Optalis is the Adult Social Care delivery partner on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council. Optalis is owned and funded by the two councils - it is not a private provider or an employment agency, and we do not offer sponsorship.

Support Worker– Out and About

Full / Part-Time - from £12.34 per hour, £23,807.45 FTE

The Out and About service helps people with learning disabilities join in with local events and activities in the evening and at weekends. Based out of our Day Services in Wokingham, we provide stimulating activities and opportunities for our customers to mix with other people, visit different places, learn new things and improve their well-being. With our events designed to meet different needs and interests every day, we support people to achieve their personal goals and live life to the fullest!

We are recruiting for Support Workers to work weekday evenings (5pm-9.30pm) and weekends (8am-5pm) – this can be on a full or part-time basis.

Come to our Recruitment Day on November 6th at The Acorn Centre in Wokingham – details can be found on our job board; Optalis Jobs

As a Support Worker, you will provide high quality, person-centred support and engage our customers in group and one-to-one activities. You will also support with life skills, as well as emotional and physical wellbeing to deliver a positive experience. Most importantly, you’ll help our customers to enjoy our exciting range of activities and events, have fun and make new memories!

The role will also involve some care responsibilities, which may include administering medication, supporting with personal care (toileting) and assisting with mobility.

Our current range of activities include – but are not limited to:

• Game nights and Bingo
• Sports like Bowling and Boccia
• Karaoke, Music and Dance sessions
• Gardening and Conservation Projects
• Cooking and Baking classes
• Sporting Events
• Performing Arts – Shows and Events
• Day Trips and Short Breaks

Experience in the care sector would be beneficial but is not necessary – we are looking for enthusiastic, creative and compassionate people who want to join our team and put smiles on faces. Full training is provided, including classroom-based learning, shadowing experienced staff and online sessions.

This is a community-based role and a valid UK driving licence is needed; you will be driving our service vehicles to pick up, drop off and take customers to events and activities.

Working for Optalis you will also receive a range of benefits, including:

• Perkbox - rewards package offering discounts on cinema, shopping, health, travel and insurance.
• 25 days annual leave increasing annually to a maximum of 30 days (pro rata), as well as 8 bank holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Health and wellbeing support, including an additional wellbeing day.
• A comprehensive paid training and development programme.
• Excellent career progression opportunities and support.
• A generous pension scheme.

We anticipate this will be a popular role and reserve the right to close applications early.

Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check and will need to provide proof of their right to work in the UK.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 – the DBS clearance level required is Enhanced with Adult Barred list.