At a Glance
- Tasks: Support an active young gentleman with daily activities and meaningful engagement.
- Company: Join Mencap, a compassionate organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days of paid holiday, discounts, health cash plans, and more!
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants; training provided for success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while enjoying flexible shifts.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting others and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
Calling all compassionate and dedicated individuals! Mencap is seeking passionate Support Workers based in a 2:1 supported living service in Chopwell, West Gateshead. We are going through the process of moving to a new home in Sunniside and this should be completed over the summer.
Due to the needs of the service, having a full driver's licence is essential to the role and for the person to have passed their test longer than one year ago. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Support Worker to assist an active young gentleman with a range of daily activities and meaningful engagement. He enjoys watching YouTube, exploring Google Maps, and getting creative by making crispy cakes. He is non-verbal and communicates through sounds or by writing on paper, and he benefits from support from someone who is patient, attentive, and able to understand and respond to his individual communication style. He has a real love for water and enjoys jumping in puddles when it has been raining. Trips to the park are a highlight for him, especially spending time on the swings.
If you are someone who can bring energy, understanding, and a person-centred approach, you'll be a great fit for supporting him to enjoy his favourite activities and maintain his independence.
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: 25 to 35 hours available
- 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!
- Day shift: 09:00 - 19:00
- Day shift and sleep in: 09:00 - 23:00 (then sleep in) 07:00 - 09:15
- There is also a sleep-in available where you will receive an enhanced flat rate payment of £64.20
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.
*All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references.
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.
Locations
Support Worker in Gateshead, North East employer: Mencap
Mencap is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassion and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work as a Support Worker in Chopwell. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, flexible shift patterns, and a generous benefits package including 24 days of paid holiday and discounts at leading retailers. Our supportive work culture fosters meaningful relationships and encourages everyone to bring their authentic selves to work, ensuring that you feel valued and appreciated every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Gateshead, North East
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Mencap. Understand their mission and values, especially their commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with learning disabilities. This will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role requires excellent communication, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to connect with others. Maybe even role-play scenarios where you might need to be patient and understanding.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference in someone’s life.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role or the team. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Gateshead, North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your genuine passion for supporting others shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in someone's life, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Support Worker. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build meaningful relationships, as these are key qualities we’re looking for. Use examples that demonstrate your understanding of individual needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on conveying your message effectively, so we can quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our fantastic benefits there, making it easier for you to understand what we offer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Support Worker entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the individual you'll be supporting, like their communication style and favourite activities. This will show your genuine passion for the role and help you connect better during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with others in the past. Think about times when you've had to adapt your communication style to meet someone's needs, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to build meaningful relationships.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy and Patience
During the interview, highlight your empathetic attitude and patience. Share stories that illustrate how you've supported individuals with learning disabilities or similar challenges. This will reassure the interviewer that you have the right mindset to provide compassionate care.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations as a Support Worker. Practice responding to questions like how you'd engage someone who is non-verbal or how you'd manage a challenging behaviour. This will help you think on your feet and show your problem-solving skills.
