Support Worker, Caregiver

Agency Support Worker – Community Support

Scotland | Community-based care and support

About the opportunity

We are recruiting experienced agency Support Workers for community-based services supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill health and associated complex needs. The emphasis is on dignity, choice, participation in everyday life and supporting each person to live as independently as possible.

What you will do

• Provide safe and consistent one-to-one or group support according to the individual’s care and support plan.
• Encourage participation in social activities and meaningful community engagement.
• Support daily living, practical household tasks, managing finances and medicines when appropriately authorised and trained.
• Provide respectful personal care, hygiene and health-related assistance where required.
• Follow safe moving and handling, medication and swallowing guidance; record care accurately and raise concerns promptly.

What you will need

• At least 12 months’ UK experience in person-centred support, including individual and group settings.
• Experience with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill health and complex support needs.
• Clear written and spoken English, positive communication skills and a compassionate, dependable approach.
• Current SSSC registration or eligibility to register with the Scottish Social Services Council, maintained in line with the role.

Training and competency

• Practical and theory Moving & Handling and full Medication Administration training;
  Medication Awareness alone is expressly not sufficient.
• Safe Swallowing training is required for most services and is strongly recommended for all candidates.
• Mandatory training includes safeguarding, infection control, fire and health & safety, first aid, equality, food safety, COSHH, dignity and managing behaviour that challenges.
• Additional service-specific competencies may include dysphagia, epilepsy, buccal midazolam, catheter care, diabetes awareness, PMVA and autism / learning disability / mental health awareness.

Pre-placement checks

• Valid PVG membership/check appropriate to the placement, with any required verification or updates before work starts.
• Evidence of SSSC registration or eligibility, Right to Work and the required candidate checks and pre-placement paperwork.
• Professional references for the last three years (five preferred), including a recent Support Worker reference, plus full employment history and explanations for gaps.
• For workers whose visas have conditions attached, Right to Work checks every six months or earlier if required.