Job details
Salary £25,098 to £37,068 Per year
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Region: Permanent / Full-Time
Job category/type: Adult Services, Social Services, Social Work/Care
We are looking for a Support Worker in Whitley, Reading to provide high‑quality respite care to adults with complex learning disabilities in a person‑centred approach. You will be based at 188 Whitley Wood Lane, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8PR and will have the option to work part‑time (30 hours) or full‑time (37 hours). Please indicate in your Supporting Statement which role you are applying for.
Responsibilities
Provide support to clients with dignity and respect, including personal care and assistance with daily activities. Evaluate risks and devise strategies to mitigate them. Work shift patterns including weekends and sleep‑ins; early shifts may start at 7:00 am on weekdays and 7:30 am on weekends; late shifts may start at 2:00 pm with a finish at 9:00 pm or 9:30 pm if doing a sleep‑in. You will be required to work two weekends in every three.
Coordinate with the Respite Care Team, a CQC‑registered team, to deliver high quality support and give clients opportunities to build independence and positive relationships.
Maintain and review individual client files accurately and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Qualifications
- Good general education, including literacy skills
- NVQ3/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Care and Promoting Independence, or commitment to achieving this
- Commitment to Person‑Centred Support to a range of individuals
- Ability to relate to service users and meet their needs, demonstrating understanding, patience, respect and dignity
- Proficiency in manual handling tasks
- Capability to work in team and independently (including lone working when applicable)
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Self‑motivating and adaptable
- Basic Microsoft IT skills (email, document handling)
Benefits
- Competitive salary (including shift allowance) and sleeping allowance
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days plus bank holidays; rising to 33 days after 10 years, with option to buy additional leave
- Wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Life assurance – three times annual salary (for LGPS members)
- On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season ticket loan to help with rail/bus journey
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme with insurance, servicing and road tax included
- Opportunity for progression through full salary range upon achieving QCF qualification
Values & Culture
- Work together as one team – collaborate with colleagues and partners while demonstrating Team Reading values.
- Drive efficiency – show initiative, adapt to change and propose ideas to improve delivery.
- Be ambitious – challenge leadership constructively, maintain high performance.
- Make a difference – maintain highest customer service, remain flexible and responsive.
Additional information
Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and expects applicants to have the right to work in the UK (sponsorship not available).
Contact Rachel Jerrard (Team Manager) at 07834 964 762 or rachel.jerrard@reading.gov.uk for an informal discussion.
Application
Closing date: Sunday 14 th June 2026
Interviews will be in person at 188 Whitley Wood Lane, Whitley, Reading, RG2 8PR.
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