At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and connect with their community.
- Company: Southdown, a not-for-profit provider of care and support services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, additional allowances for unsociable hours, and rewarding work experience.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team where every day brings new challenges and rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying diverse daily activities.
- Qualifications: Experience in care roles and a compassionate attitude towards supporting others.
The predicted salary is between 13.82 - 13.82 £ per hour.
Support people with learning disabilities to live full, happy lives.
Location: Coltash Road, Crawley
Salary: £13.82 per hour (£26,587 per annum for full time hours)
Hours: 30 to 37 per week
Dependant on working times agreed to be worked you may be entitled to one or more of the following allowances:
- Unsociable hours uplift: an extra £4.51 per shift for waking night
- Sleep-in shifts: £61 per sleep-in shift (10 pm - 7 am)
- Sleep-In Disturbance Allowance Payment: If your sleep-in shift is disturbed for over one continuous hour but less than four, you'll receive the £4.51 Unsociable Hours Allowance plus your normal hourly rate for the hours worked. If disturbed for four hours or more, you'll be paid your normal hourly rate for the entire shift and still receive the £4.51 allowance.
Who are we: 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.
What you'll be doing: Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and where your support helps others live more independently and with dignity? We're looking for a compassionate and adaptable Senior Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This role is all about helping individuals stay connected to their community and supporting them with daily living tasks in a respectful and empowering way. You will also support and oversee the day-to-day operations of the care team.
As a Senior Support Worker you'll encourage a sense of fun by supporting clients to access their community, including walks along the beach, cinema, shopping, and café visits, as well as activities within the service. You'll help clients to live well by supporting them with everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking and personal care. 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.
We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Health Care Assistant, Care Assistant, Support Worker, Senior Support Worker, Nurse, Social Care Worker, Senior Care Assistant, Mental Health Care Worker, Nursing Home Assistant, Personal Assistant or Residential Care Worker.
‘The best thing about my job is the clients. Getting to know them, getting to know their characters and just enjoying life with them' – Karen, Southdown Support Worker.
Please click on the apply button to read the full job description.
Senior Support Worker in Southgate employer: Southdown
Southdown is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to the community, employees benefit from generous perks such as health cost cash-back schemes, interest-free loans, and extensive training opportunities, all while working in the picturesque location of Lewes. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, while enjoying a fulfilling career in the social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Southgate
✨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 Southdown.
✨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 Southdown!
✨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 Southdown, 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 Southdown 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 Senior Support Worker in Southgate
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 Southdown:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Southdown! 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 Southdown
✨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.
