Home Support Worker – Grade 5 • 2 x 27 Hour Permanent Posts
Overview
We are expanding our team of Home Support Workers within Bluebell apartments and Hawthron House, a dual scheme comprising respite / short break care, and two specialist flats that deliver a ‘step up / step down’ approach of care to young people and adults with complex learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum diagnoses and challenging behaviours. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering exceptional care and support to service users and making a real difference to a person’s quality of life.
What is involved?
The posts require successful applicants to arrive at Hawthorn House by 7am for some shifts and to work flexibly on a rota of shifts over a 7‑day period. Shift types vary across days, evenings, nights and weekends. Enhancements will be paid for evenings, nights and weekends. The rota is designed to meet service‑user needs; hours worked will vary depending on the number of weeks on the rota but will equate to contractual hours per week over the rota period.
You will be part of a CQC Outstanding service, working with a caring team committed to delivering the highest standards of care to individuals with complex learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum diagnoses and challenging behaviours. You will provide specialist care interventions using Positive Behaviour Support and other therapeutic methods to stabilise and address complex behaviours.
All staff receive a comprehensive induction and training package that includes Positive Behaviour Support, medication administration, moving and handling, and will receive regular supervision.
What will I need?
Applicants should have experience working in a care environment with people with learning disabilities or complex needs, be naturally caring and sensitive to people’s needs, and able to build positive relationships with service users and colleagues. Required credentials are:
- 4 GCSEs (grades 9‑4/A‑C) or equivalent qualifications, and/or a relevant care qualification. Those without a care qualification will be supported to achieve the Care Certificate within a set timescale.
Applicants must also apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the Adults Barred List, will be required.
Interviews
Interviews will be held week commencing 8th June 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet all essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
Our Offer to You
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years of continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average local government pension scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working where applicable.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Contact: Sarah Minnis, Operational Supervisor, sarah.minnis@durham.gov.uk or 07786 027 001
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