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- Tasks: Provide high-quality respite care to adults with complex learning disabilities.
- Company: Join a supportive and dedicated Care team in Whitley, Reading.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, flexible working, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Good literacy skills and commitment to person-centred support.
- Other info: Friendly environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Overview
Join our dedicated Care team as a Support Worker in Whitley, Reading. Provide high-quality respite care to adults with complex learning disabilities, treating clients with dignity and respect while meeting their individual care needs, including support with personal care. The Respite Care Team is registered with the CQC.
About us and the role
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
The Respite Care Team offers brief respite to caregivers and aims to develop independence, build positive relationships, and empower clients to make informed choices within a person-centred approach. The role requires the capacity to evaluate risks and devise strategies to mitigate and handle them effectively.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality support to adults with complex learning disabilities, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
- Deliver person-centred support and assist with personal care as needed.
- Maintain and review individual client files with accuracy.
- Contribute to risk assessment and implement strategies to keep clients safe.
- Work as part of a team and, where appropriate, lone working may occur.
- Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, and demonstrate self-motivation.
- Undertake basic manual handling tasks and have basic IT skills (e.g., reading emails).
Working pattern
The role involves shift patterns including weekends and sleep-ins. Typical shifts may include: start times around 7.00am (weekdays) or 7.30am (weekends) and a late shift from 2.00pm to 9.00pm (or 9:30pm for sleep-ins). You will be required to work two weekends in three.
Qualifications and attributes
- Good general education, including good literacy skills.
- NVQ3/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence or commitment to achieving this.
- Commitment to delivering person-centred support to a range of individuals.
- Ability to relate to service users with understanding, patience, respect and dignity.
- Ability to maintain and review client files; manual handling capability.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-motivation and basic IT skills (reading emails, etc.).
Progression and values
Progression through the full salary range is dependent on attaining the relevant QCF qualification. A commitment to anti-oppressive practice and a flexible attitude to travelling around and working in the local area are expected. You will be part of Team Reading and contribute to Reading’s vision and values.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with opportunities to contribute ideas. You will experience a friendly and collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and ambition.
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service (option to buy additional leave).
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times annual salary (LGPS members).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan for rail or bus travel to work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme for a greener car (three-year term).
Further information
For an informal discussion about the Support Worker post, contact:
Rachel Jerrard (Team Manager) – 07834 964 762 – rachel.jerrard@reading.gov.uk
Karen Rumbol (Senior Support Worker) – 07973 793 837 – karen.rumbol@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025
Interviews: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Apply early to avoid disappointment.
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to learn about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services.
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Support Worker - Respite Care Team employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Respite Care Team
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Reading Borough Council's values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your experience aligns with providing person-centred support and handling complex situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for care! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life. This will highlight your commitment to treating clients with dignity and respect.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Respite Care Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Care: When writing your application, let your passion for providing high-quality care shine through. We want to see how you relate to our mission of treating clients with dignity and respect, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to person-centred support.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those related to supporting individuals with complex learning disabilities. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills: Since working as part of a team is crucial in this role, make sure to mention any previous teamwork experiences. We love to see how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in care settings.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there, which can help you tailor your application even better.
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 in the Respite Care Team. Familiarise yourself with the person-centred approach and how it applies to supporting adults with complex learning disabilities. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality care.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've communicated with clients or team members in the past. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations or situations, as this will show your ability to relate to service users with understanding and respect.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
The role requires working as part of a team, so be prepared to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team goal or supported a colleague, highlighting your flexibility and willingness to work together for the benefit of clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to evaluate risks and devise strategies. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed risks or challenges. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and your capacity to keep clients safe while promoting their independence.
