At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities in daily activities and promote independence.
- Company: Norwood is the UK's oldest Jewish charity, empowering neurodiverse individuals since 1795.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate, 25 days annual leave, and a workplace pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a team that values diversity and offers tailored training for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a compassionate and supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Support Worker and a clean UK driving license preferred.
Salary: £13 per hour / £26,434.98 per annum
Hours: 36 per week
Shifts: Typically, 07:00–21:00, with a 1-hour unpaid break
Location: Crowthorne, RG45 6BQ
About the Role
We’re looking for caring, reliable Support Workers to join the team at Orchard, a friendly residential service based within Ravenswood Village. You’ll be supporting adults with a range of complex needs to lead full, meaningful lives.
This role is about building trust, enabling independence, and supporting people with dignity, every day.
About Norwood
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.
At Norwood, you’ll make a real difference every day. You’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team, guided by values of kindness, respect, empowerment and belonging. We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.
About Orchard
Orchard is a spacious two-storey home within the Ravenswood Estate, supporting ten adults aged 20s to 70s with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and additional needs such as epilepsy and mental health conditions. The home includes six bedrooms and two self-contained flats, creating a mixed and personalised environment.
Shifts follow a 24-hour rota, typically running 07:00 to 21:00, with adjustments made around the routines and preferences of the people supported. You’ll be joining a stable and values‑led team committed to Kindness, Respect, Belonging, and Empowerment.
Your Day-to-Day
Your role will be varied and active. You’ll:
- Support people with personal care, medication, mobility, and communication
- Help people participate in activities, hobbies and trips out
- Assist with household tasks and daily routines
- Promote independence, dignity and choice
- Support people based on their individual needs and support plans
- Drive the home vehicle for appointments or leisure (if you’re a driver)
Experience, Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities or autism would be beneficial
- Awareness of safeguarding and person-centric care
- Able to commit to full-time hours, including weekends
Desirable
- Experience with epilepsy and/or mental health support
- Knowledge of active support and Dignity in Care
- Full, clean UK driving licence
We also welcome people new to care who show the right values and commitment. Full induction and training will be provided.
What we offer
- £13.00 per hour (plus overtime at £14.30 and Bank Holidays at £19.50)
- Fully funded induction and training
- 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Blue Light Card scheme access
- Cycling to Work scheme
- Free eye test and eyewear allowance
- £300 refer-a-friend bonus
- Career development pathway
- Free on-site parking
- A supportive, experienced team and management
We are a kind and compassionate community. Empowerment and respect are at the heart of everything we do and believe in at Norwood.
If you are positive and resilient and a force for good, we are for you!
We strive for excellence and to make a real difference to the lives of the people we support. Our team is one of our biggest assets.
We nurture a supportive environment for our people, with tailored training and career development at all levels.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
We actively celebrate everyone’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender.
Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.
Female Support Worker - Orchard employer: Norwood Ravenswood
Norwood is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Located in the vibrant community of Crowthorne, employees benefit from comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, all while being part of a historic charity that values empowerment and respect. Join us at The Orchard, where your contributions will be celebrated and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Female Support Worker - Orchard
✨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 Norwood Ravenswood.
✨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 Norwood Ravenswood!
✨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 Norwood Ravenswood, 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 Norwood Ravenswood 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 Female Support Worker - Orchard
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 Norwood Ravenswood:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Norwood Ravenswood! 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 Norwood Ravenswood
✨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.
