The Ark Project

Support Worker - Adults with Learning Disabilities



We have a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Support Worker to join our team supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities at Abelands House, our residential home in Merston, Chichester.

We strive to promote independent daily living for our service users who have complex and sometimes challenging behaviours and require professional, dedicated, and caring Support Workers to help make a difference to those we support. You will need to be adaptable and have good communication skills along with the ability to work well within a team.

This is permanent role. Full time, part time and bank work is available. Full time employees are contracted to 38 hours per week.

Rate of Pay: £11.57 - £12.57 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities


Each person we support have their own needs and personality, and your responsibilities will reflect that. Here are some of the areas that you will most likely be involved in:

  • Health and wellbeing. This could include supporting people to make positive choices about eating well, taking exercise, and maintaining good hygiene. Providing emotional support and potentially supporting them with dressing, washing and personal care.
  • Leisure and social activities. Whether it is taking part in indoor activities like cooking and crafting or outdoor activities such as walks, horse riding or swimming be prepared to get stuck in! You could support people to go on day trips and holidays, or just go out for a coffee. Like all of us, the people we support need to do the things they enjoy and get involved in the local community to stay happy and healthy.
  • Daily living skills. Things like attending appointments, shopping and cleaning can be challenging for someone with a learning disability, so you’ll be on hand to support and encourage them.
  • Safeguarding. People with learning disabilities can be vulnerable to abuse or exploitation. As their support worker you’ll make sure they are safe, their rights are upheld, and they are being treated with consideration and respect.
  • Administration duties. This could include dispensing and recording medicines for the people you support and maintaining accurate records and reports. Everything you do should be in line with current legislative and care standards.

Requirements


  • Experience: Previous experience in a similar role, especially in supporting adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, is desirable but not essential as full training and support will be provided.
  • Team Player with Independence: Ability to work well as part of a team, but also independently when required.
  • Reliability and Compassion: A reliable individual who is patient, compassionate, and committed to providing high-quality care.
  • Good Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills for completing documentation and liaising with team members.
  • Driver with UK Licence: Ideally we would need the successful candidate to have a full UK driving licence to facilitate outings for the people we support.
  • Overseas Applicants: All applicants from overseas must have a valid working visa. We do not offer support with visa or location sponsorships.
  • DBS Checks: All successful applicants must be willing to complete an Enhanced Adult DBS Check.

What can we offer you


  • Free DBS check and access to the DBS update service.
  • Holiday pay and 29 day’s holiday pro-rata (includes 8 bank holidays plus an extra day’s leave for your birthday).
  • Time and a half paid for bank holiday shifts.
  • Flexible hours and a variety of shifts available.
  • Every other weekend off with a predictable shift pattern allowing you to plan your free time.
  • A contributory pension scheme.
  • Access to a national retail and leisure discount scheme (Blue Light Card).
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Casual dress.
  • Career development and free training provided including fully funded apprenticeship opportunities up to Level 5 in Leadership and Management giving you a clear pathway into a management role (dependent on achieving your targets).
  • Refer a friend bonus of £150 on successful recruitment plus an additional £250 if they successfully pass their probationary period.

How to Apply

If you feel this role is for you, we want to hear from you!

You can apply for this role by completing our online application form here.

You can also please contact us by completing our contact form or emailing HR@ark-project.org.uk. We can then get in touch to discuss the role, the hours and answer any further questions you may have.