At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with disabilities to build confidence and independence in their daily lives.
- Company: Strode Park Foundation, a caring organisation since 1946.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, free flu jab, and staff awards.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Genuine interest in care, Level 2 Diploma preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.87 - 12.87 £ per hour.
About us
Caring since 1946, Strode Park Foundation provides vital care and support services, supported living opportunities and day and leisure services for young people and adults with a range of disabilities across Kent. Our values of Care, Inspire and Together underpin everything we do, and we are very proud to employ truly inspirational people who make our care settings a remarkable place to work.
About the Role
Make every day meaningful as a Care & Support Worker. Are you looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same? Join our Lifestyles team as a Care & Support Worker and help adults with physical disabilities build confidence, independence and joy in everyday life. In this varied and fulfilling role, you could be supporting residential clients at the Coach House to develop independence skills, helping supported living clients enjoy outings, education and their day-to-day routines, or working alongside community day service clients as they take part in our outstanding activities programme. We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic people who want to make a real difference. If you are committed to helping people grow in independence, confidence and self-esteem, we would love to hear from you. This opportunity is for day shifts, with some sleep night shifts required. Pay: £12.87 per hour. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship or a switch of sponsorship for this role.
Job Opportunity
What you’ll be doing
As a Care & Support Worker, you will play an important part in creating positive, person-centred experiences for our residents and service users. You will:
- Work as part of a supportive team to provide physical and social support, helping residents and service users achieve greater independence and wellbeing
- Meet personal and emotional care needs in a way that respects each person’s choices, preferences and dignity
- Support people with personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting and nutritional choices, with warmth and respect
- Encourage service users to reach their full potential by promoting independence and supporting their physical, social and spiritual wellbeing
From your first day, you will receive comprehensive support, training and development opportunities to help you build your skills and feel confident in your role. At the Coach House, our skilled and dedicated team inspires, encourages and nurtures residents and day centre clients to grow, develop and enjoy new opportunities. Adults aged 18 and over with physical disabilities can take part in day care opportunities and our sensory enrichment programme. The RISE Centre is specially designed for adults with physical disabilities, supporting individuals to achieve their own goals and aspirations while experiencing new skills, therapies and activities. Each care programme is tailored to the individual, helping everyone get the most from their time with us.
Company Benefits
- Competitive Rates of Pay
- Paid Disclosure and Barring Service Check
- Employer Pension Contributions
- Free Flu Jab
- Free Parking
- Refer a friend bonus
- Strode Lottery
- Staff Council
- Flexible Hours
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Staff Newsletter and updates
- Staff Awards
Essential Skills
What we’re looking for
Our ideal Care & Support Worker will bring kindness, reliability and a genuine interest in adult care services, along with:
- A genuine interest in working in adult care services and supporting people to live fulfilling lives
- A Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards it
- The ability to communicate clearly and appropriately, both verbally and in writing
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work positively as part of a team
- The ability to listen, respond and be guided by the people who use our services
It would also be great if you have:
- Caring experience, whether gained through work, volunteering or personal experience
- A full clean driving licence
- Basic education in English and maths
DEI Statement
Strode Park Foundation (“Strode Park”) is fully committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and the elimination of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Strode Park truly values the differences that a diverse workforce brings to our organisation. Our aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and for our service users and each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Strode Park will not discriminate because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, or sexual orientation. It will not discriminate because of any other irrelevant factor, and will build a culture that values meritocracy, openness, fairness and transparency.
Care & Support Worker - Lifestyles Community Services employer: Occy
At Insignia Healthcare Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role. Located in the welcoming community of Rackheath, Norwich, we offer flexible working hours, competitive benefits, and a chance to be part of a compassionate team that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care & Support Worker - Lifestyles Community Services
✨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 Occy.
✨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 Occy!
✨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 Occy, 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 Occy 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 Care & Support Worker - Lifestyles Community Services
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 Occy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Occy! 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 Occy
✨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.
