At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a young man with autism and Down Syndrome in his daily activities and communication.
- Company: Join a caring family environment in Reepham, Norfolk.
- Benefits: Earn £14.53 per hour, flexible hours, and receive paid training.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while having fun and promoting independence.
- Qualifications: Valid driving licence, patience, and a sense of humour are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Support Worker required in Reepham, Norfolk. You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role as sponsorship is not available. One full-time role available for 32 hours per week OR two part-time roles available for 16 hours per week. £14.53 per hour Monday to Saturday; £14.75 per hour on Sundays and bank holidays.
About the role: I am a young man in my 30’s who has autism, Down Syndrome and communicates using PECS’s (Picture Exchange Communication). I live at home with my mum, dad, 2 dogs and 1 cat. I have a great sense of humour and love to have fun with people. I’m looking for a patient and understanding Support Worker to promote and encourage my independence, communication and social skills, all while having fun! Your attitude, personality and approach are more important than previous experience as all relevant training will be provided and paid for. Please note, as I have coeliac disease, we have a gluten and dairy free home. We are also a smoke and vape free home.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Promoting and encouraging my communication skills
- Having fun with me!
- Cooking my meals
- Supporting me to be as independent as possible
Personal Specification:
Essential Criteria:
- A valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle as the role is in a rural location
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Patience and understanding
- Willing to be silly and have fun with me!
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience supporting people with autism
- Previous experience with nonverbal communication
- Subscribed to the DBS update service
Summary terms and conditions:
Hours, days and times of work: There are 32 hours available per week for one full-time applicant or 16 hours per week split between two part-time candidates. Shifts will be from 9:00am until 5:00pm on a rolling rota, which includes shifts every other weekend.
Pay rate: Monday to Saturday: £14.53 per hour; Sundays and bank holidays: £14.75 per hour.
You will be responsible to my mum, dad and my Team Leader. All confidential and sensitive situations should be kept within my home and dealt with professionally.
Annual leave: The annual holiday entitlement for this position will be equivalent to the work normally done during 5.6 weeks (statutory entitlement).
Expenses: You will be reimbursed for prior agreed expenses incurred as part of the role.
Sick pay: I do not operate a private sick pay scheme but provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Pension: I do not operate a private pension scheme but I will fulfil my statutory obligations via the NEST pension scheme.
The post is subject to the following Background check: A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position.
References: If successful, you will be required to provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, or character references if you have not been employed.
Trial period: This post is subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
Support Worker (5258) employer: Suffolk Independent Living
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Independent Living Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (5258)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role and the person you'll be supporting! Research autism and Down Syndrome to understand their needs better. This will help you connect and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves using PECS, familiarise yourself with it before the interview. Being able to demonstrate your understanding of nonverbal communication can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your fun side! The job is all about having a laugh and being silly, so think of ways to showcase your personality during the interview. Share stories or ideas that highlight your playful approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker (5258)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your sense of humour and warmth. Remember, it’s all about connecting with the young man you'll be supporting.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any skills that relate to communication and patience. Even if you don’t have direct experience, we value your willingness to learn and adapt. Share examples of how you've been supportive or understanding in past situations.
Follow the Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure you include all the required information and double-check for any specific details mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re detail-oriented and serious about the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Independent Living
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the young man you'll be supporting, including his communication style and interests. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to his independence and fun.
✨Showcase Your Personality
Since the right attitude and personality are crucial for this role, be yourself during the interview! Share anecdotes that highlight your patience, understanding, and ability to have fun. This will help the interviewers see how well you might connect with the young man and fit into his home environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might encounter as a Support Worker. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as promoting communication or encouraging independence. This shows that you're proactive and ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the daily routines, the types of activities the young man enjoys, or how the family prefers to communicate. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.