Support Worker - Respite Care Team

Reading Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Reading is looking for a Support Worker to provide high-quality respite care for individuals with complex needs. The role involves maintaining client files, delivering personal care, and ensuring a person-centered approach. Candidates should possess a Level 3 Diploma in Care and effective communication skills. With flexible hours, this position offers a supportive environment to develop your career and generous benefits including 25 days holiday and a Local Government Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Life Assurance

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Commitment to delivering Person-Centred Support to a range of individuals.
• Capability to maintain and review individual client files.
• Ability to work effectively as part or on own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care and support personal care.
• Maintain accurate client files and evaluate risks.
• Work effectively as part of a team or on your own initiative.

Skills

Good literacy skills

Effective communication skills

Self-motivating

Basic Microsoft IT skills

Ability to relate to service users

Ability to undertake manual handling tasks

Education

NVQ3/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence

Job description

Do you want to work in a rewarding role where every day brings new challenges and fulfilment? Join our dedicated Care team providing high-quality respite care to individuals and their families as a Support Worker in Whitley in Reading. You will have experience in working in a care or support setting, treating our clients with dignity and respect whilst meeting their individual care needs, including support with personal care.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK – Sponsorship not available. You will be based at 188 Whitley Wood Lane, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8PR.

We have part‑time (30 hours per week) and full‑time (37 hours per week) roles available – please indicate in your Supporting Statement which role you are applying for.

30 hours: £22,817 to £27,323 + 10% Shift Allowance = £25,098 to £30,055 per year and Sleeping Allowance.

37 hours: £28,142 to £33,699 + 10% Shift Allowance = £30,956 to £37,068 per year and Sleeping Allowance.

Job details

• Respite Care Team registered with the CQC; aims to provide high‑quality support to adults with complex learning disabilities.
• Provide clients with opportunities to develop independence, build positive relationships and be empowered to make informed choices within a person‑centred approach.
• Rotation of service users; no two days the same.
• Work shift patterns including weekends and sleep‑ins; early shift may start at 7:00 am during the week and 7:30 am on weekends; late shift may start at 2:00 pm with a 9:00 pm finish or 9:30 pm finish if you are doing a sleep‑in. You will be required to work two weekends in three.

Responsibilities

Provide high‑quality care, support personal care, maintain accurate client files, evaluate risks, devise mitigation strategies, and work effectively as part of a team or on your own initiative.

Qualifications

• Good general education, including good literacy skills.
• NVQ3/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence or commitment to achieving this.
• Commitment to delivering Person‑Centred Support to a range of individuals.
• Ability to relate to service users and meet their needs with an understanding, patience, respect and dignity.
• Capability to maintain and review individual client files.
• Ability to undertake manual handling tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part or on own initiative (including occasional lone working).
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self‑motivating.
• Basic Microsoft IT skills, ability to read and check emails.

Progression

Progression through the full salary range is dependent on attaining the relevant QCF qualification. A commitment to anti‑oppressive practice and a flexible attitude to travelling around and working in the local area is required.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career, with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days each year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

Contact

For an informal discussion about the Support Worker post, please contact Rachel Jerrard (Team Manager) on 07834 964 762 – [e-mail], or Karen Rumbol (Senior Support Worker) on 07973 793 837 – [e-mail].

Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026.
Interviews: To be confirmed – Interviews will be in person at 188 Whitley Wood Lane, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8PR.