At a Glance
- Tasks: Support older people to live independently while providing essential care and assistance.
- Company: Optalis, a trusted partner in adult social care for local councils.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, perks, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in care and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.86 - 13.86 £ 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. Senior Support Worker, Extra Care Services, Wokingham Full Time £26,739.97. Extra Care enables older people to remain as independent as possible in their own homes while having the reassurance and convenience provided by an on-site care service. The care provided is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who monitors and regulates the care we deliver. We are required to meet their Fundamental Standards of Quality and Safety; ensuring services are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.
To support the Service and Registered Manager in the daily management of the services, ensuring compliance for the purpose of CQC and Health and Safety. To provide administrative support to the service, based in the office and be available to staff and customers throughout the day. Be responsible to develop and ensure regular updating of person-centered care plans for all, ensuring precise and up-to-date medication records, completing risk assessments to ensure that safety to staff, the people we support and visitors. If required, you will provide person centered personal care and well-being support to older people living at the Extra Care service.
Working closely with the Service Manager continuously improving the service we deliver and bring initiative ideas into the service to benefit those we care for. You will collaborate with the people we support, families, carers, and involved professionals to provide a consistent and coordinated service which maximises outcomes for individuals. You will be expected to work closely with other services within the Extra Care Service, providing support, best practice, guidance for each other. Helping in emergencies and sharing of resources between services.
Working for Optalis you will also receive a range of benefits, including:
- 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.
Senior Support Worker - Extra Care in Wokingham 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 Senior Support Worker - Extra Care 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 Senior Support Worker - Extra Care 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.
