Support Worker, Mental Health

Overview

Mencap is seeking a compassionate 20hr Support Worker to join two Supported Living services in the Bensham and Saltwell areas of Gateshead. The role involves working across both services (one near Saltwell Park with four tenants aged 22–40, and one near Bensham Grove Community Centre with four male tenants aged 30–80). Shifts vary and include daytime hours and sleep-ins as part of a rota.

A flexible approach and knowledge of the local area are beneficial.

• Provide person-centred support to tenants, helping them to pursue activities such as gym visits, discos, creative classes, and social events.
• Work across two services as part of a single team, under the direction of the service manager.
• Support tenants with daily living tasks and accompany them to activities, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
• Engage with colleagues to share ideas and deliver high-quality care.
• Contribute to rota planning and maintain consistency with the 4-week planning window.

• A genuine passion for supporting others.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A positive and empathetic attitude towards individuals with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of the local area is desirable but not essential.

Contract option:
Part-time 20 hours per week. All services are 24-hour care. Rotas are prepared at least 4 weeks in advance to help you plan your personal life. Sleep-in options are available with an enhanced flat rate payment of £63.70.

Additional details:

• All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and suitable references.
• Disability Confident employer; we welcome applicants from disabled communities and other under-represented groups.
• Benefits include 24 days of paid holiday (pro rata), discounts at major retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and more.

Our vision is to create the UK’s best place for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and strive for a kinder, fairer, and more inclusive society. We value belonging and inclusion for everyone, and offer various contract types and working patterns. We train and develop our colleagues to succeed in the role.

We are an equitable, diverse and inclusive organisation and particularly encourage disabled applicants and those from Black and Asian communities to apply, as these groups are under-represented within the workforce.