Relief Support Worker - Weymouth

Dorset Council; Weymouth; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible relief shifts

Training and supervision

Supportive team environment

Job summary

The Bus Shelter Dorset is seeking a reliable Relief Support Worker to provide flexible cover for holidays, sickness, and additional staffing needs. You will support guests with day-to-day needs, offer one-to-one guidance, accompany them to appointments, and promote wellbeing and independence.

The role requires confidence for lone-working, strong communication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive team. A full UK driving licence is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs.
• Confidence handling challenging behaviour with empathy and clear boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support and manage a small caseload.
• Complete inductions, support plans and risk assessments.
• Support access to housing, healthcare, and essential services.
• Encourage participation in wellbeing activities and community engagement.
• Maintain accurate case notes and safeguarding records.
• Respond calmly to challenging behaviour and lone-working shifts.
• Liaise with partner agencies including housing, health, probation and Dorset Police.

Skills

One-to-one support

Lone-working

Communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a reliable and compassionate Relief Support Worker to provide flexible cover for staff holidays, sickness and occasional additional staffing needs. Shifts may include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

You will support guests with day-to-day needs, provide one-to-one guidance, accompany them to appointments, and encourage engagement in positive activities that promote wellbeing and independence. Some lone working is required, so confidence, good judgement and clear communication are essential.

Key Duties

• Providing one-to-one support and managing a small caseload
• Completing inductions, support plans and risk assessments
• Supporting access to housing, healthcare, benefits and essential services
• Encouraging participation in wellbeing activities and community engagement
• Maintaining accurate case notes and safeguarding records
• Responding calmly and professionally to challenging behaviour
• Working independently during lone-working shifts
• Liaising with partner agencies including housing, health, probation and Dorset Police

Further Information

• Experience supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs
• Confidence responding to challenging behaviour with empathy and clear boundaries
• Ability to work independently and within a supportive team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A caring, resilient and non-judgemental approach
• Good IT skills and safeguarding awareness
• A full UK driving licence
• NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care (desirable but not essential)

What We Offer

• £13.45 per hour
• Flexible relief shifts
• Training, reflective practice and clinical supervision
• Supportive, values-driven team environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day

About Us

The Bus Shelter Dorset is an award-winning local charity providing safe accommodation and intensive support to people experiencing homelessness. Our work is rooted in compassion, dignity and non-judgement, and we were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.