At a Glance
- Tasks: Support women facing challenges and help create a safe, welcoming environment.
- Company: Join Alana House, an award-winning community project dedicated to empowering women.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with comprehensive training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied responsibilities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in women's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting individuals facing disadvantages and a passion for advocacy.
The predicted salary is between 28557 - 28557 £ per year.
Our team at Alana House is looking for an Assistant Key Worker to join our award-winning Women’s Community Project. Do you want to make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Alana House, PACT’s flagship community project, uses a holistic, trauma-informed approach to empower women to access the support they need. We provide a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental environment where services are delivered by women, for women.
Contract: Permanent full-time – 37 hours/week Mon-Fri.
The Role: As an Assistant Key Worker, you will support service delivery and help create a welcoming, safe environment. You will work directly with clients, develop practical skills, and build your knowledge through training and development opportunities. No two days are the same. Responsibilities include:
- Welcoming visitors and responding to enquiries
- Supporting events and activities
- Liaising with partner agencies
- Advocating for clients’ needs
- Supporting women across recovery pathways
- Co-facilitating groups and our community café
You: You will bring professional, personal or academic experience of supporting people facing multiple disadvantages, an interest in domestic abuse and criminal justice issues, and a commitment to high-quality, person-centred support. Comprehensive training and ongoing development will be provided.
Within the range of £25,878 to £28,557 per annum.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Alana House and ask for Sabina, Alana House Manager.
Assistant Key Worker, Women’s Community Project – closing date 21 August 2026 in Reading employer: Reading Voluntary Action
Reading Voluntary Action is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in Reading. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation fosters a collaborative environment where leadership and communication are valued, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Key Worker, Women’s Community Project – closing date 21 August 2026 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 Voluntary Action.
✨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 Voluntary Action!
✨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 Voluntary Action, 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 Voluntary Action 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 Assistant Key Worker, Women’s Community Project – closing date 21 August 2026 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 Voluntary Action:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Reading Voluntary Action! 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 Voluntary Action
✨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.
