At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive clients and support them in social and recreational activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in children and adult social care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced driver with a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 29250 £ per year.
Driver/Support Worker Assistant Vacancy REF: WLTD001/006
SALARY: £27300-29250 per hour
SERVICE TYPE: Children and Adult Social Care
SHIFT PATTERN: Rota base – 24/7 service
REPORTS TO: Senior Support Worker/Deputy Service Manager
Main Job Function
- Drive company vehicle: picking and dropping off our clients.
- Provide support to enable service users with a learning disability, mental health, Autism and other complex needs to participate in vocational, recreational, educational and social programmes on and off site, both in a group and on a one-to-one basis.
- Support people to travel to and from community activities and the day service, picking them up from home where necessary and escorting / driving / or using public transport.
- Keep appropriate records according to laid down procedures.
- Work on a rota based system, including day and night shifts.
Service User Support
- Drive company vehicle: picking and dropping off our clients from their homes, driving clients to their desired activities as planned.
- Ensure good practice in the care and development of adults with learning disabilities or Autism, including promoting positive attitudes in regards to race, gender, sexuality and disability, age, religion and cultural beliefs.
- Support people to overcome difficulties they may have in using community facilities including physical access, prejudice and anxieties of others.
- Ensure that Autism specific needs, behavioural issues, communication needs and other specialist support needs are understood and supported to maximise independence and reduce the likelihood of distress for the individuals you work with.
- Ensure that users (and their belongings) are treated with respect.
- Assist support workers to support people with all aspects of their personal care including meal times, intimate personal care, use of hoists and any other duties that are necessary to ensure people are supported in maintaining their personal hygiene.
- Assist support workers to support people’s general and specialist health needs, including administering medication by specialist techniques and, where necessary, supporting people to emergency and planned health appointments.
- Pursue agreed strategies to support and alleviate behaviours that present a challenge.
- Learn and use appropriate methods of communication with service users and colleagues.
- Include service users in the decision‑making process and encourage them to express their wishes, exercise informed choice and offer support to service users in areas where they are currently unable to make an informed choice.
- Creatively use resources and facilities in the community, including specialist and mainstream services, offering a variety of activities including new experiences, learning, employment and leisure opportunities.
- Ensure national and local safeguarding procedures are followed to safeguard service users from harm.
Team Work
- Participate in staff meetings, contributing ideas and sharing responsibilities.
- Contribute to the development of the service, pursuing specific areas of interest according to the needs of service users and the service.
- Support colleagues in difficult or potentially difficult situations in the workplace.
- Cover colleagues, working in all areas of the service, responding to situations flexibly.
General
- Work flexibly as part of the team; hours may vary, weekend and evening work may be a requirement.
- Overtime may be required.
- Handle petty cash in accordance with the organisation’s petty cash policies and procedures.
- Ensure the smooth running of the centre so the timetable is carried out consistently.
- Undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.
Additional
- Use and assist others in the use of information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
- Achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
- Undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist in the effective development of the post and Applicant.
- Be committed to the Organisation’s core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and demonstrate this commitment in the way you carry out your duties.
- Ensure all the services within the area(s) of responsibility are provided in accordance with the Organisation’s commitment to high‑quality service provision to users.
- Ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation, protecting the confidentiality of personal information.
- Carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Organisation’s Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation and report health and safety concerns to the designated officer.
- At all times carry out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the Organisation’s Dignity for all Policy.
Person Specification
- Requirement: Education and Experience
- E1: Experienced driver
- E2: Experience of working with people from different racial backgrounds and cultures.
- E3: Academic / vocational / educational qualification e.g., NVQ 2/3, QCF level 4, DipSW or other relevant qualification in adult social care, or a willingness to work towards relevant qualifications.
- Knowledge, skills and ability
- E4: Ability and knowledge of helping to promote the physical, emotional, intellectual and social well‑being of people with learning disabilities and Autism.
- E5: Full UK driving licence.
- E6: Ability to support people to develop Person‑Centred Plans that reflect their aspirations, preferences, choices, religious and cultural identity and personal developmental needs.
- E7: Ability to communicate and relate effectively with users and carers.
- E8: Ability to work as part of both a small team and larger staff group.
- E9: Ability to understand and implement safeguarding procedures.
- E10: Ability to use computer packages such as Word, Outlook and Excel.
- E11: Ability to act within Health and Safety requirements.
- Commitment to equal opportunities
- E12: Ability to adhere to the Organisation’s Dignity for All policy.
- Special requirements
- E13: This role will require you to obtain an Enhanced satisfactory clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Driver/Support Worker employer: Willboag
As a Driver/Support Worker with us, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and Autism. Our inclusive work culture prioritises employee development through ongoing training and support, ensuring you grow alongside our service users. Located in a vibrant community, we offer flexible working hours and a commitment to high-quality service, making this an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver/Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know about openings or can refer you. Personal connections can make all the difference in landing that Driver/Support Worker role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to support work. Think about scenarios where you've helped someone with a learning disability or Autism, and be ready to share those stories. We want to hear how you’ve made a positive impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting individuals with complex needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver/Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Driving Skills:Make sure to highlight your driving experience in your application. We want to see that you have a full UK driving licence and any relevant qualifications, so don’t hold back on sharing those details!
Emphasise Your Support Experience:Talk about your experience working with individuals who have learning disabilities or Autism. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges these individuals face, so share any relevant stories or examples.
Be Person-Centred:When filling out your application, focus on how you can support service users in achieving their goals. We love seeing candidates who can create Person-Centred Plans that reflect individual aspirations and needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willboag
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities, especially around supporting individuals with learning disabilities and Autism.
✨Showcase Your Driving Skills
Since driving is a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Bring up any relevant qualifications or training you've had, and if possible, share examples of how you've safely transported clients in the past.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This job requires a lot of compassion and understanding. Be ready to talk about your experiences working with diverse groups and how you’ve supported individuals facing challenges. Use specific examples to illustrate your approach to promoting their well-being.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to ask about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting service users.
