Support Worker - Firs

Support Worker – The Firs, Ravenswood, Berkshire

Salary: £13 per hour / £26,434.98 per annum
Hours: 36 per week
Shifts: Typically, 07:00 - 21:00, with a 1-hour unpaid break
Location: Crowthorne, RG45 6BQ

About the Role

We’re looking for passionate Support Workers to join the team at The Firs, a welcoming residential home within Ravenswood Village.  You’ll support adults with moderate learning disabilities and other complex needs, helping them live safe, connected and fulfilling lives.

This role is hands-on, rewarding, and rooted in genuine relationships and teamwork.

About Norwood

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK.  We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

At Norwood, you’ll make a real difference every day.  You’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team, guided by values of kindness, respect, empowerment and belonging.  We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.

About The Firs

The Firs is a large two-storey home based within the Ravenswood Estate, supporting eight adults aged 40s to 70s with moderate neurodevelopmental disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy, mobility needs, and in one case, hearing loss.  All residents are verbal and communicate in English, though some benefit from visual cues or simplified language.

People living at The Firs enjoy a busy and sociable lifestyle.  Hobbies include music, art, swimming, shopping, trains, buses, community outings, and holidays.  Most individuals require 1:1 support, with some needing 2:1 assistance for personal care and transfers.

Shifts typically run from 07:00 to 21:00 and are built around each person’s preferences, routines and activity plans.  You’ll be joining a stable and values-led team committed to Kindness, Respect, Belonging, and Empowerment.

Your Day-to-Day

Your role will be varied and active. You’ll:
• Support people with personal care, eating, laundry, and daily routines
• Help people enjoy their hobbies and community activities
• Assist with shopping, appointments, and holidays
• Support individuals with communication and engagement
• Help manage medication and individual support plans
• Drive the home vehicle for outings and appointments (if you’re a driver)

Experience, Qualifications & Training

Essential:
• Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities or autism
• Awareness of safeguarding and person-centred care
• Able to commit to full-time hours, including weekends

Desirable:
• Experience with epilepsy, mobility support, or hearing impairment
• Knowledge of active support and Dignity in Care principles
• Full, clean UK driving licence

We welcome applications from those new to care. You’ll receive a tailored induction, including shadowing and time to learn routines, to help you thrive.

Reward & Benefits

We believe great support starts with great staff. Here’s what we offer:
• £13.00 per hour (plus overtime at £14.30 and Bank Holidays at £19.50)
• Fully funded induction and training
• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays (FTE)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light Card scheme access
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free eye test and eyewear allowance
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus
• Career development pathway
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive, experienced team and management