At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a vibrant young woman with Cerebral Palsy in daily activities and adventures.
- Company: Join a caring family on a working farm near Colchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the joy of working with animals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Zoe's life while enjoying fun activities together.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience in care, confident driver, and love for horses essential.
- Other info: Training provided, supportive team, and a chance to bring joy to someone's life.
Support Worker CO6, Colchester. A wonderful opportunity for experienced SEN Support Worker to assist a very sociable, engaging and horse riding loving young person, 27 years old with Cerebral Palsy. £37,570.00 gross per annum
Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.
* Nearest Station: Colchester
* Salary/Wage: £37,570.00 gross per annum | £17.00 gross per hour
* Driving Requirements: Yes, essential and must have own car and business insurance – mileage paid for work use
* Essential: 2 years’ experience supporting young people/adults within small home care team, *female applicants only, confident driver and swimmer, confident around animals and particularly horses. Tech Savvy. Non-smoker/Vaper
* Start Date: ASAP
* Days & Hours: 08.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
* Pets in Home: One cat, very friendly
* Recruiter Contact: Janet MacLennan
About the Client/Child: I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Zoe, her mum, dad and case manager! Zoe,27, is a vibrant, fun-loving, young woman. Zoe and her mum and dad live on a working farm, close to Colchester. Zoe thrives on engaging in a wide range of activities that include hydrotherapy, arts and crafts, drama, farm work, and horse riding. Zoe sustained an Acquired Brain Injury; as a result, she has Cerebral Palsy, which affects all four of her limbs. Zoe can mobilise independently but needs gentle 1:1 support to ensure she does not fall. She can walk in her house but uses a manual and electric wheelchair when out and about in her local community. Zoe can eat orally, with hand-on-hand support and lunchtime/dinner times need to be calm and slow; there will be additional information provided regarding this to shortlisted candidates.
The Role at a Glance: The shift begins at 8:30 AM sharp on Mondays. Zoe will be dressed and ready to head to the farm, (approximately a 40-minute drive) where she spends much of her time feeding, cleaning, and riding horses, managing goats, and caring for reptiles in the on-site reptile house. The *female support worker must have her own car to transport Zoe and her wheelchair to various indoor and outdoor activities (Zoe is a bit of an adrenaline junkie!). While a structured routine is in place, it is clear that animals, especially horses, are central to Zoe’s life. No professional horse training is required, but a genuine love for horses and comfortable being around farm life is essential. The role involves working alongside Zoe’s therapists, following her tailored therapy and care plans. Care plans are shared and updated through Apps and a work phone provided. Zoe also attends drama classes, goes swimming and is keen to explore arts and crafts classes. There will be a day in the week where Zoe likes to chill so this could be a day for looking at other quieter activities. Zoe’s mum or dad will be home to hand over at 4.30 pm.
This Job Would Suit: A professional, experienced *female support worker who can follow detailed care and therapy plans with precision. Someone who has effective communication and teamwork skills, is patient, dependable and truly dedicated to advocating for Zoe’s continued access to the experiences that bring her happiness and self-growth. Being able to step up and step back will be a core skill for this role. On top of this please also bring a fabulous sense of humour!
Why You’ll Love This Role: The opportunity to be part of a supportive dedicated team. Training and ongoing guidance will be provided and of course being genuinely committed and motivated to champion Zoe in living her fullest and most joyful life. And being around animals and horses particularly, Zoe and her support worker will have an amazing experience together.
Recruitment Process: This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria are met before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.
If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
Support Worker employer: SNAP Care
Contact Detail:
SNAP Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and the role inside out! Research their values, mission, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can give you insider tips about the role and the company culture, which can be super helpful during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to support work, especially those focusing on teamwork, patience, and communication. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your 2 years of experience supporting young people or adults in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with Zoe's needs, so be specific about your previous roles and responsibilities.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Mention your love for animals and any relevant activities you’ve done that relate to Zoe’s interests.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can bring a sense of humour and warmth to Zoe’s life. Share a bit about yourself and why you’re passionate about this role in your cover letter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It makes the process smoother for us and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SNAP Care
✨Know Zoe's World
Before the interview, take some time to understand Zoe's interests and daily activities. Familiarise yourself with her love for horses, arts and crafts, and the importance of a calm environment during meal times. This will show your genuine interest in her well-being and help you connect with the family.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience working with young people or adults in a care setting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals with similar needs, especially in terms of mobility and communication. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the role.
✨Show Your Personality
Zoe thrives on fun and engagement, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your sense of humour and any creative ideas you have for activities that could enrich her life. This will help the family see how you can contribute positively to Zoe's happiness.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about Zoe's favourite activities, her daily routine, or how the family prefers to communicate about her care. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in providing the best support for Zoe.