Support Worker

Job description

We are recruiting Support Workers to join Focus House, located near Reading town centre, we are a residential supported living unit and floating support service for adults with mental health needs. Our objective is to deliver exceptional quality psychological and practical support to our service users to promote a higher level of independence, based on the principles of the recovery model that utilises the strength and assets of each individual regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the Role:

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK - Sponsorship not available.

We have 2 positions available – full time 37 hours per week and part time 30 hours per week.

Please indicate in your supporting statement which role you are applying for?

37 Hours - £28,142 to £33,699 Per year + 10% Shift = £30,956 to £37,068 Per year

30 Hours - £22,817 to £27,323 Per year + 10% Shift = £25,098 to £30,055 Per year

We assist individuals in fulfilling their daily living requirements, such as helping with shopping, cooking, personal hygiene, administering medication, managing budgets, attending appointments, engaging in therapeutic activities, developing coping strategies, enhancing interpersonal skills, and improving decision-making abilities.

As the Support Worker, you will be accountable to the Team Manager. Your primary role will be in overseeing the service provided to our service users, ensuring the smooth execution and advancement of daily operational services. As well as develop a range of relationships through community networking to promote individual inclusion and participation.

Hours will be worked on a 6-week rolling rota basis to include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will be required to undertake occasional sleep-in duties (minimum once a week).

Exceptional client care and effective communication skills are crucial, along with a comprehension of the principles of exemplary practices in residential care and an awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health needs. Induction and training will be offered.

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

For an informal discussion about this exciting opportunity, please contact Tatiana Vassilenko (Team Manager at Focus House) on

Closing date: Sunday 14th December 2025

Interview date: To be confirmed

Interview setup: In person interviews at Focus House, Reading