Support Worker

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

Job summary

A community support organization in Newcastle is seeking compassionate Support Workers to assist individuals with profound deafness and learning disabilities. Your role will involve providing emotional and practical support in a new independent living environment. Candidates with BSL skills are preferred, and ongoing training will be provided. This position offers competitive hourly pay and various benefits including annual leave, pension scheme, and specialist training.

Benefits

20 days annual leave

Contributory Pension Scheme

Induction and ongoing specialist training

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Access to a rewards scheme

Occupational health services

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex communication needs.
• BSL skills preferred or willingness to learn.
• Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and 2:1 support within a supported living environment.
• Communicate using BSL, VOCA devices, symbol boards, and visual aids.
• Assist with personal care, medication administration, and health appointments.

Skills

Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities

British Sign Language (BSL) skills

Ability to build trusting relationships

Confident using assistive communication tools

Positive, patient, and empathetic approach

Flexible and reliable

Job description

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.

Key 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