Overview
Join our dedicated Care team as a Support Worker in Whitley, Reading. Provide high-quality respite care to adults with complex learning disabilities, treating clients with dignity and respect while meeting their individual care needs, including support with personal care. The Respite Care Team is registered with the CQC.
About us and the role
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
The Respite Care Team offers brief respite to caregivers and aims to develop independence, build positive relationships, and empower clients to make informed choices within a person-centred approach. The role requires the capacity to evaluate risks and devise strategies to mitigate and handle them effectively.
Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality support to adults with complex learning disabilities, regardless of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
* Deliver person-centred support and assist with personal care as needed.
* Maintain and review individual client files with accuracy.
* Contribute to risk assessment and implement strategies to keep clients safe.
* Work as part of a team and, where appropriate, lone working may occur.
* Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, and demonstrate self-motivation.
* Undertake basic manual handling tasks and have basic IT skills (e.g., reading emails).
Working pattern
The role involves shift patterns including weekends and sleep-ins. Typical shifts may include: start times around 7.00am (weekdays) or 7.30am (weekends) and a late shift from 2.00pm to 9.00pm (or 9:30pm for sleep-ins). You will be required to work two weekends in three.
Qualifications and attributes
* 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 with understanding, patience, respect and dignity.
* Ability to maintain and review client files; manual handling capability.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team and on own initiative.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Self-motivation and basic IT skills (reading emails, etc.).
Progression and values
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 are expected. You will be part of Team Reading and contribute to Reading’s vision and values.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with opportunities to contribute ideas. You will experience a friendly and collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and ambition.
* Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service (option to buy additional leave).
* Flexible working opportunities.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Life Assurance – three times annual salary (LGPS members).
* On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
* Season Ticket Loan for rail or bus travel to work.
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme for a greener car (three-year term).
Further information
For an informal discussion about the Support Worker post, contact:
Rachel Jerrard (Team Manager) – 07834 964 762 – rachel.jerrard@reading.gov.uk
Karen Rumbol (Senior Support Worker) – 07973 793 837 – karen.rumbol@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025
Interviews: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Apply early to avoid disappointment.
Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to learn about Reading’s Community & Adult Social Care Services.
#J-18808-Ljbffr