Support Worker - Respite Service

Looking for a new challenge?

It's an exciting time at Sense, as we are now looking for Support Worker in our Short Breaks (Respite) Service located in Newtownabbey.

These are permanent positions, with contracts available from 12-32 hours per week, including day and night posts.

Sense is offering £11.75 per hour.

Due to expansion of our Service, we have this exciting opportunity to join a small high-quality person-centered service.

The role will be based in our Short Breaks Residential service, supporting adults with complex needs.

The work involves varied shifts, from sleep in's, weekends evening and days. We are looking for people who want to have flexibility but are able to offer commitment and shared values in return, a great role for someone looking to get into the care sector!

• Positive, with a can-do attitude.
• Caring and empathetic.
• Passionate about enhancing other people’s lives.
• Willing to attend training as needed to support you in your role.

Here at Sense, we support people with complex disabilities to live the life they choose. Your priority will be empowering the people you support to live an independent life.

• Everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning.
• Personal care and hygiene.
• Finances.
• Medication and wellbeing.
• Working.
• Going into the community for shopping or other trips.
• Their social life and nightlife.

Everyone we support is an individual, so their care is as unique as they are. You can see a more detailed description of duties in the job description attached at the bottom of this advert.

Please note, this role may include regular sleep-in shifts. (This means sleeping over at the residence, with the possibility you might have to wake up to provide care in the night.)

Sense is a national disability charity supporting everyone who is deafblind or has complex disabilities. We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.

Our work empowers thousands of people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities to communicate, experience the world and fulfill their potential.

Work at Sense can be demanding and so isn’t for everyone, but it is also incredibly rewarding and valuable. Take a look at the video below to see why we do what we do.

• 24 days of annual leave.
• Headspace app - free access for all employees to mindfulness application
• Matched pension contributions up to 5%.
• Free life assurance policy.
• Cashback and discounts on high street brands (and 10% off at Sense charity shops!).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Travel season ticket loans.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Free Access NI check if your role needs one.
• A £350 refer-a-friend scheme.
• Free access to over 100 online and face-to-face training courses, including the care certificate.
• Ongoing development opportunities.

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your supporting statement to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the candidate guidelines, job description and person specification (found at the base of this advert) before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on or

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/