At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in a fun, safe, and person-centred environment.
- Company: Optalis, a community-focused adult social care provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, discounts, and a comprehensive training programme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A caring attitude and ability to drive are essential.
The predicted salary is between 19800 - 26700 £ per year.
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 two Councils and is not a private provider or an employment agency.
Support Worker, Loddon Court, Wokingham £23,807.45 Full Time
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 accessing local community activities.
Responsibilities
- To contribute to the overall running of the service, supporting the seniors and management to ensure CQC compliance.
- To provide support that is safe, person‑centred and respects the rights of each individual accessing the service.
- To ensure that the people we support are able to live their lives in ways that make sense to them and that they are well connected in their communities, enjoy and achieve, stay safe, make positive contributions and remain healthy.
- This role involves supporting the people who come to use respite services with all aspects of their daily routines.
- To ensure that the people we support are at the core of everything we do, that they are treated with respect, their dignity protected and they can express their views and be listened to.
- To collaborate with customers, families, carers and other professionals to provide a consistent and coordinated service which maximises outcomes for people attending the respite service.
- To document all work undertaken and contribute to individuals’ person‑centred reviews.
- To be able to drive and have access to a vehicle daily for the role.
Please apply online or send your CV details to alison.reeves@optalis.org.
Benefits
- A 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.
- A comprehensive paid training and development programme.
- Excellent career progression opportunities and support.
- As a valued and integral member of the team you will have a voice in the service and forums to be heard and make a difference.
- STAR awards – a reward scheme which recognises staff who have gone the extra mile.
- A generous pension scheme.
Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
We anticipate this being a popular role and therefore reserve the right to close early should there be a large volume of applications. We would therefore advise not to wait until the closing date to submit your interest.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
For advice and information on disclosing criminal records you can contact Nacro’s support service on 0300123 1999 or helpline@nacro.org.uk.
Support worker - Loddon Court in Wokingham employer: Optalis
Optalis is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing meaningful support to adults with learning disabilities in a nurturing environment. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including a comprehensive training programme, career progression opportunities, and a rewarding recognition scheme. Working at Loddon Court not only allows you to make a positive impact in the community but also ensures that your voice is valued within a supportive team culture.
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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Optalis! 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
✨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.
