At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities through engaging activities and personal care.
- Company: Pathways, a community-focused day support service in West Lothian.
- Benefits: Permanent position with 36 hours per week and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; applications from all backgrounds welcome.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: HNC in Health and Social Care and SVQ 3 or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
36 hours per week, 52.15 weeks per year, Permanent.
Pathways is a day support service that utilises a base at Quigley House Craigshill, Livingston and operates all across West Lothian Communities. The service provides a range of meaningful supported activities that meet individuals’ outcomes and level of support requirements. This is done in a sensitive and structured way supporting individuals through group work to build confidence and skills to explore their goals.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the successful applicant to join our staff team on a permanent full-time basis (36 hours) in a Keyworker position. The Service provides support to access a range of building and community based meaningful activities that meet individual outcomes. This role is both challenging and rewarding and you must be able to support service users in a person-centred way, working in line with any individual risk assessments while accessing community based and building based activities.
As such, this role requires staff to be able to develop and deliver a stimulating person centred, outcome focused programme of activities, in line with West Lothian Council policy and procedure and Care Inspectorate Framework, as well as key National Strategies.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate practical skills, knowledge and understanding in how to support and enable people through a range of interactions and adopting a creative holistic approach to an individual’s care and support to meet social, health and wellbeing requirements. The role also includes having responsibility for the co-ordination, development and reviewing of personal care plans for a number of individuals - using online recording systems as well as providing support for personal care, physical management as well as supporting people to eat lunches/snacks and have drinks, where required.
Service users may also require the support from staff with their communication and understanding, including enabling and supporting people to express their likes, dislikes and wishes.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
It will be essential for applicants to hold HNC Health and Social Care and SVQ 3 (Health and Social Care) or equivalent for this post, as well as be able to meet the essential criteria set out. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.
Keyworker - Learning Disability Day Services, Quigley House, 500.73 - WEL10027 employer: West Lothian Council
Pathways is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Quigley House in Livingston. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to meaningful community engagement, staff are empowered to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. The organisation values diversity and provides opportunities for growth, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to a rewarding mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Keyworker - Learning Disability Day Services, Quigley House, 500.73 - WEL10027
✨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 West Lothian Council.
✨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 West Lothian Council!
✨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 West Lothian Council, 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 West Lothian Council 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 Keyworker - Learning Disability Day Services, Quigley House, 500.73 - WEL10027
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 West Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Lothian Council! 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 West Lothian Council
✨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.
