At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
- Company: Join Oaklea, a caring organisation making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 28 days holiday, private healthcare, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and opportunities for personal and professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills and building friendships.
- Qualifications: No experience needed, just a positive attitude and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Location: Spennymoor, County Durham
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Contract: Permanent (Requires a full DBS)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Advertising End Date: We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy when we feel we have enough suitable candidates
Benefits - We Are Offering:
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) increasing with long service.
- Pension contributions into NEST Scheme on a salary sacrifice basis meaning NI savings
- £500 onboarding payment
- Private Health Care scheme funded by Oaklea.
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Length of Service Awards
- Access to foundation and bespoke training and development
At Oaklea we work in partnership with the individuals we support (our customers). We strive to support people within the framework of the seven keys to Citizenship; Love, Freedom, Life, Purpose, Help, Money and Home.
Every employee wants a purposeful job - to do something meaningful. At Oaklea, we can give you that. You will have opportunities to develop as a person, colleague, leader and advocate. You'll make new friends and feel inspired to reach your potential. We will ask a lot of you - but you'll get back so much more. With us, it is never 'just a job'. In return for your hard work and passion, we can give you real meaning and purpose in your work.
Support Worker - About the role:
We are looking for caring and motivated Support Workers to join our team in Sherburn, County Durham, supporting adults with learning disabilities. You'll enjoy helping people achieve their goals and live as independently as possible. Experience supporting individuals with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or dysphasia is beneficial but not essential.
The role involves providing person-centred support, including personal care, medication administration, promoting independence, developing life skills, and encouraging positive risk-taking. You'll also support customers with daily living tasks such as budgeting, health appointments, domestic duties, and accessing the local community, hobbies, and new experiences.
We're looking for someone who works well both independently and as part of a team, has a positive, forward-thinking attitude, and is flexible to work a range of shifts, including days, sleep-ins, and waking nights, depending on service needs.
Support Worker - What we need from you:
You do not need to have experience, but it is essential that you share our values. As long as you have a positive attitude and want to improve the lives of those with a learning disability, we will support you with progression opportunities throughout your career with us. Driving licence is preferred but not essential.
Come and join a team on a new adventure of supported living with people of differing abilities and complex health needs, who love being active and are looking for new ways to be involved in their community and have fun.
Support Worker, Spennymoor employer: Oaklea Trust
Oaklea Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities. Located in the welcoming community of Sherburn, Co.Durham, employees benefit from competitive pay, a generous onboarding payment, and comprehensive training opportunities, all within a supportive and positive work culture that fosters personal growth and job satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker, Spennymoor
✨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 Oaklea Trust.
✨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 Oaklea Trust!
✨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 Oaklea Trust, 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 Oaklea Trust 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 Support Worker, Spennymoor
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 Oaklea Trust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Oaklea Trust! 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 Oaklea Trust
✨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.