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- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities in daily activities and oversee care team operations.
- Company: Join Southdown, a not-for-profit provider dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities across Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like health cash-back, interest-free loans, discounts, and 22 days paid holiday.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying diverse tasks and a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Empathy, experience in client support, and knowledge of care standards are essential.
- Other info: Receive award-winning training and opportunities for career growth in a fulfilling environment.
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Southdown Road, Seaford
Salary: £14.52 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
What you’ll be doing:
Southdown is a not-for-profit provider of accommodation, care and support for 160 adults with learning and physical disabilities in our 23 supported living services and 4 residential care homes across Sussex. As a senior support worker, you’ll help clients to live well by supporting them with everyday tasks such as personal care, cooking, and trips out, as well as support and oversee the day-to-day operations of the care team in the absence of the manager. We’re looking for compassionate individuals to help build clients’ confidence and independence through empowering care, and in return, we offer a rewarding job where no two days are the same.
Service Description: Southdown Road is home to 7 adults who present with consistent complex behaviour and/or complex health needs. Some service users may require support around Positive Behaviour modelling and health management. A key component of this service is helping service users with personal care and promoting emotional well-being.
What you need for the role:
- A patient, empathetic mindset.
- Experienced in providing comprehensive client support, including medication management.
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS and safeguarding.
- Physically fit and able to push a wheelchair, take long walks and help service users with tasks like bathing.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.
What would be nice:
- Experience working with clients with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities, including those with learning disabilities or mental health challenges.
- Experience dealing with challenging situations (including managing clients who may exhibit aggressive behaviour or distress).
- Experience managing staff, including supervision, coaching, recruitment and rostering.
- Level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care.
- An understanding of Makaton or non-verbal communication.
- A Full Manual Driving Licence is preferred so that you can drive our service vehicles and help keep our residents connected to their community.
Training: Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
Benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 22 days paid holiday plus bank holidays (or paid time in lieu for any bank holidays worked).
- Unsociable hours uplift: extra £4.20 per shift for waking nights.
- Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (11pm-7am).
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Senior Support Worker employer: Southdown Housing Association
Contact Detail:
Southdown Housing Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of clients with learning disabilities. Understanding their challenges and how to support them effectively will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing staff or leading a team. This is crucial for a Senior Support Worker, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and examples of how you've successfully supported others.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and safeguarding practices. Being well-versed in these areas will set you apart as a candidate who prioritises the well-being of clients.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have experience with non-verbal communication methods like Makaton, make sure to mention it. This skill can be incredibly valuable in connecting with clients who may struggle with traditional communication.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Senior Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to support individuals with learning disabilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles that align with the position, such as Health Care Assistant or Support Worker. Use specific examples to showcase your skills in providing compassionate care and managing challenging situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention any qualifications or training related to health and social care, especially those that pertain to Positive Behaviour Support or safeguarding. If you have experience with non-verbal communication methods like Makaton, be sure to include that as well.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Share your motivation for applying and how you can contribute to the team at Southdown, making sure to connect your values with their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Housing Association
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Senior Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals with learning disabilities in the past. Highlight your ability to connect with clients and understand their needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with Positive Behaviour Support, CQC standards, and the Mental Capacity Act. During the interview, mention how you’ve applied this knowledge in previous roles to ensure the well-being of clients.
✨Discuss Challenging Situations
Be ready to talk about how you've managed challenging behaviours or distressing situations. Provide specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
If you have experience managing staff, make sure to discuss it. Talk about your approach to supervision, coaching, and team dynamics, as this role involves overseeing the care team in the absence of the manager.
