At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with learning difficulties, helping them grow and have fun.
- Company: Join Potens, a leading provider of health and social care services.
- Benefits: Earn up to £14.10 per hour, plus generous allowances and development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Support Worker and a full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity here at Potens for a Senior Support Worker! Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role. Must be a driver with a full (not provisional) manual or automatic licence due to service needs.
Apple Tree House is a residential, Ofsted Registered 'Good' children's service situated on the outskirts of Weymouth, Dorset. Here we support 4 children aged 8 to 18. Apple Tree House has been carefully adapted to provide specialist accommodation for children and young people with moderate to severe learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and associated behavioural challenges.
What we’ll give you:
- Up to £14.10 per hour depending on experience.
- Generous sleep in allowance.
- 40 hours per week, shifts will include a variety of days, evenings, nights and weekends.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Confidential, supportive Employee Assistance Programme, accessible 24/7.
- Paid comprehensive learning and development opportunities including internal leadership competency sessions and recognised qualifications (level 2 to level 5 NVQ in Health & Social Care).
- Access to attractive and exclusive employee benefits including savings on shopping, leisure, and household expenses.
- A generous referral scheme.
What you’ll be doing:
- You will support a team of staff members, ensuring their induction, training and development through mentoring and on-the-job supervisions.
- You will be contributing to the young person’s care plans, risk assessments, their review and implementation to provide effective strategies to assist the young people we support to achieve their identified outcomes.
- You will be part of an on-call system for the home, along with the Registered Manager and Deputy Manager.
- You will support the children to have fun and engage in learning.
- You will be cooking, cleaning and supporting with everyday tasks, depending on the child’s ability. Personal care will also be involved.
- We enjoy days out together, shopping, visiting the cinema and take part in and encourage the children’s interests.
- 40 hours per week, shifts will include 7 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 9 pm and Waking Nights 9 pm to 9 am. Weekend and Bank holiday working is also required.
Who you are:
- The young people we support have said that they want someone "with a great sense of humour, who will have fun, will be understanding, patient and who will enjoy spending time with us".
- You will have a minimum of one year of experience as a Support Worker or you are an existing Senior Support Worker working in the social care sector, preferably with children or adults with learning disabilities, autism, or similar needs.
- You are able to work independently, multitask, organise and prioritise work to suit the people we support.
- You will be a positive role model to the children we support and to your colleagues and will have a mature and professional approach.
- You will have good communication skills.
- You will have the ability to execute and deliver the requirements of your role, whilst keeping a positive attitude under pressure.
Who we are:
We are a national provider of health, social and education services with over 35 years’ experience. Our employees are the driving force behind the fantastic care and support being delivered to hundreds of adults and children across the UK. Our teams are purposeful, positive, and progressive. They work hard to empower the people we support to have a voice, achieve their goals, and change their lives. We are always looking for committed, pro-active and passionate people to join us and create even more opportunities for the people we support. Join our team and have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve changed someone’s life and, in return for your hard work and passion we can give you real meaning and purpose in your work.
Safeguarding:
Potens is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of the people we support throughout our facilities. All applicants will be subject to robust pre-employment checks prior to appointment; including but not exhaustive; enhanced DBS, and a minimum of two satisfactory references.
Diversity:
We champion diversity, and we understand the importance of our teams representing the communities and people we support. Here at Potens, you’ll find an inclusive environment where you can be yourself and where everyone is driven by the same purpose – helping people live independently, healthier, happier lives and doing our part to make a better working environment where all feel welcome and supported.
Senior/Support Worker in Weymouth employer: Potens
At Potens, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Registered Manager at our Chester Road service, you will lead a dedicated team in a well-established environment recognised for its outstanding quality of care, with ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support while enjoying the satisfaction of working in a values-led organisation committed to excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Support Worker in Weymouth
✨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 Potens.
✨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 Potens!
✨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 Potens, 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 Potens 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 in Weymouth
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 Potens:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Potens! 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 Potens
✨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.
