Are you ready to make a real difference in people's lives? Join us as a Casual Support Worker at Focus House, located near Reading town centre, is a residential supported living unit and floating support service for adults with mental health needs. Our objective is to deliver exceptional quality psychological and practical support to our service users to promote a higher level of independence, based on the principles of the recovery model that utilises the strength and assets of each individual regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK - Sponsorship not available. Key Responsibilities: Provide hands-on support to individuals with Mental Health issues. We assist in fulfilling their daily living requirements, such as helping with shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, administering medication, managing budgets, attending appointments, engaging in therapeutic activities, developing coping strategies, enhancing interpersonal skills, and improving decision-making abilities. Promote independence and dignity while ensuring the well-being of service users. Support individuals in participating in meaningful activities and community engagement. Work collaboratively with colleagues and families to meet the individual needs of service users. Maintain accurate records and adhere to health and safety guidelines. Exceptional client care and effective communication skills are crucial, along with a comprehension of the principles of exemplary practices in residential care and an awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health needs. Induction and training will be offered. As a Casual Support Worker, you will work as part of a team to provide activities, a safe environment as well as follow and contribute to care and activity plans. Hours will be offered on and as and when needed basis. Hours will be worked on a rota basis to include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will be required to undertake occasional sleep-in duties. Skills Required: Qualification in Care (NVQ2/Level 2 Diploma in Care/Care Certificate) is desirable but not essential as full training will be given. Capability to connect with service users, addressing their needs with a sense of understanding, patience, respect, and dignity Ability to deliver Person Centred Support, follow Care Plans, Risk Assessment and highlight discrepancies. Effective teamwork with the capacity to work independently and be self-motivated Basic IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Packages such as Word and Outlook and to use online training You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential. Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed. Our offer We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including: Kennet Day nursery (based at the Civic Offices) rated outstanding by Ofsted, Opportunities for further development and training available We pay for your DBS application For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Tatiana Vassilenko (Team Manager at Focus House) on 0118 937 5350 or email Tatiana.Vassilenkoreading.gov.uk Closing date: Thursday 13 th March 2025 Interview date: TBC 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 has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Visit: www.moretoreading.co.uk to find out more about Reading's Community & Adult Social Care Services. It's a chance to hear from the people who already work here and why they have chosen Reading as their professional destination.