At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities in a caring and engaging environment.
- Company: Join a values-driven team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, ongoing training, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Zero hours contract with shifts including weekends and holidays.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in social care.
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
Do you see yourself making a real difference in people’s lives? Can you use your experience, compassion, and commitment to support others to live fulfilled and independent lives? Does the idea of joining a supportive, values‑driven team inspire you? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Orient Street Short Breaks (Respite) Service is looking for passionate and dedicated Residential Support Workers (Casual) to join our amazing team and help make a difference today.
About The RoleAs a Residential Support Worker, you will be part of a skilled in‑house team providing high‑quality short breaks (respite) support to adults with learning disabilities, autism, and associated physical disabilities. The service includes 5 registered beds for adults and is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You will help create a person‑centred, safe, caring, engaging, and stimulating environment, supporting people to enjoy positive, meaningful stays while promoting their rights, wellbeing, skills, and independence. The role also involves supporting individuals who require emergency or crisis placements and need reablement support to transition into new service provision. Your work will be evidence‑based and outcome‑focused, ensuring dignity, choice, control, and maximum independence for the people we support and their families.
About You- Empathy and compassion – the ability to understand and respond to people’s feelings with genuine care
- Patience – supporting individuals who may need extra time to communicate, move, or adjust
- Emotional resilience – staying calm and supportive in an occasionally unpredictable environment
- Respect and dignity – a commitment to promoting choice, privacy, autonomy, and rights
- Strong communication skills – clear, calm verbal and non‑verbal communication, including active listening
- Problem‑solving ability – confidence to respond to changing needs or unexpected situations
- Teamwork – reliable, collaborative, and supportive within a close‑knit staff team
- Excellent record‑keeping and attention to detail – ensuring continuity of care through accurate documentation
- Adaptability – flexibility to meet different needs, routines, and situations
- Experience in health or social care is desirable, but we welcome applicants with the right values and a willingness to learn
You will join a dedicated and supportive team that is passionate about delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care. We work collaboratively to ensure people feel safe, valued, and empowered during their stay. The service promotes a positive and inclusive team culture; ongoing training and professional development opportunities; supportive supervision and opportunities to grow within the organisation and a shared commitment to best practice, regulatory standards, and organisational values.
Additional InformationThis is a zero hours contract and shifts are dependent on the needs of the service. Shifts can include weekend and overnight work as well as bank holidays and religious festival days. Shift times are typically 07:00 – 15:00, 15:00 – 22:00, 21:30 – 07:30 but this can be subject to change. The post holder may be required to work outside of normal working hours in accordance with service needs. The service is recruiting for 3 - 4 Casual positions. Post holders will be based at 19 Orient Street, London, SE11 4SR.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced – Children’s and Adults’ (Barred) level.
Guaranteed Interview SchemeAs part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition
Residential Support Worker (Casual) in London employer: Southwark Council
Join our dedicated team at Orient Street Short Breaks Service, where your compassion and commitment can truly make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values ongoing training and professional development, ensuring you have the opportunity to grow within the organisation while making a positive impact in the community. Located in the heart of London, we offer a flexible working environment that allows you to balance your personal commitments while contributing to meaningful care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Support Worker (Casual) in London
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Southwark Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Southwark Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Southwark Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Support Worker (Casual) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Southwark Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Southwark Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Southwark Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Residential Support Worker (Casual) at Southwark Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Southwark Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Residential Support Worker (Casual) role.
