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- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs in daily living and promote independence.
- Company: Focus House, a supportive and inclusive residential service near Reading.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong communication skills and a desire to help others.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Support Worker to join Focus House, located near Reading town centre. We are a residential supported living unit and floating support service for adults with mental health needs. Our objective is to deliver exceptional quality psychological and practical support to our service users to promote a higher level of independence, based on the principles of the recovery model that utilises the strength and assets of each individual regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success.
About the Role
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK – Sponsorship not available.
Responsibilities
- Assist individuals in fulfilling their daily living requirements, such as helping with shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, administering medication, managing budgets, attending appointments, engaging in therapeutic activities, developing coping strategies, enhancing interpersonal skills, and improving decision‑making abilities.
- Oversee the service provided to our service users, ensuring the smooth execution and advancement of daily operational services.
- Develop a range of relationships through community networking to promote individual inclusion and participation.
Hours and Schedule
Hours will be worked on a 6‑week rolling rota basis to include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will be required to undertake occasional sleep‑in duties (minimum once a week).
Key Competencies
Exceptional client care and effective communication skills are crucial, along with a comprehension of the principles of exemplary practices in residential care and an awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health needs. Induction and training will be offered.
Team Culture
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. You’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our Vision and Values
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Support Worker - Focus House in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Focus House in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Support Worker role at Focus House.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the recovery model and how it applies to the role. We should be ready to discuss how we can support individuals in their daily lives and promote independence. Show them we know our stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. This will help us feel more confident and articulate when discussing our skills and experiences relevant to the Support Worker position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team at Focus House.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Focus House in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting individuals with mental health needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in care or support roles. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission at Focus House, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for the Support Worker role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Focus House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Support Worker at Focus House. Familiarise yourself with the principles of the recovery model and how they apply to supporting individuals with mental health needs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with clients or colleagues. Highlight how you’ve adapted your communication style to meet the needs of different individuals, especially those facing challenges.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Focus House values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Share specific instances where you’ve contributed to a team’s success or supported colleagues in achieving common goals. This will show that you’re a team player who aligns with their culture.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusion and Diversity
Since diversity and inclusion are central to the organisation's values, come prepared with thoughtful questions about their initiatives. This not only shows your interest in their mission but also demonstrates your commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all service users.