At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with disabilities to live independently and engage in community activities.
- Company: Join Queen Alexandra College, a vibrant and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Must have Level 2 in English and maths, and a passion for supporting others.
Hours - 38 hours per week
Contract - 52 weeks, permanent
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
· To provide support to plan, prepare and cook meals as agreed
· To provide emotional support and reassurance to the client and to liaise with colleagues as required if there are key concerns about the client’s wellbeing.
· Contribute to the implementation of care plans, risk assessments, client reviews, and targets.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Level 2 in English and maths
To understand the needs of clients with disabilities and be able to work with them patiently, flexibly and respectfully
Be enthusiastic, pro-active, determined and well organised, and have the ability to multi-task and prioritise.
To demonstrate an appreciation of the ways in which the Support Worker can support clients in the activities.
Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
To demonstrate a client led approach, putting client needs at the centre of all activity
To evidence a positive attitude to equality, diversity and inclusion and work well with others
To understand safeguarding principles and practice and be able to apply them to this role
To display good interpersonal skills with client’s staff and external contacts
Good IT skills, including word processing and spreadsheet packages
Excellent written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail
Well organised, reliable and pro-active
To be flexible and able to work across all curriculum areas
Adaptable and flexible
Competent and conscientious with a methodical approach to managing workloads
Demonstrate charity values
Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham
Our benefits include;
Academic Year 2024/25
- Access to on site car parking
- Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
- Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
- Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
- QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
- BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
- Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
- Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
- Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
- Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
- Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
- Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
- Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
- Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
- Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
- Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
- On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
- Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
- Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.
This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.
We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,
personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to
review the job description above.
Please upload a CV/Resume* with details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in
employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you
believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and
person specification requirements. Your CV/Resume* will be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.
Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from
engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are
available here
As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in
September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may
enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review
online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part
of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for
any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on,
or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you
are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further
information.
Community Support Worker in Birmingham employer: Queen Alexandra Charity
At Queen Alexandra College in Harborne, Birmingham, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs. Our supportive work culture fosters inclusivity and personal growth, offering numerous professional development opportunities alongside a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises employee wellbeing. Join us to be part of a vibrant team where your contributions truly matter and where you can help empower young people to achieve their aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Support Worker in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Queen Alexandra College. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and how they support students with disabilities. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for Community Support Workers, like how you would handle specific situations with clients. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting young people with disabilities. Whether it's volunteering or a relevant job, these anecdotes can make you stand out and demonstrate your dedication to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Support Worker in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Community Support Worker role. Highlight your experience with young people, especially those with disabilities, and showcase any relevant skills that align with the job description.
Show Your Passion:In your application, let your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications. So, get your application in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Alexandra Charity
✨Know Your Clients
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific needs and challenges faced by young people with disabilities. Understanding their rights, choices, and aspirations will help you demonstrate your commitment to person-centred support during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your ability to promote independence, manage daily living activities, and provide emotional support. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully supported individuals in similar situations.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Community Support Workers often work as part of a team. Be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with colleagues and other professionals. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment and how you communicate effectively with others to ensure the best outcomes for clients.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. For instance, you could ask about the training opportunities available or how the team measures success in supporting clients. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in making a difference.