Community Support Worker

Queen Alexandra College; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site car parking

Use of QAC Fitness Centre

Cycle to Work Scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Queen Alexandra College is seeking a dedicated Community Support Worker in Umberslade/Selly Oak. You will assist young people with disabilities to live independently in the community, delivering person-centred support aligned to individual needs and wishes.

With a 38-hour week and a salary of £25,312.56 per year, you’ll work closely with a team to promote dignity, choice and inclusion while following safeguarding policies and maintaining detailed records.

Qualifications

• Level 2 in English and Maths is required.
• Ability to work with students with disabilities patiently, flexibly and respectfully.
• Demonstrates an understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Promote the aims and ethos of the College Community Services.
• Support clients to undertake activities including leisure, household, development, vocational, volunteering, social and health-related activities.
• Assist with shopping, money management, and cooking as agreed.
• Support daily living tasks and home management.
• Help clients plan transport routes and attend appointments.
• Encourage social integration and relationship building with family and friends.
• Maintain accurate records and participate in supervision and mandatory training.

Skills

Level 2 English & Maths

Patience & respect for people with dis

Job description

Community Support Worker

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

Department: Community Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Umberslade, Selly Oak

Compensation: £25,312.56 / year

Description

Salary: £25,312.56

Hours: 38 hours per week

Weeks: 52 weeks

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.

To be part of a team of staff supporting young people with disabilities live as independently as possible in the community and to provide person centred support based on the needs and wishes of each individual client.

Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding

• Promote the aims and ethos of the QACs Community Services in all aspects of their work
• Understand and respect individual client’s right, choices, personal dignity, privacy and aspirations.
• To support clients to undertake activities which are a priority to them including leisure, household, developmental, vocational, volunteering, social and health related activities and in all aspects of these maximise clients’ opportunities to be as independent as possible
• To provide support to clients to undertake shopping activities including support with money management as agreed
• To provide support to plan, prepare and cook meals as agreed
• To provide support to undertake activities of daily living within the home including household organisation and chores as agreed
• To provide support with managing post, correspondence and bills as required
• To provide support to attend appointments including medical / healthcare appointments, benefits related appointments and similar as required
• Support clients with identifying, planning and taking part in leisure activities.
• Encourage integration and inclusion into the wider social community including by facilitating contact with key individuals in the clients life such as family and friends and supporting clients to develop the skills to independently maintain relationships
• To support the client with learning key routes on public transport that they may wish to travel independently
• To promote the clients self- esteem and confidence at all times
• To provide emotional support and reassurance to the client and to liaise with colleagues as required if there are key concerns about the client’s wellbeing.
• Help plan, promote and maintain good care practice and contribute positively to team work through good communication with other community support workers and attend team meetings.
• To monitor daily support and achievements via the ‘Care Log’ system on Databridge MIS
• Contribute to the implementation of care plans, risk assessments, client reviews, and targets.
• Liaise with clients’ families, where appropriate.
• Liaise on a regular basis with College personal tutors and other staff where the client is a QAC student.
• Maintain effective record systems to a quality standard which complies with internal and external regulations.
• Actively partake in professional supervision and attend mandatory training as required
• To work under the Director of Community Services on a day to day basis
• Become familiar with all policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Client Complaints procedures, First Aid and Safeguarding.
• Perform such other duties commensurate with the status of the post as the Principal shall from time to time decide

The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.

Safeguarding Commitments

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Level 2 in English and Maths
• To understand the needs of students with disabilities and be able to work with them patiently, flexibly and respectfully
• To demonstrate an appreciation of the ways in which the Support Worker can support clients in the activities.
• To evidence a positive attitude to equality, diversity and inclusion and work well with others
• To understand safeguarding principles and practice and be able to apply them to this role
• To display good interpersonal skills with students, staff and external contacts
• Good IT skills, including word processing and spreadsheet packages
• Excellent written communication skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Well organised, reliable and pro‑active
• To be flexible and able to work across all curriculum areas
• Adaptable and flexible
• Competent and conscientious with a methodical approach to managing workloads
• Demonstrate college values
• Car Owner

For further information on person specification please read the job description attached

Benefits

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students. The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.

• Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals
• Make a difference to the educational experience of young people
• Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence
• Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.

Our benefits include; Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

• Access to on site car parking
• Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
• Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
• Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
• QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
• BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
• Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
• Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
• Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
• Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
• Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
• Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
• Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
• Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
• Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
• On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
• Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
• Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.