Day Support worker Whitby, Ellesmere Port- maternity cover

Service: Park Drive

Hours per week: 24 - 36 hours

Salary: £12.71 per hour

Location: Whitby, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

A Day in the Life of a Learning Disability Support Worker:

As a Learning Disability Support Worker, no two days are alike much like the diverse individuals we support. Our approach revolves around person‑centered planning, tailoring our services to suit the distinct requirements of each person we support. We are deeply committed to working towards positive outcomes for every individual, celebrating even the smallest milestones on their journey to personal growth.

As a Support Worker, you'll be equipped with comprehensive training to provide a wide range of assistance, including personal care, behavioural support, fostering independence and confidence, and nurturing positive relationships through effective communication. A full UK driving licence is essential for this role. As part of your duties, you will be responsible for transporting residents in their disability‑adapted vehicles to appointments, social outings, and other activities. Safe and compassionate driving is a key part of delivering high‑quality care and support, making this a vital aspect of the position.

Who we’re looking for:

• Supporting rights, needs, choices & dreams.
• Seeing the possibility to make a difference in all that we do.
• Being financially responsible and economically sustainable.
• Embracing new technology and innovation.
• Appreciating every colleague's contribution.

Employee Benefits:

• Welcome bonus: Receive a £250 bonus—£50 after 4 weeks of service and £200 after completing 2 months.
• Access to training and development, both in‑house and accredited courses, where we will pay for your qualification and on completion of level 2 or above we will reward you with a £150 bonus (as well as £50 for passing the care certificate).
• Access to Wcare; offering health and wellbeing support including 24/7 access to a GP.
• Blue Light Card— we’ll cover the cost of your card.
• Access to discount schemes, including discounted childcare, shopping and access to a range of online training courses.
• Night Enhancement: all hours worked between 8 pm and 8 am will carry an additional £1 per hour enhancement.
• Free Meals available to all staff who are working 12‑hour shifts.
• Refer a Friend: £200 if you refer a friend to come and work for WCL and they are successful.
• Christmas Enhancement (Double Time): allocated Christmas hours worked will be rewarded with double‑time pay.
• Ongoing investment in new technology including care‑plan and rota apps, with full training provided.
• Shifts available across a range of services; made available through our online rota system.
• Get Paid As You Earn with FlexEarn: you don't have to wait for payday.

Job Summary:

To work under the direction of the Service Manager to meet the needs of the people we support, promoting an environment that provides high‑quality, personalised care through individual consultation, continued development, and learning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mentor new colleagues during induction to support high‑quality care delivery.
• Participate in supervision, observation and appraisal processes.
• Provide effective communication, including accurate written reports.
• Follow WCL financial procedures.
• Act in line with the organisation’s environmental and sustainability principles.
• Help maintain a caring environment aligned with best practice, guidance and legislative requirements.
• Contribute to clear and effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Deliver high‑quality care in line with support plans and organisational policy.
• Seek and share the views and preferences of the people we support.
• Promote high levels of satisfaction among people we support, families, colleagues and commissioners.
• Support the Service Manager with complaints and concerns following WCL policy.
• Maintain positive relationships with families, the community, and external partners.
• Understand and implement safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding:

• Complete Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Mental Capacity Act training.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Health and Safety:

• Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety.
• Cooperate with the employer to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Avoid misuse of equipment or systems provided for safety.
• Support the Service Manager in maintaining a safe environment.

Data Protection:

• Respect confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ISO27001.
• Use and share information only with authorised people and for authorised purposes.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet service needs.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Desirable: A recognised health or social care qualification.

Experience:

• Essential: Evidence of wanting to professionally develop.
• Willingness and ability to learn.
• Desirable: Experience supporting people with disabilities, older people, dementia or mental health needs.
• Experience working as part of a team.

Technical Skills:

• Essential: Ability to handle basic numerical data, including simple financial information.
• Essential: Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook).
• Desirable: Ability to use WCL transport or own transport when required.

Personal Qualities:

• Essential: Understanding of fairness and valuing diversity.
• Understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and ability to recognise concerns.
• Ability to work positively and flexibly as part of a team.
• Positive values relating to disability, older people, dementia and mental health.
• Understanding of WCL's key statements and how to demonstrate them.
• Ability to provide high‑quality support to people with learning disabilities, dementia and mental health needs.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to listen sensitively.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with others.

Desirable: Ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks. Understanding of positive, person‑centred support planning.