At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in their daily living and promote their independence at home.
- Company: VSA, a respected social care charity with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Fuel allowance, company pension, generous leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, extensive training, and great job satisfaction await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and adults.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals; care experience preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
VSA is a well-respected local social care charity, helping support the people of Aberdeen for over 150 years. Our mission is to provide the best of care to enable the best of lives; supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential. VSA provides vital support and services to people of all ages.
At VSA we support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social well-being through a range of residential and outreach support services. Working in social care is a hugely rewarding career, and you can help change the lives of vulnerable children and adults. We are looking for motivated and compassionate individuals to join our Care at Home team as a Support Worker working in various areas including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn and Dyce.
We offer our Support Workers fantastic benefits including:
- Fuel Allowance
- Company pension
- Generous annual leave
- Refer a friend programme - Receive £225 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
- Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes
- Access to discount scheme through blue light card
You will have the opportunity to support a variety of clients with a range of disabilities, various health and support needs, to maintain their independence while living at home. We are welcoming applications from motivated, compassionate and responsible candidates. Experience within a care setting is preferred, but we accept applications from individuals who are looking to progress with a career in Health & Social Care.
You will also have the added benefits of extensive training as well as the opportunity to work in a role giving great job satisfaction. Successful applicants will be providing support to individuals in their own home setting.
Hours: 20 hours per week
Rota: This role offers flexible working, with shifts available from 7am and latest shift finishing at 9pm. Rotas are reviewed on a fortnightly basis, we will be taking the lead from successful candidates on the hours/days they are available to work; however, you must be able to work every second weekend.
Location: Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce areas, caring for service users in their own home. Desirable for candidates to be familiar with the area and would be preferential if also reside nearby.
Salary: £13.45 per hour
Purpose of Job: To contribute to the provision of quality services to meet the needs of service users, according to agreed VSA standards, policies and regulatory requirements.
Main Duties/Responsibilities:
- Communicating effectively with individuals according to agreed standards and procedures, accessing and updating records in keeping with guidelines.
- Helping to provide a safe and protective environment by complying with health, safety, and security procedures, including medication, and reporting accidents/incidents when appropriate.
- Supporting service users in their daily living, according to their recognised and agreed needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practices which promote well-being, choice, and treating people with dignity and respect.
- Assisting service users in developing and maintaining social networks and relationships.
- Assisting and encouraging service users to develop skills and knowledge to live as independently as possible, if appropriate, with reference to the risk assessment process.
- Participating in the development, implementation and review of personal plans with service users.
- Supporting service users appropriately when they experience a significant life change or loss.
- Developing one’s knowledge and practice continuously through participation in training and development activities.
- Carrying out any other tasks from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the postholder’s capabilities.
- Have awareness and work within internal control systems in your area to facilitate improvement in the quality of service provided.
Qualifications/Training/Education:
- Essential: Willingness and ability to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare (or equivalent) within 3 years of appointment or as determined by VSA.
- Registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- Membership of the PVG scheme
- Desirable: SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare
Experience:
- Essential: We accept applications from individuals who are looking to progress with a career in Health & Social Care
- Desirable: Experience within a care setting is preferred
Key Skills/Aptitudes:
- Essential: Problem solving
- Ability to maintain accurate records
- IT skills
- Ability to write short reports
- Ability to communicate well verbally with individuals
- Record keeping
- Ability to travel
- Decision making abilities
Personal Qualities:
- Essential: Good interpersonal skills
- Approachable
- Ethical / Non-judgemental
- Health & Safety aware
- Recovery focused / Person Centred
- Resilient
- Able to manage own time
- Using Initiative
- Motivated
- Compassionate
- Responsible
- Dependable and reliable
Other Job Requirements:
- Ability to work every second weekend
- To comply with the registration and qualification requirements as laid down by the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) and to strictly adhere to the SSSC Codes of Practice.
Support Worker - Care at Home (Various locations including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce employer: Voluntary Service Aberdeen
At VSA's Linn Moor Campus in Peterculter, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for both our staff and the vulnerable young people we support. With competitive salaries, generous holidays, and ongoing professional development opportunities, we empower our employees to grow while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those with additional support needs. Our unique multi-generational approach and beautiful campus grounds create an inspiring workplace where teamwork and community relationships thrive.
Contact Details:
Voluntary Service Aberdeen Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker - Care at Home (Various locations including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce
✨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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen, 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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen. 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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker - Care at Home (Various locations including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce
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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen. 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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Service Aberdeen
✨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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen.
✨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 Support Worker - Care at Home (Various locations including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce at Voluntary Service Aberdeen.
✨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 Voluntary Service Aberdeen that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Support Worker - Care at Home (Various locations including Bridge of Don, Bucksburn & Dyce role.