Support Worker

Brook Street Social Care; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A caring organization based in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking dedicated Support Workers to assist young individuals with profound deafness and learning disabilities. This role offers a competitive salary of £12.72 per hour, increasing post-training, with full-time and part-time options available. You will provide essential support for independent living and community engagement, while receiving training in British Sign Language. Benefits include annual leave and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme

Induction and ongoing specialist training

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• BSL skills preferred or willingness to learn.
• Flexible and reliable with a patient attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and 2:1 support within a supported living environment.
• Communicate using British Sign Language and assistive tools.
• Support independent living skills like cooking or cleaning.

Skills

Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities

British Sign Language (BSL)

Building trusting relationships

Using assistive communication tools

Positive, patient, and empathetic approach

Flexible and reliable

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Support Worker - Complex Communication Needs
Location: Spital Tongs, Newcastle
Salary: £12.72 per hour, rising to £15.01 per hour after completion of BSL qualification
Hours: Full-time: 37 hours per week - three 12-hour shifts (e.g. 8am-8pm, 9am-9pm, or 10am-10pm). Part-time: Minimum of 21 hours per week. Rota: Shifts include 2 weekends per month; rota is set 2-3 months in advance. Contract Type: Permanent.

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate, committed Support Workers to join a person-centred team supporting two young men (aged 23) with profound deafness, non-verbal communication, and learning disabilities. Both are moving into a new independent supported living provision this summer after finishing college.

As a Support Worker, you\'ll enable and empower them to lead fulfilling lives through practical and emotional support, communication assistance, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and 2:1 support within a supported living environment
• Communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), VOCA devices, symbol boards, and visual aids
• Assist with personal care, medication administration, and health appointments
• Support independent living skills (cooking, cleaning, managing daily routines)
• Encourage social participation and community inclusion, including trips to: Swimming, trampolining, coffee shops, comic conventions, gaming, and deaf club
• Promote confidence, autonomy, and a sense of belonging
• Maintain detailed records and contribute to care planning

About You

• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex communication needs
• BSL skills preferred (or willingness to learn through training provided)
• Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships
• Confident using assistive communication tools or eager to learn
• Positive, patient, and empathetic approach
• Flexible and reliable, with ability to work shifts including weekends

Benefits and Enhancements

• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles)
• Contributory Pension Scheme (contributions matched up to 5%)
• Induction and ongoing specialist training (including BSL if needed)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to a rewards scheme offering discounts on shopping and leisure
• Occupational health, physio, and counselling services for wellbeing