Support worker at Sense, Leagrave, Luton

Support worker

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Support worker – sense college streatley

Help young people build confidence, independence and brighter futures.

Are you a caring, patient and enthusiastic person who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with complex disabilities?

At sense, we're looking for a support worker to join our friendly and dedicated team at sense college streatley.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people to develop their independence, build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy meaningful experiences in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Whether your previous caring or support experience comes from a personal, voluntary or professional setting, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

Location: sense college streatley, Keech Hospice Care, Great Bramingham Lane, Streatley, LU3 3NT

Salary: £13 per hour

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:45am–3:45pm

Working weeks: 45 weeks per year, inclusive of annual leave

As a support worker, you'll provide person-centred support to young people with a range of learning, sensory and physical disabilities, helping them participate in activities, develop essential life skills and achieve greater independence.

You'll work closely with colleagues to create a safe, positive and supportive environment where every individual is encouraged to make choices, express themselves and reach their potential.

What will you be doing?

Your responsibilities will include:

Supporting young people to develop independence and life skills, encouraging choice, confidence and participation in everyday activities.

Providing personalised support, following individual care plans and person-centred approaches.

Supporting communication, using appropriate methods to help individuals express their needs, preferences and choices.

Helping individuals participate in learning programmes, activities and experiences that promote personal development and wellbeing.

Providing personal care and supporting health and wellbeing, including continence needs where required, while maintaining dignity and respect.

Supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge, following agreed support plans and guidelines.

Encouraging social interaction, inclusion and opportunities to participate in the wider community.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, families and other professionals to provide consistent, high-quality support.

Maintaining accurate records and communicating important information to colleagues and managers.

Promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where every individual is valued.

Develop your skills and progress your career

At sense, we believe that a rewarding career should also be an opportunity to learn and grow.

As a support worker, you'll have opportunities to:

Develop your knowledge and skills through our induction programme and ongoing training.

Learn specialist approaches to supporting people with complex disabilities and communication needs.

Build confidence in person-centred support, communication and promoting independence.

Access professional development opportunities to support your future career.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is compassionate, reliable and committed to helping young people live fulfilling lives.

You'll need:

Previous caring or support worker experience, gained in a personal, voluntary or professional capacity.

Experience working independently and as part of a team.

A caring, patient and respectful approach.

Good communication and listening skills, with the ability to adapt your communication style to individual needs.

The ability to support people with mobility needs, including assisting with walking, guiding or supporting wheelchair users.

A commitment to promoting independence, choice and dignity.

The ability to use your initiative, exercise good judgement and solve problems using a person-centred approach.

Good organisational, numeracy and communication skills to support individuals with everyday activities.

A willingness to complete relevant training and develop your skills.

The ability to drive, as driving is an essential requirement for this vacancy. You will not be required to use your own vehicle.

A commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusion.

It would also be beneficial if you have:

Experience supporting people with sensory or dual sensory impairments.

Experience communicating with people who use a range of communication methods.

BSL skills or a willingness to develop your knowledge of sign communication.

The ability to swim, as this is listed as a desirable requirement for the vacancy.

Why join sense?

Alongside a rewarding role where you can make a difference, you'll have access to a range of employee benefits, including:

24 days' holiday plus bank holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service (pro rata where applicable).

Access to online and face-to-face training opportunities.

Leadership and management development opportunities.

Health and wellbeing support.

Workplace pension.

Employee discounts.

Employee referral scheme.

Flexible working and family-friendly policies, subject to eligibility.

About sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life.

Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We're proud to be a disability confident leader and a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

We're creating change.

We're always learning.

We're better together.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can make a meaningful difference, develop your skills and support young people to reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your application, ensuring your supporting statement demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

We recommend reading the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification before applying.

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close vacancies early.

Visa sponsorship

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this vacancy. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship.

Safeguarding, equality and inclusion

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject relevant pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, section 128 check and teacher status check.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities.

Sense is committed to equality of opportunity and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff, volunteers and the people we work with.

We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

No agency submissions please. Any submissions without prior authorisation from the sense recruitment team will be treated as our own, and no fee will be payable.