At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives through engaging activities.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a modernising council dedicated to community care.
- Benefits: Rewarding role, supportive team, training opportunities, and local government benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while having fun and being active.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; experience in social care is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are St Helens Borough Council. Located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the adults and families we support, our communities and our workforce. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put people firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.
Make a difference every day! Want a job where you can genuinely change lives – and have fun doing it? We’re looking for energetic, caring, and motivated Support Assistants to join our Day Opportunities team, supporting people living with a learning disability to live independent, fulfilling, and active lives.
Our Day Opportunities team provides a wide range of support activities, enabling service users to take part in stimulating and motivating experiences through a varied social and leisure programme. No two days are the same – one day you might be out in the community, the next supporting someone to try something new, build confidence, or achieve a personal goal.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting people to access and enjoy local community venues across St Helens
- Helping individuals build independence, confidence, and life skills whilst providing person‑centred care
- Encouraging participation in fun, meaningful activities
- Work alongside individuals to plan activity sessions that promote inclusion and participation
- Ensure activities are meaningful, engaging and tailored to individual needs and preferences
- Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment
- Supporting physical wellbeing through sessions such as swimming at Queens Park Recreation Centre and gym, cycling in Victoria Park on adapted bicycles
- Bringing the Five Ways to Wellbeing to life every day
What We’re Looking For
- Are passionate about making a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability
- Bring energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude
- Enjoy working as part of a team and out in the community
- Are patient, creative, and person‑centred in their approach
- Are willing to get involved – from swimming to group activities and beyond
Why Join Us?
- A rewarding role where you’ll see the impact you make every day
- Work that is active, social, and varied
- Supportive team environment
- Training and development opportunities
- Local government benefits
At St Helens Borough Council, we’re committed to helping people live their best lives – and we want you to be part of that journey. NVQ level II in social care or equivalent is preferable but not essential, as corporate induction and full training is provided. A willingness to learn is essential. You will receive continuous support, development, and career progression opportunities on your journey with us.
This post is subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Equality & Diversity
St Helens Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation.
St Helens Council is a Disability Confident Leader. This means that the Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within the interview/selection process.
All Council employees are required to abide by the ethical standards embodied by the 7 Nolan Principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
Support Assistant - Day Opportunities in Knowsley employer: St Helens Council
St Helens Council is an excellent employer for aspiring Early Years Practitioners, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises children's learning and development. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to high-quality education, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's focus on collaboration with teaching staff ensures that every practitioner is equipped to succeed in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant - Day Opportunities in Knowsley
✨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 St Helens Council.
✨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 St Helens Council!
✨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 St Helens Council, 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 St Helens Council 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 Support Assistant - Day Opportunities in Knowsley
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 St Helens Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St Helens Council! 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 St Helens Council
✨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.
