At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Disabled people in managing their care and achieving independence.
- Company: Equal Lives, a user-led disability rights organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for hybrid working, and meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to removing barriers and supporting independent living.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting equality and empowerment.
- Qualifications: Passion for equality, strong communication skills, and HR knowledge preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 26357 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping Disabled people live independently? Do you enjoy solving problems, building relationships and providing practical advice that makes a real difference? At Equal Lives, we're looking for an Independent Living Adviser to join our Suffolk Independent Living Service. This rewarding role supports people who use Direct Payments and personal budgets to arrange and manage their own care and support, giving them greater choice, control and independence.
You'll provide information, advice and guidance on a range of topics including Direct Payments, support planning, recruiting and employing Personal Assistants, and managing support arrangements. You'll work closely with individuals, families, professionals and community organisations to help people achieve positive outcomes and live independently.
We're looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about equality, empowerment and the Social Model of Disability.
- Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Can manage a varied workload and respond to enquiries in a professional and person-centred way.
- Has experience or knowledge of HR, recruitment, employment practices or supporting people to employ staff.
- Is confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Can work independently whilst contributing positively to a wider team.
- Has a full, clean driving licence and is willing to travel across Suffolk.
- Knowledge of Direct Payments, personal budgets or independent living services would be beneficial, but training will be provided on our specific services.
Why work for Equal Lives? Equal Lives is a user-led disability rights organisation working across Norfolk and Suffolk. We are passionate about removing disabling barriers, promoting independent living and ensuring Disabled people have choice, control and equal opportunities. This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support people to take control of their lives, and be part of a team committed to making a lasting difference in our communities.
Salary: £24,500.00 rising to £26,357.15 per annum after 6 month probation period
Contract Type: Permanent, Full time
Hours and working pattern: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Location: Office based during probation with possibility of hybrid working after this. Office location: IP City Centre, Bath Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SD
Some travel is required for visiting service users in their homes or other locations, so a full and clean driving license is required.
Key Dates
Closing date: 2nd September 2026 (midday)
Shortlisting: 3rd September 2026
Interviews: 16th September 2026 at IP City Centre, Ipswich
Independent Living Adviser / HR Adviser in Ipswich employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
South West Community Chaplaincy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. As a Housekeeping Assistant at Galanos House, you will enjoy flexible hours, generous holiday allowances, and a fulfilling role that directly contributes to the quality of life for residents in Southam, Warwickshire.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Adviser / HR Adviser in Ipswich
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy!
✨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 South West Community Chaplaincy, 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 South West Community Chaplaincy 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 Independent Living Adviser / HR Adviser in Ipswich
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 South West Community Chaplaincy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South West Community Chaplaincy! 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 South West Community Chaplaincy
✨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.
