Support Worker

Surrey County Council; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government service provider seeks a compassionate Support Worker to join their team in Guildford. The role involves aiding adults with learning difficulties, promoting independence and engagement in community activities. Full training is provided, and the position offers flexible hours with an attractive pay rate, including enhancements for weekends and holidays. Applicants should demonstrate emotional resilience and a supportive attitude. The application deadline is 23:59 on 25/11/2025.

Benefits

50% pay enhancement for weekends and bank holidays

Free on-site parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to professional training qualifications

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Knowledge of caring for individuals with learning disabilities.
• Ability to work sensitively with diverse cultures.
• Resilience and emotional intelligence in pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with learning difficulties to promote independence.
• Engage in practical care tasks including personal care and cooking.
• Plan and deliver care plans effectively.

Skills

Knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of people with learning disabilities

Calmness in challenging situations

Adaptability

Compassionate and supportive approach

Willingness to support community access

Emotional intelligence

Flexible attitude towards care

Job description

• Category: Care - Adults
• Contract type: Bank
• Working hours: Bank hours
• Posted on: 24 October 2025
• Location: Mallow Crescent, Guildford, GU4 7BU

Description

This role has a starting salary of £14.72 - £15.77 per hour plus a 15% annual leave allowance.

We are excited to be recruiting a Support Worker to join our fantastic team in Guildford on a zero hours contract. This role is perfect for someone who is looking for a role which will make difference to vulnerable adults who live in Supported Living accommodation.

An interest and desire to support people with learning disabilities is essential for anyone interested in this role, but prior experience working within social care is not, as full training will be provided.

Our Offer to You

• Weekend and bank holiday enhancements: 50% extra pay per hour worked and sleep-in enhancement at £45 per sleep-in
• Annual leave allowance
• Free on-site parking for staff
• DBS check paid for by Surrey County Council
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• The opportunity to gain professional social care qualifications, including The Care Certificate
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources. All training hours are paid
• A thorough induction and shadowing with experienced team members to ensure you have all the skills you need to succeed
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

The role is based in Service Delivery, which is the provider arm of the Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships. Service Delivery provides direct care to individuals living in their own homes and in-house residential establishments across Surrey, including Mallow Crescent. The service is registered with the Quality Care Commission (CQC) and works in accordance with good practice guidance and standards.

Our Vision is to provide outstanding services and be an employer of choice with highly trained, passionate and dedicated staff.

Our Supported Living homes for adults with learning difficulties are inspected on a regular basis and we are very proud of the quality of our services. We have invested in our services and staff, and plan to continue this in order to achieve and sustain a service that is ambitious, innovative and responsive to the needs of service users within our care.

As a Support Worker your main responsibilities will include:

• Working with and supporting adults with learning difficulties to create positive outcomes and promote independence
• Undertaking direct practical interactions with service users, including cooking, personal care and engaging with the wider community.
• Planning, implementation and delivery of care plans
• organising shifts and communicating with colleagues to plan and coordinate activities
• Working in partnership with other agencies, creating reports and attending and contributing to reviews as required

We are looking for people who are motivated and committed to improving the lives of others, and who have a desire to empower and promote independence. This role will enable you to have a significant positive impact on the lives of our residents and is extremely rewarding.

You will receive full induction training (including mandatory training), as well as the opportunity to undertake further personal skills training under regular staff supervision.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :

• Knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of people with learning disabilities, ensuring a compassionate and supportive approach
• A willingness to encourage and support people with learning disabilities to access activities and facilities in the community
• Respect for the cultures and beliefs of the people we support
• An ability to stay calm and positive in challenging situations, adapting to different circumstances while maintaining a focus on the needs of the people you support
• The resilience and emotional intelligence to handle challenging situations. Every day is different and can throw up its own challenges and pressures. You need to be adaptable but able to follow guidelines with a consistent, person-centred approach
• A flexible attitude, both to the level of care required by the people we support as well as the time requirements of the role

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

• Looking at our advert, and considering the Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
• Please tell us about any relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?
• What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Support Worker and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council's culture of: collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?

Please be aware that unfortunately this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25/11/2025 with interviews to follow.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.