At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours in a caring environment.
- Company: Sandy Lane, a supportive service in Orford, Warrington.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome bonus, free meals, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a team that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with challenging behaviour is essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 29000 £ per year.
Job Role: Learning Disability Support Worker
Hours per week: Full Time
Salary: £12.71
Location: Orford, Warrington
Requirements:
- Full Valid UK driving Licence, as you will be driving the Residents Disability Vehicles.
- Experience supporting individuals with challenging behaviour.
About Sandy Lane:
This service is located in Orford, Warrington and supports individuals with complex needs, including mental health needs and learning disabilities. We provide supported living in small, well-equipped homes designed to help people live as independently and confidently as possible.
A Day in the Life of a Support Worker:
As a Support Worker, no two days are the same, reflecting the diversity of the individuals we support. Our approach is centred around person-centred planning, tailoring support to meet each individual's unique needs. We are committed to achieving positive outcomes for every person and celebrating even the smallest milestones in their personal development.
Support Team:
- Personal and intimate care
- Managing challenging behaviours of concern
- Developing independence and confidence
- Encouraging positive relationships and involvement in the home and community
What We're Looking For:
Previous experience supporting individuals with challenging behaviour is essential. Training and qualifications will be provided on the job. We are looking for caring individuals who align with our values, who will advocate for the people we support and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Employee Benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: £250 total (£50 after 4 weeks and £200 after 2 months)
- Training and Development: Access to in-house and accredited courses; fund qualifications, £150 bonus on completion of Level 2 or above, and £50 for completing the Care Certificate
- Blue Light Card and Discounts: Cover cost of card, access to childcare, shopping and online training discounts
- Free Meals: Provided during 12-hour shifts (hot or cold meals)
- Refer a Friend: £200 bonus for successful referrals
- Christmas Enhancement: Double pay for allocated Christmas hours
- Technology: Access to care planning and rota apps with full training
Our Values:
- Supporting rights, needs, choices and dreams
- Seeing the possibility to make a difference in everything we do
- Being financially responsible and sustainable
- Embracing technology and innovation
- Valuing every colleague's contribution
Key Responsibilities – Colleagues:
- Support and mentor new colleagues during induction
- Participate in supervision, observation, and appraisal processes
- Maintain effective communication, including accurate written reports
Key Responsibilities – Business:
- Follow WCL financial procedures
- Act in line with environmental and sustainability principles
Key Responsibilities – The People We Support:
- Maintain a caring environment in line with best practice and legislation
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders
- Deliver high-quality care in line with support plans and policies (including personal care, medication, activities and engagement)
- Seek and share the views and preferences of the people we support
- Promote satisfaction among individuals, families, colleagues and commissioners
- Support the Service Manager in managing complaints and concerns
- Maintain positive relationships with families, the community and external partners
- Follow safeguarding procedures at all times
Key Responsibilities – Safeguarding:
- Complete Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Mental Capacity Act training
- Recognise and report safeguarding concerns appropriately
Key Responsibilities – Health and Safety:
- Take reasonable care of your own and others' health and safety
- Cooperate with your employer to meet legal requirements
- Use equipment and systems safely
- Support the Service Manager in maintaining a safe environment
Key Responsibilities – Data Protection:
- Maintain confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ISO27001
- Share information only with authorised individuals and for appropriate purposes
Person Specification – Qualifications:
- A recognised health or social care qualification (Desirable)
- Additional relevant training (Desirable)
Person Specification – Experience:
- Essential: Willingness to learn and develop professionally
- Desirable: Experience supporting people with disabilities, dementia, mental health needs, or older people; Experience working as part of a team
Person Specification – Technical Skills:
- Essential: Ability to manage basic numerical data; Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook)
- Desirable: Ability to use WCL transport or access to own transport
Person Specification – Personal Qualities:
- Essential: Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; Understanding of safeguarding and ability to recognise concerns; Ability to work flexibly as part of a team; Positive values relating to disability, dementia and mental health; Understanding of WCL values and how to demonstrate them; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to build positive relationships; Ability to listen with sensitivity
- Desirable: Ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks; Understanding of person-centred support planning
Learning Disability Support Workers Days & Nights - Orford employer: We Change Lives
Sandy Lane is an exceptional employer located in Orford, Warrington, dedicated to supporting individuals with complex needs. We foster a nurturing work culture that prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside attractive benefits such as a welcome bonus, free meals during shifts, and discounts through the Blue Light Card. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we support while enjoying a rewarding career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Disability Support Workers Days & Nights - Orford
✨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 We Change Lives.
✨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 We Change Lives!
✨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 We Change Lives, 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 We Change Lives 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 Learning Disability Support Workers Days & Nights - Orford
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 We Change Lives:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Change Lives! 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 We Change Lives
✨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.