Guidance Notes for Support Worker Application Form

This sheet is designed to ensure that we get all the information that we require on the form. If your form is not complete, we may not be able to consider your application

1. Personal information. Most of the items in this section are straight forward. The address that you give should be your postal address so that we can send you correspondence should you be successful in your application. If you do not hold a current driving licence you may still have transport, e.g. bike, scooter or walking. If you are able to travel, the more work we may be able to offer you.

2. Qualifications and Training. We would like to know what is your highest qualification level, and if you have studied in an area relevant to the work of St Joseph’s Services. This helps us plan what training may be required, which will be discussed at interview.

The Scottish Social Services Council is responsible for registering all staff who work within the care sector. St Joseph’s Services fully supports their work to ensure that all staff have the right skills and qualifications for their roles.

If you do not have any qualifications do not worry. We are always running training courses, including SVQ so you can learn and earn money at the same time.

3. Professional Qualifications. You may have been registered with another professional body, such as theNursing and Midwifery Council. This may allow you to be recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council, without further training or qualifications.

4. Present /Previous Employment. We must have full details of your employment history, starting with your current or previous employer. If you have taken time of work or had gaps in your employment could you please give reasons why on the form. If you need more space for this section please continue on a separate sheet and attach it to the application.

5. Statement in Support of your application. In this section we are interested in why you are making the application. We ask three questions to help you think about the skills and experience you have, why you would be suitable, and what you think the work involves.

It will help to look at the job description and person specification, and think about each of the duties or criteria, and how you could show us that you can achieve these. It may help not only to think about previous work, but also what you may have learned in your home or personal life. For example, you may have cared for family or friends, or you may be involved in a local group or charity, working with others.

6. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It is important that you read this section carefully. If you have any criminal convictions you must disclose them. You must sign and date at the bottom of this section.

Having a conviction will not automatically prevent you from working at St Joseph’s Services, but lying about one will lead to dismissal.

All support staff at St Joseph’s Services will undergo an enhanced PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme) check, which will highlight all convictions.

7. Referees. We require two written references, one of which should be from your current or most recent employer. We will send them forms out to complete about your previous work performance and personal character.

If you do not wish us to contact your employer before we have considered you for a position, please tick the box. We will then only contact your employer if we wish to offer you a position St Joseph’s Services.

8. Disability. We are always looking to support the employment of people with disabilities. If you need any adaptations, please let us know.

9. Signature. Please sign to tell us everything is correct. If we later find out that you have not been honest with us, we may withdraw any offers of employment.

If you are called for interview, you may be asked to bring evidence of your qualifications, registration, and proof of eligibility to work

TYPES OF WORK AVAILABLE

We work with all age groups, but the majority of our work is with older people with learning disabilities. This is normally supporting them in their own homes.

We are looking for people to work on a fulltime (37.5 hrs.), part time or sessional basis. Sessional work can be at short notice, to cover absences, holidays and sickness. There is no guarantee of regular work with sessional contracts.

TRAINING

If you need additional support, this will be given to help you. Other training - from moving and handling, first aid, and food hygiene, up to SVQ Level 3 in Care, will be available during your time with us.

HOLIDAYS

You are entitled to 30days paid holiday. This rises to 35 days over time. If you work part time, holidays will be on a pro-rata basis. For sessional contracts, because of the flexible nature of the work, we pay your holiday pay into a separate fund, and you can receive payment on request.

RATES OF PAY

We have rates that vary depending upon your experience and skills.

Some of the people supported by St Joseph’s Services need someone to stay with them overnight in case of emergencies. Staff are provided with a bed, and are available should the need arise. We pay a flat rate payment for this ‘sleepover’ work.

October 2014