Support Worker

Sense; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Free DBS Check

Training and development opportunities

Pension scheme

Flexible working and family-friendly

Job summary

Sense College in Knapwell is seeking a Support Worker to assist young adults with complex communication needs and learning disabilities. The role is 35 hours per week on a fixed-term contract until December 2027, with potential overtime and a Monday–Friday pattern from 9:15 to 4:15, excluding evenings and weekends.

Applicants should be flexible, with a focus on Every Day Living outcomes, and be prepared to engage in diverse activities across education, therapies, and community access within a

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; training provided.
• Knowledge of multi-sensory impairments/learning difficulties is beneficial.
• Full driving licence desirable (UK) and willingness to drive.

Responsibilities

• Support young adults with complex communication needs to achieve Everyday Living outcomes.
• Assist with personal care needs and promote health and wellbeing.
• Participate in education activities and community access, delivering a person-centred approach.

Skills

Knowledge of multi-sensory impairments

Full manual UK driving licence

Sign language knowledge (BSL/Makaton)

Job description

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker to join our Sense College in Knapwell. We have 35 hours available under a fixed-term contract, running until December 2027. Successful candidates will be contracted for 52 weeks of the year, with possible opportunities for overtime. The work pattern will be Monday to Friday, 9.15 am to 4.15 pm, with no evenings, weekends or bank holidays.

Sense Centre Knapwell is located in Knapwell Village, approximately 10 miles outside of Cambridge, surrounded by farmland, and a similar distance from Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives.

As a Support Worker, you will work with young adults with complex communication needs and associated learning difficulties and physical disabilities, providing support to achieve Every Day Living outcomes.

We use a total communication approach which includes a variety of methods such as BSL / Sign Supported English / On Body Signing / Intensive Interaction /Pictorial Symbols and Symbol Systems (PECS) / Hand Under Hand Exploration / Objects of Reference / Voice Output Communication Aids / Vocalisation, Facial Expression and Body Language

Our timetabled activities, both in house and accessed at other local facilities, ensure the interests of the individual can be explored and used to motivate while encouraging learning opportunities. We celebrate and promote the diverse nature of our learners, embracing fundamental British values, whilst encouraging a culture of mutual respect and tolerance. Sessions include Communication, Creative Arts, Therapies & Physical Activities, Life Skills and Community Access.

We also offer a wonderful range of enrichment activities such as visits to the cinema, the pantomime, PMLD theatre trips, museum ‘touch tours’ and river trips on a barge specifically adapted to suit those with disabilities

The duties are varied and no two days will be the same. The people we support are individuals, and they are all treated as such. As a general guide, you may support with personal care needs for all genders, as well as help to take part in a wide range of special interests and activities that support their health and wellbeing.

Please note, the centre is not covered by a public transport route, so it is essential that applicants have alternative means of travel.

Does this sound right for you?

Working at Sense gives you a wide range of benefits including:

• 24 days’ holiday + bank holidays; increasing with length of service
• Free DBS Check
• Free leadership and management development (such as our award-winning Growing Stronger Leaders Together programme)
• Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training, including the care certificate.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Health and well-being support
• Pension Scheme
• To supportindividuals / groups within the home, centre and community.
• To provide a customised, responsive and high quality service to people with multiple sensory impairments, physical and/or learning disabilities who use Sense services.
• To deliver services which meet or exceed organisational expectations and standards.
• Full job specification is attached below.

Your required skills and experiences:

• Youdon’t need to have previous experience in this field, nor do you need qualifications – we’re happy to work with you to help you become an excellent support worker.
• Knowledge of multi-sensory impairments/learning difficulties is beneficial.
• Full person specification is attached below.
• A full manual UK licence and willingness to drive is desirable.
• Knowledgeofor qualification in British Sign Language or similar is beneficial ( BSL / Makaton etc.)

The centre is situated on the outskirts of Cambridge , approximately 10 miles outside of Cambridge, in the village of Knapwell, approached through an avenue of mature trees and surrounded by farmland, and with its own garden area. The centre is also a similar distance from Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives as it is to Cambridge.

The centre offers a wide range of education activities that use a person-centred approach tailored to learner needs and interests. Programmes focus on developing communication and independent living skills, using the Sense Curriculum Framework to plan individualised targets and objectives that result in achievement and significant outcomes. Specialist-trained teaching staff support individuals on their learner journey, inspiring individual progress by encouraging confidence and celebrating success, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Please note, the centre is not covered by a public transport route, so it is essential that applicants have alternative means of travel.

About Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity, here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Together, we drive change, building a future where everyone has the power, choice and control to live the lives we choose.

We’re proud to be aDisability confident leaderand a charity where people can grow their skills and careers in a supportive, flexible environment.

As part of ournew three-year strategy, we’re delivering a transformational plan focused on strengthening support for disabled people with complex needs, driving social change and creating a fairer, more equal future. For further information visit: Transforming Sense, together: our three-year plan - Sense

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re better together

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/