This isn't a boring job you'll be changing lives with care, supporting day-to-day living and joining in with activities like bowling, swimming, walks, and community outings. You don't need prior experience to join as a Support Worker. We provide all the training you'll need, along with ongoing support to help you build a career in care.
Walsingham Support is a national charity, not a business. We don't make money for shareholders; everything we do is reinvested into supporting the people we care for and the staff who make it happen. Since 1986, every Support Worker at Walsingham Support has played a vital role in enhancing the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Our world is built on doing good, being the best place to work, and always putting people first. We believe in an accessible and fair recruitment process, which is why you'll receive interview questions in advance, so you feel confident and ready to shine.
Vision
- Walsingham Support will grow to become a leader in the social care sector to meet the evolving needs of people we support and the higher expectations they have around how they live.
- We will reinforce the voices of all those with learning disabilities, autistic people and other complex needs to challenge the status quo, disrupt perceived limitations and influence sector wide change.
Mission
- We see the person not the limitations. We work alongside adults with complex needs to fulfil their life aspirations. We employ and develop exceptional people. We are agile, continuously learning as we respond to evolving needs.
Values
- People Focused: Whether it is staff or the people we support, we strive for people to live their best lives.
- One Team: Achieving meaningful outcomes by coming together to create a friendly, proactive and inclusive culture.
- Say it as it is: Every voice is heard and respected, we encourage open and transparent communication.
- Ambitious: Determined to be the best in everything we do.
- When we hire new people, we look for team players who take pride in what they do and adopt a can-do attitude. Each and every member of the team plays a vital role in making a huge difference to individual lives by helping them to reach their full potential. In return, we help you to exceed your career ambitions, aims and aspirations.
- Sense of Purpose: Many people find working for a charity to be more personally fulfilling because they contribute to a cause or mission that aligns with their values. The sense of purpose derived from making a positive impact on society can be a powerful motivator.
- Social Impact: Charities typically focus on addressing social issues, whether it's healthcare, education, poverty, or the environment. Working for a charity allows employees to be part of efforts to create positive social change and improve the lives of others.
- Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Charities often have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the diverse communities they serve. Employees may find themselves working alongside people with varied backgrounds and perspectives.
- Skill Development: Working for a charity may provide opportunities for employees to develop a wide range of skills. With limited resources, employees often take on multiple roles and responsibilities, allowing for skill diversification and professional growth.
- Community Engagement: Charities are usually deeply connected to the communities they serve. Employees may have the chance to engage directly with beneficiaries, volunteers, and community partners, fostering a strong sense of community and interconnectedness.
- Flexibility and Passion-Driven Work: While this may not be universally true, some charities offer a more flexible work environment, recognising the passion and commitment of their employees. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and work‑life balance.
- Positive Workplace Culture: Charities often foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture where employees share a common goal and work together to achieve it. This sense of camaraderie can contribute to a supportive and encouraging work environment.
- You are not making money for a board of Directors: At Walsingham, any surplus funds generated by the charity goes back into the care of the service users and not pay bonuses to directors.
- Job Stability: According to Tori Utley's article for Forbes magazine in 2016, charities are less likely to take risks when expanding, so are less likely to suffer financially compared to companies that focus purely on profit. Many non‑profit organisations do not have private owners, and they do not issue stock or pay dividends as rewards.
Benefits
- Favourable working hours, with part-time and bank Support Worker roles available
- 28 days holiday (rising to 38 with service)
- Double pay for bank holidays
- Paid Enhanced DBS
- Pension contributions and life assurance (3x salary)
- Funded qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme and bereavement helpline
- Walsingham Rewards Scheme and Blue Light Card discounts
- Long service awards and a £250 recommend‑a‑friend bonus
Responsibilities
- Support people with personal care, cooking, and household tasks
- Provide companionship, encouragement, and emotional support
- Help people build independence, friendships, and new skills
- Join in with activities, hobbies, and community events