At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives.
- Company: Join a caring team at PA Ark Project / Salisbury Support Services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and 29 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible hours with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Caring attitude; experience in care is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.57 - 13.57 £ per hour.
Location: Merston, Chichester and Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Job Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available
Salary: £12.71 – £13.57 per hour (depending on qualifications); pay rise pending
Join Our Team
PA Ark Project / Salisbury Support Services are expanding, and we are looking for caring, enthusiastic Support Workers to join our friendly Supported Living teams. Successful applicants will be interviewed for opportunities across both organisations, with roles based in Merston, Chichester and Bognor Regis, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. Every day is different. Whether you are supporting someone to develop everyday living skills, attend appointments, enjoy community activities, or achieve personal goals, you will be making a genuine difference to someone’s life.
About the Role
As a Support Worker, you will provide person-centred support that promotes independence, dignity and choice. Working alongside a supportive and experienced team, you will help create positive outcomes for the people we support. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex or challenging behaviours.
- Encouraging independence and helping people develop everyday living skills.
- Providing personal care where required.
- Supporting individuals to access their local community, attend appointments and enjoy social activities.
- Using positive behaviour support approaches to reduce and manage behaviours of concern.
- Writing accurate daily records and contributing to support plans.
- Working closely with colleagues, families and healthcare professionals to provide the highest standard of care.
Working Hours
We have both full-time (38 or 39 hours per week) and part-time opportunities available. Our services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so flexibility is essential. The role includes:
- Alternate weekends.
- Some Bank Holiday working.
- A variety of shift patterns, including shifts of up to 13 hours.
- Sleep-in duties (available and expected as part of the role).
What We're Looking For
We would love to hear from you if you are:
- Caring, compassionate and patient.
- Positive, reliable and motivated to make a difference.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A confident communicator with good written and verbal English.
- Committed to providing high-quality, person-centred support.
Experience in care is welcomed but isn’t essential – we value the right attitude above all else and provide full training.
Essential Requirements:
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Able to commute to our services in Merston, Chichester and Bognor Regis.
- Willingness to work alternate weekends, Bank Holidays and sleep-in shifts.
Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
What We Offer
We believe our staff are our greatest asset and offer a supportive environment where you can develop a rewarding career. Benefits include:
- Competitive hourly pay (£12.71 – £13.57; pay rise pending).
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
- Opportunities to gain RQF / QCF qualifications in Health and Social Care.
- 29 days annual leave including Bank Holidays (pro rata).
- Blue Light Card membership.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free Enhanced DBS.
- Free parking.
- Casual dress.
- Staff referral scheme.
- Store discounts.
- Supportive management and friendly teams.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
PA Ark Project / Salisbury Support Services are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are proud to be equal opportunities employers.
Ready to Apply?
If you are looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Support Worker – Merston in Chichester employer: Recruit4Mum
Recruit4Mum is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in the heart of Chester-le-Street. With benefits such as a bonus scheme, enhanced holiday entitlement, and access to an Employee Assistance helpline, we ensure our team feels valued and empowered. Join us for meaningful work that contributes to a safe and inclusive environment while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker – Merston in Chichester
✨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 Recruit4Mum.
✨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 Recruit4Mum!
✨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 Recruit4Mum, 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 Recruit4Mum 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 – Merston in Chichester
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 Recruit4Mum:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Recruit4Mum! 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 Recruit4Mum
✨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.
