At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities through engaging activities and hands-on care.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, life assurance, season ticket loan, and training opportunities.
- Other info: No weekend work required; enjoy a collaborative and innovative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in care and a Level 3 Diploma in Care is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 33699 £ per year.
We are looking for a Support Worker to join our Day Service dedicated to supporting adults with profound multiple learning disabilities, offering hands-on care and engagement through various activities conducted both at our Tilehurst-based Centre and within the community.
About the Role:
- Full Time – 37 hours per week – 8.45am – 4.15pm (Monday–Thursday) and 8.45am – 3.45pm (Friday).
- No weekend work required.
- Sponsorship is not available for this role.
- We are seeking a dynamic and innovative individual with experience in a care setting to join our proficient staff team.
- The role will involve hands-on care and the active organization of engaging activities (such as Sensory Stories, Tac Pac, and local walks), creating care plans, and delivering a user-led service.
- This approach encourages and supports individuals in developing their independence.
- You will lead other staff, serve as a keyworker, assess and manage risks, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Required Skills:
- Qualification in Care/NVQ3/Level 3 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence or a commitment to attaining this qualification.
- Capability to connect with service users, addressing their needs with understanding, patience, respect, and dignity.
- Proficiency in assessing, documenting, and planning risk and strategies.
- Ability to perform personal care duties with dignity and respect, including manual handling if necessary.
- Effective teamwork and capacity to work independently.
- Competent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Outlook.
Values and Behaviours:
- 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 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 working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Benefits:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years; option to buy additional leave.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- Kennet Day nursery (based at the Civic Offices) – rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of rail or bus journeys to and from work.
- Opportunities for further development and training available.
For an informal discussion about this position please contact Ronnie Chapman, Team Manager – email veronica.chapman@reading.gov.uk or David Small, Senior Support Worker – email david.small@reading.gov.uk.
Closing Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed.
Interview setup: Interviews face to face at Strathy Close, Reading.
Visit www.moretoreading.co.uk for more about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services.
Support Worker - Learning Disability Day Services in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities. With generous holiday entitlements, opportunities for professional development, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in this rewarding role based in Tilehurst. The council's commitment to diversity and its status as a Disability Confident Employer further enhance its appeal as a workplace where every individual is valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Learning Disability Day Services in Reading
✨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 Reading Borough Council.
✨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 Reading Borough Council!
✨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 Reading Borough Council, 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 Reading Borough Council 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 Support Worker - Learning Disability Day Services in Reading
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 Reading Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Reading Borough Council! 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 Reading Borough Council
✨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.
