Support Worker / Care Assistant

AWD online; Colchester; On-site; GBP 22,935 - 28,032; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive induction and ongoing培训

Regular supervision and professional开发

Supportive team environment

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

AWD online is seeking a compassionate Support Worker / Care Assistant to assist adults with complex needs in a supported accommodation setting in Colchester. You will help residents live safely, build confidence and work towards independent living, including mental health and housing-related challenges.

The role requires empathy, excellent communication, and strict record-keeping. You will work 37 hours weekly, with potential for longer shifts, and must be comfortable in a male-only post due to

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people with complex or multiple needs.
• Good understanding of mental health, neurodiversity, substance misuse or related vulnerability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles, GDPR and confidentiality.
• Compassionate, patient and calm under pressure.
• Willingness to work in a male-only role.

Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centred care and support in line with individual plans and risk assessments.
• Assist residents with meals, cleaning, laundry and personal care where required.
• Encourage independence and life skills.
• Monitor wellbeing, perform welfare checks, escalate concerns.
• Provide medication prompting as per plans.
• Maintain records and reports using electronic systems.
• Support residents to attend appointments and access services.
• Collaborate with team across shifts.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Record keeping

Safeguarding knowledge

GDPR & confidentiality understanding

Experience with complex needs

Calm under pressure

Group facilitation

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent

The Care Certificate

Mental Health First Aid

First Aid

MAPA or de-escalation training

Full UK driving licence

British Sign Language (BSL)

Experience engaging with Orthodox Jewish community

Tools

MS Office

Electronic records systems

Job description

Support Worker / Care Assistant – Male Applicants

An excellent opportunity for a compassionate Support Worker / Care Assistant to help adults with complex needs build independence, maintain tenancies and move towards safer, more positive futures.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Care Worker, Residential Support Worker, Community Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Supported Living Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Personal Assistant.

PLEASE NOTE

Due to the nature of this role, there is a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the post holder to be male, as the role involves providing intimate personal care and support to male residents where dignity, privacy and welfare are paramount.

SALARY: £25,484 per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Covering Colchester / Tendring, Essex

JOB TYPE: Full‑Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 37 per week, Monday to Friday, working 7.5 hour shifts excluding an hour unpaid break. Rotating shifts covering from 09:30 to 22:30 hours. There may be the ability/need to work 12 hour shifts.

JOB OVERVIEW

The organisation has a fantastic new job opportunity for a Support Worker / Care Assistant to join a supported accommodation team, providing structured, person‑centred support to adults with complex life experiences.

As a Support Worker / Care Assistant you will help residents live safely, build confidence, develop life skills and work towards independent living.

The Support Worker / Care Assistant will support people experiencing challenges including mental health needs, neurodiversity, substance misuse recovery, social vulnerability and homelessness.

DUTIES

• Person‑Centred Support: Deliver care, support and supervision in line with individual support plans and risk assessments
• Daily Living Support: Help residents with meal preparation, cleaning, laundry and, where required, personal care
• Independence and Life Skills: Encourage residents to build routines, confidence and practical skills to sustain their accommodation
• Wellbeing and Welfare Checks: Monitor residents’ wellbeing, carry out welfare checks and elevate concerns appropriately
• Medication Prompting: Provide medication prompting and supervision in accordance with individual support plans
• Professional Boundaries: Build positive relationships while maintaining clear boundaries and consistently applying house rules
• De‑Escalation and Safety: Respond calmly to challenging situations using safe and appropriate de‑escalation techniques
• Records and Reporting: Maintain accurate daily notes, incident reports and support records using electronic systems
• Appointments and Services: Support residents to attend appointments, access services, complete paperwork and prepare for independent living
• Team Collaboration: Work with colleagues to provide consistent, high‑quality support across all shifts

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• Due to the nature of this role, there is a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for the post holder to be male, as the role involves providing intimate personal care and support to male residents where dignity, privacy and welfare are paramount
• Experience supporting people with complex or multiple needs through work, volunteering or relevant life experience
• A good understanding of mental health, neurodiversity, substance misuse or social vulnerability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong written skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and electronic recording systems
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles and a commitment to protecting vulnerable adults
• Understanding of confidentiality, GDPR and professional boundaries
• Compassionate, patient, non‑judgemental and calm under pressure

DESIRABLE

• Experience within supported accommodation, hostels, residential care or homelessness services
• An NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
• The Care Certificate
• Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, MAPA or de‑escalation training
• Experience delivering group sessions or life skills activities
• A full UK driving licence
• Additional language skills, including British Sign Language
• Previous experience of working with, supporting or engaging with members of the Orthodox Jewish community and an understanding of beliefs, customs, traditions and cultural practices

BENEFITS

• A rewarding career where your work genuinely changes lives
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Regular supervision and opportunities for professional development
• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• Opportunities for career progression
• A role where every day brings new challenges and achievements

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

CLOSING DATE: 26th July 2026

INTERVIEWS: Face‑to‑Face

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you are applying for this post and how you meet the requirements to our Recruitment Team. CVs of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be forwarded to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.