Support Worker

Support Worker (Including Saturday, Sunday & Holiday Staff Opportunities).
Hours: full-time/ Zero-hours contract (flexible hours, including weekends and holidays).
Salary: £13.85 per hour.
Location: Hammersmith / Fulham / Shepherd’s Bush / Hounslow (and surrounding areas).
(Please ensure you are within commutable distance before applying.).
No sponsorship available.

About the Role:

Are you a caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic individual with a passion for making a positive impact on others’ lives? Join our team at HF Mencap as a Support Worker! No prior experience is necessary—just a genuine commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

As a Support Worker, you will help our clients lead happy, fulfilling, and independent lives by facilitating activities at our centre and in the local community. We operate Monday–Saturday (with weekend and holiday cover requirements), and have a variety of shifts so you can choose the pattern that suits you best:

• Saturday & Sunday shifts: Flexible timing to meet centre needs (e.g., morning, afternoon, full-day).
• Holiday cover: We run additional programmes during school holidays, requiring extra staff to support outings, workshops, and centre-based activities.

If you’re a SEN teacher or teaching assistant looking for extra weekend or holiday work, this could be the perfect opportunity to use your skills in a supportive, community-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Support: Assist service users with learning disabilities and/or autism to participate in centre-based and community activities (e.g., personal training, digital skills workshops, health & wellbeing programmes, local outings, bowling, swimming, movie nights).
• Personal Care & Wellbeing: Provide personal care in a respectful, dignified manner; promote independence wherever possible.
• Community Inclusion: Facilitate social inclusion by helping clients form positive relationships and engage with their local community.
• Record-Keeping & Compliance: Maintain accurate records for each service user, ensure all activities are safely planned and executed, and comply with relevant health & safety regulations.
• Relationship Building: Foster positive, trusting relationships through excellent communication, patience, and empathy.
• Flexibility & Innovation: Adapt to changing needs, embrace new digital tools, and respond constructively to feedback.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Passion & Compassion: A genuine desire to support individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Swimming Ability: Intermediate-level swimming skills are essential, as you will support clients in the pool.
• Strong Communication Skills: Able to build rapport quickly, listen actively, and work as part of a close-knit team.
• Resilience & Determination: Stay calm and impartial in challenging situations, with the ability to think on your feet.
• Digital Skills: Willingness to learn and use new digital platforms for record-keeping, communication, and delivering workshops.
• Flexibility: Availability to cover weekday, weekend, and holiday shifts as required.

Are you a SEN teacher or teaching assistant seeking additional hours?
Your experience with lesson planning, behaviour management, and differentiated instruction will be invaluable in delivering engaging workshops and activities for our service users. We welcome your expertise and enthusiasm.

Training & Benefits:

• Comprehensive Training: We provide full induction and ongoing training, including safeguarding, health & safety, positive behaviour support, and person-centred planning.
• Enhanced DBS Check: HF Mencap covers the cost of your enhanced DBS check.
• Vaccination Encouragement: We strongly encourage all colleagues to receive the Covid-19 vaccine to safeguard each other and the individuals we support.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional development and progression within HF Mencap.
• Supportive Environment: Join a diverse, inclusive team that values each individual’s unique strengths and perspectives.

How to Apply:

• Check Commutability: Ensure you can reliably travel to Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush, Hounslow, or surrounding areas.
• Submit Your CV & Cover Letter: Highlight any relevant experience (e.g., support work, teaching, swimming), your availability for weekday/weekend/holiday shifts, and why you’re passionate about this role.
• Interview & Induction: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview; successful applicants will begin a structured induction and training programme.

Our Mission To empower children and adults with learning disabilities and autism to get their voice heard, reach their potential and be included in their local community. Our Vision We seek to promote the wellbeing and development of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism in all areas of their lives as well as supporting their families and carers.