Support Worker - The Elms

Somerset Council; Curry Rivel; On-site; GBP 25,989 - 28,142; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Local Government pension scheme

Employee assistance services

Flexible benefits platform

Staff shop discounts

Gym discounts

Job summary

Somerset Council is looking for a Support Worker to provide essential care for children with complex health needs at The Elms in Curry Rivel. The role includes supporting children’s personal care, health, and education while promoting their independence and social inclusion. Successful applicants will hold a Level 3 Diploma or be willing to obtain it and must have good communication skills and a DBS check. The position offers a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working options, and additional allowances for sleep-ins and weekend work.

Qualifications

• Experience with complex health needs in children or adults is welcome.
• Ability to use a variety of communication methods.
• DBS disclosure check required.

Responsibilities

• Support children with personal care and emotional support.
• Monitor and assist with children's health needs.
• Promote children's education and maintain records.
• Encourage links with the community and attend sleep‑ins.

Skills

Experience working with children

Good communication skills

Full UK driving licence

Fluent spoken and written English

Commitment to caring for children

Education

Level 3 Diploma in children and young people

Job description

About the Position

The Elms, located in Curry Rivel, provides a short‑break service and supports children with complex health needs and learning disabilities. As a Support Worker you will promote independence, social inclusion and choice, working closely with families and the wider support network.

Responsibilities

• Support children with personal care and emotional support, assisting with routine tasks.
• Monitor, advise and assist with children’s health needs.
• Promote and support children’s education.
• Maintain written and electronic records and files.
• Encourage and maintain children’s links with their community.
• Work in a child‑centred manner, gaining the children’s wishes and feelings and promoting their rights.
• Ensure effective safeguarding and well‑being of children.
• Navigate and use IT equipment and internal online systems.
• Attend sleep‑ins and work every other weekend as required.
• Complete a mandatory fully funded Level 3 Diploma in children and young people (unless an equivalent or higher qualification is held).

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in residential, childcare, teaching or youth work settings; experience with adults with complex health needs is welcome.
• Good communication skills and the ability to use a variety of communication methods.
• Full UK driving licence or provisional licence with intent to obtain full licence.
• Strong commitment to caring for children and a passion for the role.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• A DBS disclosure check (criminal background check) is required.

Remuneration

Salary range: £25,989 – £28,142 per annum, pro‑rata.

Recruitment allowance: £1,500 per annum (subject to NI, tax and pension deductions, payable annually until 30/09/2027).

Supplemental allowance: £1,500 per annum (subject to NI, tax and pension deductions, payable annually until 30/09/2027).

Additional pay: £43.12 for each sleep‑in and £1.94 for each hour worked on Saturday and Sunday.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays) and flexible working options.
• Career development opportunities including supported routes into social work.
• Local Government pension scheme and voluntary contribution scheme.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing services.
• Flexible benefits platform (cycle to work, health screening schemes).
• Staff shop discounts at retailers, cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers.
• Gym discounts.

Additional Information

• Three permanent positions available: 22, 22.5 and 30 hours per week.
• Role may be reviewed or salary may change during Pay and Grading Review, potentially affecting the supplement allowance.
• Allowance and role may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes or market conditions.
• The Elms is rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted across all areas (publicly available information).
• The position is open only to individuals who already have the right to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship will be offered.
• All applicants are required to provide full employment history and explain any employment gaps.
• Applications will be screened for a DBS disclosure check and appropriate criminal history clearance.