5 Jobs for the Disability sector

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Servicelocated in Gravesend. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£13,988.00per annum, working 20 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
• Free DBS

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing. The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person. Support Workers will need to be flexible and shifts will require some mornings, afternoons/Evenings and weekends.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

• Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
• Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
• Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable:

• Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
• Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
• Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Part-Time Training Kitchen Chef

Hours: Part-Time, 3–4 days per week MON - FRI (Term Time Only)

Salary: £30-34K per annum pro rata, dependant on experience

CareTrade is a non-profit organisation that supports young autistic adults to develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to access meaningful employment. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential, and we are passionate about creating supportive, inclusive learning environments.

Due to the growth of our training programmes, we are looking for a Part-Time Training Kitchen Chef to join our friendly team. Working alongside our existing Chef, you will help deliver practical catering and hospitality training to our students in our purpose-built training kitchen.

This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys sharing their skills, mentoring others and making a real difference in people's lives.

About the Role

As a Training Kitchen Chef, you will:

• Support and assist students as they develop practical cooking and catering skills within our training kitchen.
• Work collaboratively with our existing Chef, Kitchen & Café Manager and wider CareTrade team.
• Lead and facilitate the training kitchen independently when required.
• Promote independence, confidence and employability skills through practical learning experiences.
• Deliver high-quality educational support in line with CareTrade's policies, procedures and values.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and kitchen organisation.
• Support students to work safely, effectively and as part of a team.
• Occasionally provide cover within our on-site café when required.

 About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has professional experience working as a chef.
• Is passionate about developing others and enjoys teaching or mentoring.
• Is patient, encouraging and committed to helping young people succeed.
• Can work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Holds (or is willing to obtain) relevant food hygiene certification.
• Shares our commitment to inclusion, equality and person-centred support.

Experience of working with autistic people or individuals with additional needs is welcomed but not essential. We value the right attitude, empathy and willingness to learn, and full support will be provided.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.

At CareTrade, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities including any support available via Access to Work if needed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.

 Company Benefits

We offer a range of benefits designed to support our employees’ wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous annual leave allowance
• Workplace pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Training and professional development opportunities
• A friendly and supportive team, with regular staff wellbeing activities

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you would like to join CareTrade and how your experience meets the requirements of the role.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we regret that we will not be able to respond individually to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We sincerely thank you for your interest in joining CareTrade.

10–12 hours per week | £10,582–£12,698 per annum pro rata (£37,037 FTE) | Fixed term for 5 years to July 2031 | 3% pension

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is looking for an experienced and motivated Disability Employment Coach to support disabled people to move towards employment, volunteering, education and training, while developing the confidence, skills and practical strategies needed for sustainable employment.

You will provide one-to-one employment coaching, helping participants identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop personalised action plans. You will support people to overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, encouragement, problem-solving and appropriate signposting.

You will also help plan and deliver CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s Job Club, creating accessible and engaging sessions that encourage confidence, peer learning and mutual support. Alongside this, you will develop relationships with employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and partner organisations to create opportunities for disabled people.

The role recognises that employment can take different forms. You will support participants to explore volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships, self-employment, social enterprise and entrepreneurship where appropriate. You will also provide suitable in-work support to promote job retention, workplace integration and career progression.

An important part of the post will be maintaining contact with programme alumni, monitoring longer-term employment, training and wellbeing outcomes and contributing to an active alumni network offering Job Club activities, peer support, mentoring and employer engagement.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting disabled people into employment, education or training, together with experience of employment coaching, careers guidance, employability support or vocational rehabilitation. You will need excellent coaching and motivational skills, an understanding of disability and barriers to employment, and knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive recruitment.

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is a Disabled People’s Organisation committed to the Social Model of Disability, equality, inclusion and independent living, and welcomes applications from disabled people and people with lived experience.

Looking for a social care role where you can use your judgement, build relationships and make a real difference to how people are supported?

We’re looking for a Trusted Assessor to work alongside adults with care and support needs and their families, carrying out strengths-based assessments and reviews and helping people find practical, personalised ways to achieve what matters to them.

This is a varied role combining assessment, problem solving, partnership working and relationship building. You’ll look beyond traditional services, exploring people’s strengths, relationships and community alongside formal support.

The role will include:

• Carrying out strengths-based Care Act assessments and reviews
• Developing person-centred support plans with individuals and families
• Providing clear and accessible information about care, support and local opportunities
• Working alongside health, social care and voluntary sector partners
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to quality and performance monitoring

About us

Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.

We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.

We are part of One Bexley; a partnership of 8 local charities who have come together to support local people with care and support needs in new and creative ways. Working as a Trusted Assessor based in Bexley Mencap you will enable people to find the right support services that meet their needs and fulfil their personal goals, supporting them to maintain their independence for as long as possible and helping them to plan ahead.  You will do this by building trusting relationships with individuals and their families, identifying the strengths that they have as well as their support needs and linking people with existing services and networks in their local neighbourhood.

About the role

The Trusted Assessor supports adults with care and support needs through strengths-based assessment, support planning and review. You will work alongside adults with a learning disability and neurodiverse people to understand what is important to them, identify their strengths, assess eligible needs and develop personalised support plans that promote independence, wellbeing and positive risk taking. You will also help people understand Care Act processes, personal budgets and Direct Payments where appropriate, while working closely with health, social care and voluntary sector partners.

About You

You will share our commitment to putting people first, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and recognising the importance of listening to lived experience. You will ideally have experience of assessment, support planning or care coordination and be confident building trusting relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Most importantly, you will believe in strengths-based, person-centred practice and enjoy working collaboratively to achieve better outcomes.

We are seeking a motivated and organised candidate with experience in social care, support planning or a related advice-based role. You will be someone who understands person-centred support and believes in helping people have real choice and control in their lives. We are looking for someone who genuinely cares about improving outcomes for people with care and support needs.

You will need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trusted relationships with residents. You will also need the confidence to explain complex information clearly, support people to understand their responsibilities, and manage a varied caseload effectively.

You will need to be approachable, solutions-focused and able to work independently. Strong organisational skills and good IT skills are essential to ensure accurate record keeping and effective case management.