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 development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a fun and active work environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; experience in social care is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 26000 £ 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:
- Connect – build friendships and reduce isolation
- Be Active – get moving and stay healthy
- Take Notice – enjoy the moment and surroundings
- Keep Learning – try new things and develop skills
- Give – feel valued and part of the community
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
Be Part of Something That Matters. 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. Further information about Equality & Diversity at St Helens Council can be found here.
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, 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 (Temporary until 31/03/2027) 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 (Temporary until 31/03/2027)
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to St Helens Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant - Day Opportunities (Temporary until 31/03/2027)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of St Helens Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at St Helens Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with St Helens Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Assistant - Day Opportunities (Temporary until 31/03/2027) role at St Helens Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show St Helens Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
