Support Worker

Sense; Cambourne; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Free DBS Check

Training and development

Job summary

Sense College in Knapwell near Cambridge is seeking Support Workers to join a team delivering education and personal support to young adults with complex communication needs and disabilities.

Hours are 39 weeks a year, Monday to Friday, 9:15 am–4:15 pm, with overtime possible but no evenings or weekends. A full UK driving licence is desirable, and training and DBS checks are provided.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of multi-sensory impairments and related learning needs is beneficial.
• No specific qualifications are required; training will be provided.
• A full manual UK driving licence is desirable.
• BSL/Makaton knowledge is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support young adults with complex communication needs and disabilities to achieve Everyday Living outcomes.
• Assist with personal care needs and encourage participation in a range of activities.
• Contribute to education, enrichment activities and community access opportunities.

Skills

Sensory impairments

Sign language knowledge

Willing to learn

Flexible attitude

Education

No formal qualifications required

Tools

UK driving licence

Job description

We now have exciting opportunities for Support Workers to join our Sense College in Knapwell.

We have various hours available under fixed term contracts to run until the end of academic year in July 2027. Contracts may be renewed, dependent on the number of students attending. Successful candidates will be contracted for 39 weeks of the year, with possible opportunities for overtime. The work patterns will be between Monday to Friday, 9.15 am to 4.15 pm, with no shift work, weekends or evenings.

Sense Centre Knapwell is located in Knapwell village, approximately 10 miles outside of Cambridgesurrounded by farm land, and similar distance from Huntingdon, St Neots and St Ives.

As a Support Worker you will be working 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, Lifeskills 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 maysupport with personal care needs, as well as help to take part in a wide range of special interests and activities that support their health and wellbeing.

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 license and willingness to driveis desirable.
• Knowledge ofor qualification in British Sign Language or similar is beneficial ( BSL / Makaton etc.)

The centre is situated on the outskirts of Cambridgeapproximately 10 miles outside of Cambridge, in the village of Knapwell, approached through an avenue of mature trees and surrounded by farm land, 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 awide 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 center isnot covered by a public transport route, so it 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

To apply:

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 393 4529 or [e-mail]

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/

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.