At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities in daily activities and provide emotional support.
- Company: Join Mencap, a compassionate organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days of paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and more perks.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, excellent communication skills, and flexibility in shifts.
Calling all compassionate and dedicated individuals! Mencap is seeking passionate Support Workers to join our incredible team in Felling, Gateshead. As a Support Worker, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. You will be working with a diverse group of people, each with their own unique abilities and needs. From assisting with daily activities to providing emotional support, you’ll play a vital role in their life.
We support a gentleman in his late 30s who lives in his own flat in the Felling area who has autism and epilepsy. He likes music, animals and Disney. He enjoys going out to places such as the weekly disco and social clubs in the community. You would be part of a supportive and friendly team. The service is 24hrs per day, there are two staff for every day shift and also a waking night. You must be able to work sleep in shifts and you would be expected to contribute to the waking night shifts if and when necessary.
What we’re looking for:
- A genuine passion for supporting others.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- A positive and empathetic attitude towards individuals with learning disabilities.
- This role requires you to be a driver.
Contract options:
- Part-time: 30hrs Shift times: All our services are 24hr care. We prepare the rotas at least 4 weeks in advance so you can still plan your personal and social life!
- Days: Between 08:00 - 21:00 plus sleep in
- Waking Nights: 21:00-07:00
- There is also a sleep-in available where you will receive an enhanced flat rate payment of £64.20
*All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references.
Mencap holds a Home Office sponsorship licence; however, due to current restrictions on our allocation of Certificates of Sponsorship, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Applicants must therefore have the right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and we particularly welcome and encourage disabled applicants and those from the Black and Asian communities to apply for the role as they are under-represented within the workforce.
Benefits
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 24 days of paid holiday (excluding bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document and below link with all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!
About Mencap
Our vision 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're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.
- Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.
- Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes.
- Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
Support Worker in Felling employer: Mencap
Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassion and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work as a Support Worker in Felling, Gateshead. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 24 days of paid holiday, flexible shift patterns, and opportunities for personal growth within a supportive team environment. Join us in our mission to create a kinder society while enjoying a fulfilling career that truly makes a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Felling
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Mencap, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Mencap. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Mencap's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Felling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Mencap. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Mencap.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Mencap.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Support Worker at Mencap.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Mencap that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker role.
