At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide personalised support to individuals in their homes, promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Company: Wheatley Care, a values-led social care organisation with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, excellent leave entitlements, and access to employee assistance.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and ongoing development opportunities provided.
- Why this job: Make a positive difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles and understanding of Health and Social Care Standards.
Do you want to make a positive difference to people’s lives? Come and join Wheatley Care as a Visiting Officer! We are a values-led social care organisation focused on delivering support that genuinely improves people’s lives. As a not-for-profit provider, with over 40 years’ experience in the social care arena we reinvest our resources where they matter most: the people and communities we serve. Our work is grounded in dignity, respect, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live well. We are recognised for delivering reliable, person-led support across our communities.
We are entering a significant phase of development as we progress on the transition to becoming an independent organisation and strengthening our care service teams to match our ambition. Our focus is on long-term sustainability, strong governance and services that remain fit for the future. We combine the ethos of the third sector with the discipline of a modern, well-run organisation. Our culture is grounded in respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing the right thing. We support our staff to grow, contribute, and lead with confidence. We value professionalism, kindness, and the ability to work with purpose.
About the role: We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Visiting Officer to provide personalised support to individuals within their own homes. In this role, you will build positive relationships with customers, offering tailored support that promotes independence, choice and control. You will play a key part in monitoring wellbeing and welfare, identifying any emerging needs, and working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed to person-centred, outcome-focused support and passionate about helping people maintain their independence while feeling safe, respected and valued.
Who are we looking for? Wheatley Care Visiting Officers play a key role in supporting customers to sustain their tenancies and maintain their independence within the community. This includes carrying out home visits, providing practical advice and support, assisting customers to access appropriate benefits, and linking them into relevant local services and community resources. Where more specialist support is required, Visiting Officers work closely with internal teams and external partner agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective approach. All staff receive comprehensive training to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of our customers. This includes a full induction programme delivered by Wheatley Care, alongside a local service induction and supported shadowing within the role. Ongoing learning and development opportunities are provided to support performance and professional growth.
The ideal candidate will have experience in a customer-facing or support-focused environment and a sound understanding of the Health and Social Care Standards. They will adopt a trauma-informed, objective and non-discriminatory approach, recognising the impact of trauma and supporting individuals with empathy, dignity and respect. The postholder will demonstrate a strong commitment to working positively with a diverse range of people, supporting individuals to live safe, stable and independent lives.
The benefits we offer: As part of Wheatley Care, we offer a sector-leading benefits package. The successful candidate will receive:
- a rewarding career with a competitive salary.
- access to a contributory pension scheme.
- excellent leave entitlements.
- enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- contributions towards dental, optical, driving lessons and more.
- access to staff inclusion networks promoting an inclusive workplace;
- 24/7 access to our employee assistance programme.
Committed to inclusion: Wheatley Care is always looking to improve diversity within our teams. We want to create an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute their best work and achieve their full potential. We actively celebrate our individual differences and recognise the collective strength this brings the organisation. It’s important our teams represent the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from any under-represented groups. We want all our candidates to shine. If you need any reasonable adjustments to help you feel more comfortable during the recruitment process, on behalf of Wheatley Care please contact recruitment@wheatley-care.com
Visiting Officer in Dumfries employer: Wheatley Care
Wheatley Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities across Scotland. With a strong focus on values-led social care, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises respect, accountability, and professional growth, alongside a sector-leading benefits package that includes competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and access to employee assistance programmes. Join us as a Visiting Officer and be part of a team that champions independence and dignity for all, while enjoying opportunities for personal development in a rewarding and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visiting Officer in Dumfries
✨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 Wheatley Care.
✨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 Wheatley Care!
✨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 Wheatley Care, 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 Wheatley Care or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Wheatley Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wheatley Care! 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 Wheatley Care
✨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.
