At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling, independent lives.
- Company: Join Mencap, a passionate team making a real difference in Bangor.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid holidays and the chance to make an impact every day.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive environment that promotes choice, dignity, and independence.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic individuals and a full UK driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
We are seeking passionate Practitioners to join one of our incredible teams in Bangor. As a Practitioner at Mencap, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Please note a full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
About the Role
You will deliver high-quality, person-centred support, turning Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans into everyday actions. Working closely with families, Specialist Practitioners, and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will help create safe, supportive environments that promote choice, dignity, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide person-led, high-quality support to autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities, including when behaviour communicates distress.
- Implement Positive Behaviour Support plans in a consistent, compassionate, and practical way.
- Understand the individual's environment, identify early signs of distress, and adjust routines or sensory input to prevent escalation.
- Work collaboratively with families and the multidisciplinary team (e.g. psychology, PBS, social work, occupational therapy) to ensure joined-up support.
- Promote independence in daily living and community participation, replacing restrictions with safe, meaningful alternatives.
- Make clear, time-critical decisions in the moment and maintain accurate ABC charts and data records to inform reviews and improve outcomes.
- Monitor and report changes in behaviour, health, or wellbeing, escalating concerns promptly in line with policy.
- Participate in post-incident debriefs and reflective practice, using learning to strengthen support.
- Contribute to safeguarding, proportionate risk assessments, and crisis responses using least-restrictive approaches.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience supporting autistic people and/or people with learning disabilities, including when behaviour communicates distress.
- Full, clean UK driving licence (essential).
- Willingness and confidence to drive the person we support's own vehicle, which is a key part of promoting independence and community access.
- Skilled at adapting communication and using tools such as Makaton, TEACCH or PECS so people are heard and understood.
- Current training or strong willingness to train in accredited physical intervention and crisis management, with prevention as the priority.
Contract Details
- 2x 36 hour contracts available.
- 12-hour shifts: Day shifts: 9am - 9pm; Night shifts: 9pm - 9am.
Additional Information
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.
Skills: PBS Experience, Working with Autism, Working with Learning Disabilities, Drivers Licence.
Benefits: Paid Holidays.
Full Practitioner employer: Mencap
Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being, making it a fantastic place to work as a Store Manager in Worksop. With a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a generous holiday package, and various perks that enhance work-life balance. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued while contributing to a meaningful mission of improving the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full Practitioner
✨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 Mencap.
✨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 Mencap!
✨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 Mencap, 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 Mencap 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 Full Practitioner
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 Mencap:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mencap! 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 Mencap
✨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.
