Vacancy Description

Please note this is not an RBWM role. RBWM are advertising this on behalf of Optalis.

Do you have what it takes to engage with, encourage and support people with additional needs/challenging behaviour to achieve sustained employment that meets their aspirations and goals? 

Then join Optalis as an Employment Support Worker and you could soon be playing a key role in the most successful supported employment service in Berkshire. 

With over 20 years’ experience, the Optalis Supported Employment Service (SES) helps individuals achieve their goals and aspirations of employment, travelling independently, volunteering, work experience and education. We have over 100 employer contacts and a high track record of achieving successful employment outcomes for our clients – and we need your help. 

As an Employment Support Worker, we will rely on you to Job Coach our clients within paid work, work experience and volunteering roles. You will also be providing travel training/transport when required. 

To join us, you’ll need a good level of education (possibly an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent), a can-do approach, lots of empathy and initiative and experience of working with people with additional needs/challenging behaviour. You’ll also need a real desire to make a real difference to people’s lives. A proven ability to work independently, promote a positive attitude and prioritise your own workload is essential too. What’s more, because you’ll be dealing with a variety of people, including employers, education and supported housing providers, Social Service professionals, carers, disability groups and parents, excellent written and verbal communication skills are also required. 

If you have what it takes to join us, we’ll reward you with competitive rates of pay, a generous mile mileage allowance (you’ll need a current driving licence and use of a car). 

Working for Optalis you will be entitled to the following range of benefits: 

• Fantastic rewards package through Perkbox that offers all kinds of shopping, health, travel and insurance discounts/special offer.
• An extra day off for your birthday. 
• Paid training.
• Paid mileage.
• Quarterly staff forums; an opportunity to voice opinions, make suggestions.
• Monthly STAR awards - a reward scheme recognises staff who have gone the extra mile.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Career progression.
• Life Assurance.
• Generous refer a friend scheme.

And much more…

To find out more please contact Donna Morgans (0118) 977 8632 or email: recruitment@optalis.org

Closing date: 31 August 2021

For further information about this role and to apply on line please use: www.optalis.org and follow the working with us tab. 

Optalis are a Mindful Employer, which means we are serious about increasing awareness of mental health in the workplace and providing support for our staff. 

We’re also a Disability Confident Committed Employer, which means that as an employer, Optalis is taking action to ensure that people with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. 

Optalis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and customers. We would like to remind successful applicants that they will be required to undertake a DBS check and to provide proof of their right to work in the UK. 

Optalis is a local authority trading company owned by and delivering adult social care in both The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead and Wokingham Borough Council 

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description/Person Specification