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- Tasks: Support tenants in daily activities and help them enjoy life to the fullest.
- Company: Join Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days of paid holiday, discounts, health plans, and flexible shifts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and great communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours with sleep-in options and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 13000 - 16000 £ per year.
Mencap is seeking a compassionate 20hr Support Worker to join two Supported Living services in the Bensham and Saltwell areas of Gateshead. The role involves working across both services (one near Saltwell Park with four tenants aged 22–40, and one near Bensham Grove Community Centre with four male tenants aged 30–80). Shifts vary and include daytime hours and sleep-ins as part of a rota. A flexible approach and knowledge of the local area are beneficial.
Responsibilities
- Provide person-centred support to tenants, helping them to pursue activities such as gym visits, discos, creative classes, and social events.
- Work across two services as part of a single team, under the direction of the service manager.
- Support tenants with daily living tasks and accompany them to activities, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
- Engage with colleagues to share ideas and deliver high-quality care.
- Contribute to rota planning and maintain consistency with the 4-week planning window.
Requirements / Qualifications
- 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.
- Knowledge of the local area is desirable but not essential.
Contract, Shifts & Benefits
- Contract option: Part-time 20 hours per week. All services are 24-hour care. Rotas are prepared at least 4 weeks in advance to help you plan your personal life. Sleep-in options are available with an enhanced flat rate payment of £63.70.
Additional details: All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references. Disability Confident employer; we welcome applicants from disabled communities and other under-represented groups. Benefits include 24 days of paid holiday (pro rata), discounts at major retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and more.
About Mencap
Our vision is to create the UK’s best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and strive for a kinder, fairer, and more inclusive society. We value belonging and inclusion for everyone, and offer various contract types and working patterns. We train and develop our colleagues to succeed in the role. We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and particularly encourage disabled applicants and those from Black and Asian communities to apply, as these groups are under-represented within the workforce.
Support Worker in Gateshead employer: Mencap
Contact Detail:
Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local area! Familiarise yourself with the hotspots and community centres where you might be supporting tenants. This will not only help you connect better with them but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your empathy and communication skills during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for supporting others, especially those with learning disabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Be prepared to discuss your availability for various shifts, including evenings and weekends. Showing that you're adaptable can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker in Gateshead
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 how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, especially those with learning disabilities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Support Worker. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when applicants communicate effectively, as it reflects the excellent communication skills we’re looking for in a Support Worker.
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 you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with person-centred support and think about how you can help tenants engage in activities like gym visits or social events. This will show your genuine passion for supporting others.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've built meaningful relationships in past experiences. Think about times when you’ve had to adapt your communication style to connect with different individuals, especially those with learning disabilities.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
Since the job involves working various shifts and across two services, highlight your flexibility and willingness to collaborate with colleagues. Share instances where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, contributing ideas and maintaining high-quality care.
✨Research the Local Area
While knowledge of the local area isn’t essential, it’s definitely beneficial. Do a bit of research on Gateshead, particularly Bensham and Saltwell. Being able to discuss local activities or resources during your interview will show your commitment and readiness to support the tenants effectively.