At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support and care to service users during night shifts.
- Company: Join VSA, a leading mental health service provider with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, pension, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours with a fixed rolling rota for work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; training provided, but SSSC registration is essential.
VSA have an exciting opportunity available to join our Westerton Crescent team (Housing with support/Care at home - Mental Health Service) as a Waking Night Support Worker. This will be a Part‑time, Permanent position supporting our service users and in return, you will receive a competitive salary and benefits.
This rewarding role involves providing professional emotional support to our service users throughout the night and although prior experience would be welcome, it is not essential as full training on the job will be provided. We welcome applications from those working in social care currently as well as those who are seeking a change of direction and are passionate about making a difference to people’s lives.
Hours
- Average 17.5 hours per week
- Working Pattern / Rota: Successful applicant will be set a fixed rolling rota. Shifts are 10pm-8am.
Post Status: Permanent – Part‑time
Rate of Pay: £13.45 per hour
Benefits
- 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
Service Information
17 Westerton Crescent provides long term residential placements and 24‑hour support for adults with ongoing and enduring mental health conditions and a physical disability. The main aim of the service is to promote the holistic recovery of the individuals through empowering their independence, daily living skills and personalised support.
Purpose of Role
As a Waking Night Support Worker of this service you will be required to provide a quality service in order to meet the service needs and ongoing needs of the service users whilst working within VSA standards, policies and regulatory requirements.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Communicating effectively with the day shift staff to ensure consistency within the staff team, participating in the compiling and implementation of recovery based support plans.
- Communicating effectively with individuals in accordance with the standards and procedures, accessing and updating written and electronic records in keeping with guidelines.
- Helping to provide a safe and protective environment by complying with housekeeping, infection prevention control guidance, health, safety, and security procedures, including medication, reporting accidents/incidents, using e‑mars system and safeguarding issues when appropriate.
- Ensuring service meets IPC requirements, supporting the day shift ancillary staff with cleaning tasks, food preparation and laundry.
- Supporting service users in their night time routines, according to their individual assessment of needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practices which promote well‑being, choice, safeguarding through trauma informed practice, meaningful conversations and treating people with dignity and respect.
- Participating in the development, implementation and review of the recovery support‑based plans with service users.
- Providing emotional support to service users when they experience change.
- Candidate will be responsible for their continuous professional learning as per the SSSC registration.
- Candidates will receive a wide range of face‑to‑face and e‑learning opportunities as well as in‑house reflective practice.
- Candidates must engage with supervision and appraisal procedures as well as staff meetings to improve and develop the service and VSA as a whole.
- To support the services and service users, carrying out any other tasks from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the postholder’s capabilities.
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- Membership of the PVG scheme
- willingness and ability to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare within 3 years of appointment or as determined by VSA.
Desirable
- SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare
- Food Hygiene certificate
Experience
- Experience of working in a busy environment
- Experience of challenging behaviour
- Experience of electronic care management system / e‑mars
- Experience of lone working
Key Skills / Aptitudes
- Ability to communicate well verbally with individuals.
- IT skills
- Decision making abilities
Personal Qualities
- Approachable
- Ethical / Non‑judgemental
- Team‑worker
- Health and Safety aware
- Recovery Focused / Person centred
- Organised and motivated
- Resilient
- Able to manage own time
- Dependable and reliable
Other Job Requirements
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 (Wake-In Nightshift) - Mental Health Services (Westerton Crescent) employer: Voluntary Service Aberdeen
VSA is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in mental health services. With a commitment to employee development through comprehensive training programmes and a generous benefits package, including a competitive salary and pension scheme, VSA fosters a culture of growth and empowerment. Located at Westerton Crescent, this role provides the unique opportunity to contribute to the holistic recovery of individuals while enjoying a fixed rolling rota that promotes work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Voluntary Service Aberdeen Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker (Wake-In Nightshift) - Mental Health Services (Westerton Crescent)
✨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 (Wake-In Nightshift) - Mental Health Services (Westerton Crescent)
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 (Wake-In Nightshift) - Mental Health Services (Westerton Crescent) 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 (Wake-In Nightshift) - Mental Health Services (Westerton Crescent) role.
