At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive clients and support them in social and recreational activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a difference in social care.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and community engagement.
- Why this job: Empower individuals with learning disabilities and make a real impact in their lives.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced driver with a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
Vacancy REF: WLTD001/006
SALARY: £ 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
- To work as part of a team of staff to 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.
- 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
The person specification is a picture of skills, knowledge and experience required to carry out the job. It has been used to draw up the advert and will also be used in the shortlisting and interview process for this post. You should demonstrate on your application form how you meet the following essential criteria:
- Service type: Permanent/FT/PT/Bank
- Section: Adult and Children Service
- 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 to ensure service users are protected from harm.
- E10: Ability to use computer packages such as Word, Outlook and Excel.
- E11: Ability to act within Health and Safety requirements including handling medication safely.
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 in London 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 growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring you feel valued and empowered in your role. Located in a vibrant community, we offer flexible working hours and a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and respect for diversity, making it an excellent place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver/Support Worker in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might know about openings in the Driver/Support Worker field. Personal connections can often lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨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 experiences. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During interviews, express your commitment to supporting service users and how you can contribute to their well-being. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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 in London
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 your driving history!
Emphasise Your Support Experience:When filling out your application, focus on your experience working with individuals who have learning disabilities or Autism. Share specific examples of how you've supported them in the past, as this is super important for us.
Be Person-Centred:We love it when applicants show they understand the importance of person-centred care. In your application, mention how you’ve helped develop plans that reflect the aspirations and needs of those you’ve worked with.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 of a Driver/Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting individuals with learning disabilities and Autism. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with diverse groups and how you've supported individuals in challenging situations. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills, particularly in promoting independence and managing complex needs. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since communication is key in this role, practice how you'll convey your thoughts clearly and empathetically. Think about how you can adapt your communication style to suit different service users, especially those who may not use traditional forms of speech. This will highlight your adaptability and understanding of their needs.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The job requires working as part of a team, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to team meetings or supported colleagues in difficult situations. This will show that you're a team player who values collaboration and can handle the dynamic nature of the role.
