Learning Disability Support Worker

Guardian Homecare Limited; South Ockendon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed hours

Paid mileage

Training

Career progression

Pension

Job summary

Guardian Homecare, part of City & County Healthcare Group, seeks Learning Disability Support Workers to help individuals live independently in the community. You’ll follow support plans and assist with daily living, budgeting, travel and activities.

We value patience, empathy and reliability. A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are required, as travel between locations is common. Benefits include guaranteed hours, paid mileage, training and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Patience, empathy and emotional resilience are essential.
• Strong communication and listening skills are required.
• Reliability, consistency and flexibility help you support people effectively.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are needed for travel between locations.

Responsibilities

• Follow individual support plans and respect personal rights.
• Assist with daily living tasks (cooking, cleaning, home management).
• Support budgeting, shopping and money handling.
• Help people access transportation and travel independently.
• Encourage participation in college, training, volunteering or employment.
• Promote dignity, safeguarding and wellbeing.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Reliability

Communication

Flexibility

Driving

Job description

About the role

This is not simply about doing things for someone. It is about working alongside each person, recognising their strengths and supporting them to achieve the things that matter to them. You might help someone learn to prepare a meal, manage their money, travel more confidently, attend college, enjoy a favourite activity or build meaningful relationships. Every achievement—however big or small—is something to celebrate. We welcome applications from both men and women who share our values and are passionate about empowering others.

What is learning disability support?

Learning disability support is centred around the individual—their personality, choices, abilities, goals and aspirations. You'll provide person‑centred support that promotes:

• Choice and control
• Independence and confidence
• Communication and self‑expression
• Social inclusion and meaningful relationships
• Community participation
• Development of everyday living skills
• Dignity, equality and respect
• Positive, safe and fulfilling experiences

Rather than taking over, you'll encourage each person to participate as fully as possible and make their own decisions. Your support will be guided by individual support plans and delivered in the least restrictive way, always respecting the person's rights, preferences and independence.

Areas we cover

We are recruiting across Basildon, Thurrock, Castle Point and the surrounding communities. Priority recruitment areas:

• Stanford‑le‑Hope and Corringham – SS17
• South Ockendon – SS18

Shift times may vary according to the needs, routines and activities of the people you support. Regular evening and weekend availability is particularly valuable.

What you’ll be doing

No two days will be the same. Your support will reflect each individual's needs, interests and personal goals. You may be supporting someone to:

• Develop everyday living skills, including cooking, cleaning and looking after their home
• Build confidence with budgeting, shopping and managing money
• Learn to use public transport and travel more independently
• Attend college, training, volunteering or employment
• Take part in hobbies, sports and activities they enjoy
• Access local services, events and community groups
• Develop friendships and maintain relationships with family
• Communicate their choices, feelings and preferences
• Plan their day and make informed decisions
• Build confidence, resilience and problem‑solving skills
• Work towards personal goals and celebrate achievements
• Maintain greater independence within their own home

Depending on the needs of the individual, you may also provide:

• Dignified assistance with personal care
• Support with medication
• Help with meal preparation and nutrition
• Mobility assistance
• Emotional reassurance during periods of anxiety or distress
• Support to understand routines, changes and new experiences
• Clear and accessible communication suited to the individual
• Encouragement to understand choices and take positive, appropriate risks

You’ll also:

• Follow individual support plans, risk assessments and agreed approaches
• Recognise and respond to different communication styles
• Observe wellbeing and report any concerns or changes
• Maintain clear, accurate and respectful records
• Promote safeguarding, dignity and individual rights
• Respond calmly and safely in an emergency
• Work closely with families, colleagues and healthcare professionals
• Provide consistent support while respecting personal boundaries

What you’ll need

Previous experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or additional needs is welcomed, but it isn't the only thing we’re looking for. What matters most is your attitude, values and willingness to empower others. You'll need:

• A genuine commitment to promoting independence
• Patience, empathy and emotional resilience
• A positive and encouraging approach
• Respect for individual choice, identity and personal boundaries
• Strong communication and listening skills
• The ability to adapt your communication to different needs
• Reliability, consistency and flexibility
• Confidence supporting people within the community
• A willingness to learn and complete all required training
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
• The existing right to work in the UK

At Guardian Homecare, part of City & County Healthcare Group, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to make their own choices, develop new skills and enjoy a fulfilling life within their community. We aim to provide local work wherever possible, although you must be willing and able to travel between different locations. Driving is essential. Due to the community‑based nature of this role and the locations covered, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

Pay, mileage and guaranteed hours

You’ll receive:

• £12.71-£13.21 per hour, depending on your shift pattern
• Paid mileage between support visits
• Enhanced pay for weekends and bank holidays
• Guaranteed hours available for suitable candidates
• Hourly pay—you will be paid for the hours you work

Flexible shift patterns

Our services operate seven days a week, with both full‑time and part‑time opportunities available. Typical shift patterns include:

• Day shifts: Starting between 7:00 am and 8:00 am and finishing between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm
• Evening shifts: Starting between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm and finishing at approximately 10:00 pm
• Long days: Available for people who would prefer to combine daytime and evening availability
• Split shifts: Day and evening shifts can also be worked separately

As part of Guardian Homecare and City & County Healthcare Group, you’ll benefit from:

• Guaranteed hours available for suitable candidates
• Paid mileage between visits
• Fully paid online and face‑to‑face training
• Specialist learning disability support training
• Funded Health and Social Care NVQs and Diplomas
• Career‑development and progression opportunities
• Enhanced weekend and bank‑holiday pay
• Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• Death in Service payment
• Pension scheme
• 28 days' annual leave, pro rata
• Benefits and wellbeing platform
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Refer‑a‑Friend scheme‑earn £300 per successful referral
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme
• Access to our in‑house app
• Flexible full‑time and part‑time hours
• Local work within your community
• The support and career opportunities of one of the UK's largest care providers

Why choose Guardian Homecare?

At Guardian Homecare, we see extraordinary achievements happen every day. It could be someone preparing their first meal independently, travelling somewhere new, making a friend, developing a new skill or confidently expressing what they want. As a Learning Disability Support Worker, you’ll be there to encourage those moments—not by taking over, but by giving people the right support to succeed on their own terms. You’ll become part of a supportive team that values individuality, celebrates progress and puts each person's choices and aspirations at the centre of their support.

We would love to hear from you if you’re compassionate, dependable and passionate about helping people recognise their strengths and achieve their goals.

Guardian Homecare, part of City & County Healthcare Group, is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.