At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in achieving personal goals through engaging activities and companionship.
- Company: Optalis, a community-focused adult social care provider.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours with part-time and full-time options available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 12.85 - 12.85 £ per hour.
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 2 Councils. Optalis is not a private provider or an employment agency.
Hours: 08.30 – 4.30pm
Salary: £24,791.39 FTE (£12.85 per hour)
Our day services offer specialist support, a safe and friendly environment with experienced staff, dedicated to supporting people to achieve their personal goals. We have opportunities at the following locations:
- Matthewsgreen, Wokingham (Part time Mon, Tues and Wed weekly)
- Acorn Centre, Wokingham (Full time 37 hours)
- Woodford Park, Woodley (Full time 37 hours)
Our day support offers stimulating activities where people can develop skills, find companionship and improve their well-being. The services provide plenty of opportunities to mix with other people, visit different places and learn new things, with our services designed to meet different needs and interests every day of the week. The focus is on helping the people we support meet their personal goals through person-centred support. The teams help with all support needs, from medication to personal care or emotional support.
Activity Support Organisers - Day Services Wokingham & Woodley employer: Optalis
Optalis is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment for its culinary team at Bluebell House. With a strong focus on employee growth, comprehensive training programmes, and a generous benefits package including 25 days of annual leave and a Perkbox rewards scheme, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Wokingham, the role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older individuals while working in a collaborative and caring atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activity Support Organisers - Day Services Wokingham & Woodley
✨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 Activity Support Organisers - Day Services Wokingham & Woodley
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.
