Support Worker

Priory Group; Tendring; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Gym membership

Healthcare cash plan

Job summary

Priory Group is seeking a compassionate Support Worker to join Penfold Lodge in Clacton-on-Sea. You will deliver person-centred care, supporting adults with mental health needs to live with dignity and independence, while building strong relationships with service users and families.

You’ll work as a key worker, promoting safety and wellbeing, and contributing to ongoing care planning and service improvements. Training and development opportunities are provided within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience in care or support work is desirable but training is provided.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Ability to work flexibly and think innovatively.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and support with daily living tasks.
• Encourage participation in activities and community life.
• Support service users in achieving personal outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records, care plans, charts, and daily notes.
• Build positive relationships with service users, families, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Uphold safety, security, and confidentiality.
• Act as a key worker and help users set goals and track progress.
• Promote choice, independence and involvement at all times.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing ideas.

Skills

Caring approach

Communication skills

Flexibility

Empathy

Relationship-building

Job description

Support Worker

Application Deadline: 4 September 2026

Department: Healthcare Assistants and Support Workers

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Penfold Lodge

Compensation: £13.45 / hour

Description

Penfold Lodge is a residential service located in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The home supports for 18 men with mental health needs. We are situate close to the sea front, off a main road in the town centre.

Our team are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the people we support, providing them with the skills needed for them to live a healthier and happier life back in the community.

We can also support people who have a mild learning disability alongside their primary mental health diagnosis, and those who are stepping down from secure mental health settings, psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) and forensic services.

What you'll be doing

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Support Worker to join our team. In this rewarding role, you will provide the highest standard of person-centred support and care, enabling the people who use our service to live with dignity, independence, and choice.

Support workers are key workers, and provide direct support to our service users in support them to live there best lives. Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

You will play a vital part in helping individuals achieve their personal goals, supporting them in daily living, and empowering them to realise their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide personal care and support with daily living tasks.
• Encourage and assist participation in activities and community life.
• Support service users in achieving their personal outcomes in the way they choose.
• Maintain accurate records, care plans, charts, and daily notes.
• Build positive relationships with service users, families, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Uphold safety, security, and confidentiality in line with policies and regulations.
• Act as a key worker for individuals, helping them to set goals and track progress.
• Promote choice, independence, and involvement at all times.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing ideas and suggestions.

What you'll bring to the role

• A caring and respectful approach to supporting others.
• Ability to work flexibly and think innovatively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to upholding professional standards, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in care or support work (desirable, but not essential – training provided).

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses
• Relocation support (including payment for accommodation or moving costs) up to £3000 (Terms apply)

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.