or shifts

All our services are 24-hour care, and rotas are planned at least 4 weeks in advance, so you can still enjoy your personal and social life. There is also a sleep-in option, paid at an enhanced flat rate of £63.70 per sleep-in.

Our Vision: Our goal is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers—and we champion a kinder, fairer, more inclusive society.

All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

If you’re someone who leads with kindness, believes everyone deserves a great life, and wants work that truly matters—we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits: Why Join Mencap? Because we value and support the people who support others. You’ll benefit from:

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
• Pension and holiday buying options (Permanent / Fixed Term contracts only)
• Ongoing training and development
• A supportive, inclusive workplace where your contribution truly matters

Please note: terms and conditions apply depending on contract type.

About Mencap: Inclusion & Belonging at Mencap. We’re proud to be an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation, and we particularly welcome applications from:

• Disabled applicants
• People from Black and Asian communities (these groups are under-represented within our workforce)

At Mencap:

• Belonging is for everyone, every day, everywhere
• Everyone is treated with kindness and respect
• Mistakes are okay—we learn and grow together
• People are encouraged to be their authentic selves

We also run Belonging Network Groups, open to all colleagues, including groups for:

• Black and Asian colleagues
• LGBTQIA+ colleagues
• Disabled colleagues or those with long-term health conditions
• Women
• Parents and carers
• Allies