At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate fun activities for individuals with learning disabilities and support their community engagement.
- Company: Optalis, a supportive social care provider for Wokingham and Windsor & Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 25 days leave, health perks, and a rewarding work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values your input and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a dynamic and fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting others and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13.86 - 13.86 £ per hour.
Location: Wokingham
Date: 26/08/2026
Salary: £26,739.97 FTE (£13.86 per hour)
Contractual hours: 21 (Part time)
Region: South
Job description:
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.
The Out and About Service is a non-commissioned service run by Optalis for people with learning disabilities. The people we support may also have physical disabilities and be neurodivergent, and we provide them with the opportunity and support to join in with local events and activities in the evening and at weekends.
Individuals choose activities from our programme and we provide a package, often including transport, which supports them to participate in groups or 1:1 in bowling, cinema, pub and restaurant visits, trips to museums, days and weekends away and a range of crafts and cooking. Where we go and what we do is guided by the interests and wishes of the people we support.
Out and About aims to provide entertaining, interesting and stimulating activities providing access to events and opportunities in order to help increase confidence, improve community engagement whilst also providing short breaks to unpaid carers. Engagement helps to build friendships and relationships with people with similar interests. The service seeks to provide physical, social and emotional benefits to the people we support, helping them undertake activities they enjoy or give them the opportunity and confidence to try something new.
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. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.
Service Co-ordinator - Out & About 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 Service Co-ordinator - Out & About in Wokingham
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Optalis, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Optalis. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Optalis's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Co-ordinator - Out & About in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Optalis. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Optalis.
How to prepare for a job interview at Optalis
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Optalis.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Service Co-ordinator - Out & About at Optalis.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Optalis that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Service Co-ordinator - Out & About role.
