About Us
The Albemarle Centre in Taunton is a charity that provides a community hub dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals, including those with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and older people. For over forty years, it has offered a range of services, including day activities, social clubs, and one-on-one support, to help clients develop life skills, enjoy recreational activities, and build friendships. Additionally, the Centre provides accessible meeting spaces for community groups and businesses, fostering inclusion and collaboration in the local area.
Are you looking for a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same? And they truly are, never the same. We are seeking a proactive and compassionate Support Worker & General Duties Assistant to support individuals in their own homes and assist with the smooth running of our Centre.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Support Worker & General Assistant role is varied and dynamic, combining support work with general assistance in our busy community centre. The primary focus is supporting our clients, adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and other needs, to live independently and achieve their personal goals. In essence, support work is about seeing the human being and meeting them where they are in their lives.
Additionally, you will assist with day-to-day operations in the Centre, ensuring it remains a welcoming and efficient space for the community. This is a family where everyone from the General Manager downwards rolls up their sleeves and gets stuck in.
Key Responsibilities
Support Work
- Provide flexible, person-centred support to tenants and service users in their homes and in the community, e.g., budgeting, cooking, transport to appointments, assistance with tasks, maintaining their home, and social engagement.
- Promote independence by supporting individuals in making choices and developing life skills.
- Lead and support activities for individuals and small groups.
- Comply with company policies, in particular safeguarding, health & safety, and lone-working procedures.
- Support with daily activities, including meal preparation, budgeting, and household tasks.
- Encourage participation in social and community activities.
- Provide emotional support and guidance to build confidence and life skills.
- Help with appointment scheduling and accessing local services
General Assistance
- Assist with front desk duties, including answering calls and greeting visitors.
- Support the setup, facilitation, and clearing of events, conferences, and meetings.
- Help with catering tasks, such as preparing and serving food.
- Undertake cleaning and organisational tasks to ensure the smooth running of the Centre.
- Support staff with general administrative and facility-related tasks.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships.
- Knowledge of local resources and services available to support individuals.
- Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- A good level of physical fitness is required, as the role involves considerable daily walking.
- A full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance (mileage reimbursed).
Person Specification
Essential:
- A caring, patient, and practical approach to work.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- The right attitude and passion for the role.
Desirable:
- Relevant qualifications in health and social care, social work, or a related field.
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices and policies.
- Experience in care, support work, or a similar setting.
- Basic IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety procedures.
What We Offer:
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
- A supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives.
- Hours of work are usually 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, but some cover from 8:00 am or after 5:00 pm may be required from time to time.
- Usually no weekends needed, except in an emergency.
If you are passionate about empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives and thrive within their communities, we’d love to hear from you!
For customer support, you must have access to a car with valid Business Insurance and a current MOT. Travel is reimbursed according to HMRC rates, currently 45p per mile. A clean driving licence is also essential.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we can appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date.
Proof of a right to work in the UK must be provided with your application.
For further information, please email [email protected]
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £12.71 per hour
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
