We're looking for a caring and motivated Support Worker to join our team at Sense College Dereham, supporting young people and adults with complex disabilities to access learning, develop their independence and get the most out of everyday life.
This is a permanent, part-time role working 21 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday from 9:15am–4:15pm, with a salary of £13 per hour.
As a Support Worker, you'll provide high-quality, person-centred support tailored to each individual and their support plan. The people we support may have complex support needs, including hearing and/or sight difficulties, learning or physical disabilities, mental health needs or behaviours that challenge.
You'll support learners to take part in meaningful activities, develop their independence and communication skills and make choices about the things that matter to them. A big part of your role will be encouraging learners to build confidence, learn new skills and take an active role in their everyday lives.
Communication is at the heart of what we do. You'll take the time to understand how each learner communicates and adapt your approach to meet their individual needs, which may include developing new skills in the use of signs, symbols and other communication methods.
The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. You may support learners with their mobility, health and wellbeing and personal care, including continence requirements where needed. You'll also help learners access their local community and participate in activities that reflect their individual interests and aspirations.
What we're looking for:
We're looking for someone who is caring, reliable and committed to providing genuinely person-centred support.
- Previous caring or support experience gained in a personal, voluntary or professional capacity
- The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- The ability to adapt your communication style to meet the needs of the people you support
- A willingness to develop new communication skills, including signs and symbols where required
- The ability to support people with their mobility and participate in activities alongside them
- Confidence using your own initiative and good judgement
- A creative, person-centred approach to problem solving
- The ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with learners, colleagues and others
- Previous experience supporting people with sensory impairments, dual sensory impairments or people who use a range of communication methods would be an advantage, but isn't essential. Full training relevant to the service and your role will be provided.
About Sense College Dereham
At Sense College Dereham, we provide specialist education and support designed around the individual needs, interests and aspirations of our learners.
Our approach focuses on helping learners develop their communication, independence, everyday living skills and confidence as they prepare for adulthood.
You'll be joining a team committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every learner is listened to, encouraged to achieve and supported to have greater choice and control over their future.
The role is based at Sense College Dereham, 32 Bertie Ward Way, Rash's Green Industrial Estate, Toftwood, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1TE.
Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:
- 24 days' holiday + bank holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service
- Free DBS Check
- Free leadership and management development
- Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training opportunities
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Health and wellbeing support
- Pension Scheme
About Sense
Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.
We're proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.
As part of our new three-year strategy, we're delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future.
Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:
- We're creating change
- We're always learning
- We're better together
The closing date for applications is 30 October 2026.
If you require any assistance or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or recruitment@sense.org.uk .
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the people we work with.
We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Support Worker - 3 days employer: Sense
At Sense, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values compassion and enthusiasm. Our team members enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those we support in Margate. Join us to be part of a dedicated community where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
