At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in activities and promote their wellbeing at Manor Farm Day Centre.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council and make a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, excellent pension, free parking, and health insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and a chance to lead fun activities.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring team that empowers older people to engage and thrive.
- Qualifications: People skills and a caring nature; experience with older adults is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27528 - 30089 £ per year.
Support Assistant - Activities and Wellbeing (Manor Farm Day Centre) About The Role
This an exciting opportunity to join Runnymede Borough Council as we continue our positive work in the community.
As the Support Assistant within an Activities & Wellbeing role at Manor Farm Day Centre, working 10am - 2pm Monday to Friday, you will:
- Assist clients to access facilities and services within the centre.
- Encourage clients to engage with others and participate in organised activities and events.
- Be involved in the organisation and delivery for clients throughout their day.
- Provide assistance and encouragement to clients in maintaining their independence and developing levels of confidence.
- Tailor events and activities to the interests of clients.
- Follow up non-attendance of clients as appropriate, maintaining records in accordance with procedures.
- Maintain personal client records.
- Be prepared to work in other RBC Day Centres as required in order to ensure full service delivery can be provided.
- Assist in the provision of an Emergency Rest Centre, in the event of a borough emergency.
- 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Excellent Pension Scheme.
- Free Parking.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Payment of one professional membership per annum.
- Cycle to work + further related discounts.
- Season ticket loan.
- Health insurance plan after 1 year's service/Dental after 3 years' service.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Please note that Runnymede Borough Council is currently undertaking a pay and grading review, which is expected to be implemented during the summer.
The successful applicant will be appointed under the Council's current grading and salary structure and, following implementation of the new framework, will be assimilated into the revised pay structure in line with all existing employees.
This grading in the new pay structure for this role will be RBC2, with a salary range of £27,528 - £30,089 (Actual Salary £8,928 - £9,759).
About You
We are looking for a caring and enthusiastic individual to join our small team of committed staff at the Manor Farm Day Centre.
- Well-developed people skills.
- Previous experience of working with older people and activity coordinating would be desirable.
- Ability to support and encourage clients to participate and engage in some of the recreational activities at the centre.
- The ideal candidate will possess a caring, patient, empathetic nature with the ability to be flexible when required.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with excellent listening skills.
- Ability to work well as part of a team and to work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for our clients.
- Experience of working with customers or clients in a frontline working environment.
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by older people.
- Willing to undertake training as appropriate.
- Prepared to support occasional functions and centre trips.
- Excellent organisation skills.
- Ability to undertake basic administration tasks.
- Ability to use initiative and can be calm under pressure.
- Able to lead activities for our clients to participate in.
- Willing to input and share ideas for new activities.
- Is able to promote independence to our clients, but encourage support in accessing the facilities as required, in a diplomatic, but confident manner.
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant's own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
Support Assistant - Activities and Wellbeing (Manor Farm Day Centre) employer: Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and health insurance after one year, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant - Activities and Wellbeing (Manor Farm Day Centre)
✨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 Runnymede.
✨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 Runnymede!
✨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 Runnymede, 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 Runnymede 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 Assistant - Activities and Wellbeing (Manor Farm Day Centre)
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 Runnymede:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Runnymede! 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 Runnymede
✨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.
