At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in a fun, safe environment while promoting their independence.
- Company: Optalis, a community-focused organisation dedicated to enhancing lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, discounts, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression and recognition for your hard work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driver’s licence and a passion for supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 24791 - 24791 £ per year.
Loddon Court is a residential short‑breaks service (sometimes called respite) that offers overnight stays for adults with learning disabilities who live in a family environment. Our aim is to provide carers with an opportunity to lead a quality life outside of their caring responsibilities while offering the people we support a chance to experience some time away from home, meet other people, have fun or just relax. We offer a range of leisure activities both within the service and by accessing local community activities.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the overall running of the service, supporting the senior team and management to ensure CQC compliance.
- Provide support that is safe, person‑centred and respects the rights of each individual accessing the service.
- Help people live their lives in ways that make sense to them, ensuring they are well connected to their communities, enjoy activities, stay safe, make positive contributions and remain healthy.
- Support the people who use the respite service with all aspects of their daily routines.
- Ensure that the people we support are at the core of everything we do, treating them with respect, protecting their dignity, and listening to and acting on their views.
- Collaborate with individuals, families, carers and other professionals to provide a consistent and coordinated service that maximises outcomes for people attending the respite service.
- Document all work undertaken and contribute to individuals’ person‑centred reviews.
- For day‑time shifts, be able to drive and have access to a vehicle daily; shifts are 7:00 am‑2:30 pm and 2:30 pm‑9:30 pm.
Requirements
- Valid UK driver’s licence with the ability to drive and access a vehicle daily.
- All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and provide proof of the right to work in the UK.
- DBS clearance level required: Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Benefits
- Perkbox rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance.
- 25 days annual leave (pro‑rata), rising annually to a maximum of 30 days with 8 bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday.
- An additional health and wellbeing day.
- Comprehensive paid training and development programme.
- Excellent career progression opportunities and support.
- Voice in the service and forums, and the opportunity to make a difference.
- STAR awards – a reward scheme recognising staff who have gone the extra mile.
- Generous pension scheme.
Optalis is the adult social care delivery partner on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council. Optalis is owned and funded by the councils and is not a private provider or an employment agency. All applicants are expected to be employed at £24,791.39 per annum, full‑time, equating to £12.85 per hour. Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers.
Support Worker - Loddon Court in Wokingham employer: Optalis Ltd
Optalis is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Support Workers at Loddon Court. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training programmes, generous annual leave, and a rewarding perks package, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. Join us in a role where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Loddon Court in Wokingham
✨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 Optalis Ltd.
✨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 Optalis Ltd!
✨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 Optalis Ltd, 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 Optalis Ltd 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 - Loddon Court in Wokingham
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 Optalis Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Optalis Ltd! 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 Optalis Ltd
✨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.
