At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities in daily activities and emotional well-being.
- Company: Join Mencap, a leading charity dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 24 days holiday, discounts, and health cash plans.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with training provided; no specific experience required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a flexible work schedule.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Mencap are seeking a Relief Support Worker to join our incredible team in Cranleigh. As a Relief Support Worker, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. You will be working with a diverse group of five people, each with their own unique abilities and needs.
From assisting with daily activities at home and in the community, to providing emotional support, you’ll play a vital role in their life. We support 5 people that share their home, which is a beautiful Chalet bungalow in a lovely quiet location. This is a Supported Living Service.
The role of Support Worker can be dynamic, supporting people out and about, eating out, seeing family, holidays, gardening, cooking, shopping, tea and cake or the pub and generally enjoying a good social life. The role is also domestic, health and safety around the house, supporting and encouraging people with cleaning, laundry, gardening, cooking; everything we all do to run a smooth household.
The role is very personal, support in the bathroom/shower and getting dressed, supporting someone with their mobility - this could be using a wheelchair or a walker. Support to style someone’s hair as they are going out for the evening, any health needs and medication. The people we support communicate in different ways so we work creatively to ensure that people can make their own choices and have a proper say about how they want to live their lives and how they want to run their own home.
What we're looking for:
- A genuine passion for supporting others.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- A positive and empathetic attitude towards individuals with learning disabilities.
Contract options:
- Relief (Casual)
All our services are 24hr care. We prepare the rotas at least 4 weeks in advance so you can still plan your personal and social life! There is also a non-contractual sleep-in available where you will receive an enhanced flat rate payment of £64.20.
We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and we particularly welcome and encourage disabled applicants and those from the Black and Asian communities to apply for the role as they are under-represented within the workforce. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references.
Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 24 days of paid holiday (excluding bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.
Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.
At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes. Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.
We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long-term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.
£13.45 per hour + Excellent Mencap benefits
£24,785 per annum, pro-rata + excellent benefits
£37,259 per annum, pro-rata + excellent benefits
£24,785 per year (pro-rata) + excellent benefits
Relief Support Worker - Cranleigh, Surrey employer: Royal Mencap Society
Mencap is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its employees in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 24 days of paid holiday, flexible working hours, and access to health cash plans, ensuring our team feels valued. Our commitment to personal growth means that regardless of your background, you'll receive the training and support needed to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Support Worker - Cranleigh, Surrey
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Royal Mencap Society, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Royal Mencap Society. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Royal Mencap Society's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Support Worker - Cranleigh, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Royal Mencap Society. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Royal Mencap Society.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mencap Society
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Royal Mencap Society.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Relief Support Worker - Cranleigh, Surrey at Royal Mencap Society.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Royal Mencap Society that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Relief Support Worker - Cranleigh, Surrey role.
