At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide compassionate support for a young gentleman with unique needs.
- Company: Join Ashdown Care, a values-driven organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career development training, and flexibility around family commitments.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and access to wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in someone's life while enjoying meaningful, rewarding work.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Senior Support Worker and experience with learning disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
Full-time: 42 hours per week, working a 3/4 shift pattern with sleep‑in opportunities.
Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday
Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
£14.00 per hour
Due to the personal care needs of the person we support, this role is open to female applicants only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Ashdown Care does not offer sponsorship and applicants must have at least 1 year left on their visa.
About the Role
We’re looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Support Worker to join our dedicated team, supporting a young gentleman with a learning disability, complex health needs, and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) requirements. This role requires an active, humorous, calm, patient individual who can build positive, meaningful relationships and lead a team to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred support. The person we support has a mischievous personality and loves engaging in community activities, making every day a unique experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead shifts and mentor support staff
- Monitor wellbeing and report safeguarding concerns promptly
- Communicate with families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams
- Support community activities and outings, maintaining safe staffing ratios
- Maintain accurate records using digital care systems
Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Senior Support Worker in adult social care
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Adult Care (or willingness to work towards)
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and behaviours of concern using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and Best Interest decision‑making
- Confident leading shifts and providing guidance to support staff
- Experience completing care plans, risk assessments, incident reports, and MAR charts
- Medication administration competency
- Good IT skills, including digital care systems
- Excellent spoken and written English, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and sleep‑ins
Desirable:
- Experience in supported living services
- Training in PBS, safeguarding, medication, and moving & handling
- Experience liaising with families, health professionals, and multidisciplinary teams
Why Join Ashdown?
- Paid mandatory and ongoing career development training
- Genuine progression opportunities, including support towards NVQ/Level 5 and PBS/NAPPI training
- Chances to spin our WOW‑Wheel
- Flexibility around family commitments
- Refer‑a‑friend bonus
- Loyalty bonuses
- Meaningful, rewarding work
- Access to wellbeing resources
- A positive, values‑driven culture
Apply now if you are passionate about making a difference and we will be in touch!
Senior Support Worker in Gateshead employer: The Talent Hub
At Optimal Living Limited, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our Team Leaders to make a real difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism. With competitive pay, ongoing training and development opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression into senior leadership roles, our team members thrive in an environment that values choice, independence, and dignity for both staff and those we support. Located in Swindon, our dedicated service fosters a sense of community and respect, ensuring every team member feels valued and integral to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Support Worker in Gateshead
✨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 The Talent Hub.
✨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 The Talent Hub!
✨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 The Talent Hub, 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 The Talent Hub 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 Gateshead
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 The Talent Hub:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Talent Hub! 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 The Talent Hub
✨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.
