Bank Support Worker – Zero-Hours Contract

Contract type: Bank / Zero-hours contract
Working pattern: Flexible shifts offered according to service needs
Shift requirements: Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Sleep-in shifts, waking nights and 12-hour shifts also required. 

Please note: This role is offered on a zero-hours bank contract. There are no guaranteed hours, and shifts will be offered according to the needs of the service. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Believe Care and Support is a unique, person-centred provider dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health support needs to live fulfilling lives that make sense to them.

We are committed to supporting our team members to grow, develop and become the best possible support for the individuals who trust us to be by their side each day.

Our mission is simple: to deliver outstanding, person-centred support by empowering both our team members and the individuals we support.

We believe in:

• Individuality – embracing the uniqueness of every person. You'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to your role and be celebrated for your individual qualities.
• Teamwork and collaboration – working together, sharing challenges and learning from one another to create meaningful change.
• Citizenship – supporting individuals to be active members of their communities, have a voice and live with dignity and purpose.
• Choice and independence – recognising every individual's right to make their own decisions and live life on their own terms.
• Equality – creating an inclusive environment where everyone, both the people we support and our team members, is valued and respected.

At Believe, you'll be part of an organisation that invests in your development, values honesty and transparency, and recognises the vital role you play in transforming lives.

Support is at the heart of everything we do, not just for the individuals we support, but for you as a valued member of our team. Through training, reflective learning and everyday encouragement, we aim to ensure you feel supported, appreciated and empowered in your role.

About the Role

We are looking for compassionate, reliable and flexible Bank Support Workers who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and mental health support needs.

This role offers the opportunity to join our team on a flexible, zero-hours basis, helping us maintain continuity of support when additional cover is needed. This may include covering planned or unplanned staff absences, annual leave, sickness and other service requirements.

As a Bank Support Worker, you'll be offered shifts according to the needs of the service and your availability. We are looking for people who can be flexible and responsive to the opportunities available, while understanding that the number and timing of shifts may vary.

You'll provide person-centred support in a variety of settings, helping individuals to develop their independence, build confidence, pursue their interests and LIVE THEIR BEST LIFE!

The successful candidate will understand the importance of trust and meaningful relationships, be willing to listen, and recognise that effective support means doing things in ways that work for each individual.

You'll work alongside an established team and, where appropriate, with social workers, families, advocates and other professionals to deliver personalised support that reflects each person's needs, preferences and aspirations.

Previous experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs is beneficial, but a willingness to learn, a positive attitude and a genuine passion for supporting people are equally important. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

About the Person You'll Support

You'll be part of a bespoke team supporting a young person in his own home. The team works collaboratively to provide support that is guided by his individual needs, preferences and goals.

Paul is a calm and thoughtful young person who responds best to people who are observant, patient and creative in their approach.

It's important that you can recognise and respond to non-verbal communication, including body language, facial expressions and changes in behaviour.

Paul has a strong love of books and enjoys listening when staff share their own interests and passions, even if he prefers to listen rather than actively participate. He also finds comfort in outdoor activities and familiar local places and, with the right support, is open to exploring new experiences.

Supporting Paul involves introducing activities gradually, breaking them down into manageable steps, allowing time for reflection, asking questions and offering gentle encouragement without pressure.

An understanding of autism and learning disabilities would be beneficial, although full training and support will be provided.

As a Bank Support Worker, you'll be welcomed into a wider, supportive team, where consistency, communication and a willingness to learn are essential. You'll help Paul work towards his personal goals at a pace that feels right for him, respecting his choices, individuality and independence.

About You

This role would suit someone who is caring, adaptable, emotionally aware and committed to providing high-quality, person-centred support.

You'll understand the importance of building trust, listening carefully and adapting your approach to meet the needs of the individual. You'll be comfortable working as part of a team while also taking responsibility for your own practice.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is compassionate, patient, respectful and non-judgemental.
• Has a genuine interest in supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health support needs.
• Understands the importance of individual choice, dignity, privacy and independence.
• Can recognise and respond sensitively to verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Is observant, creative and able to think flexibly when situations change.
• Can follow individual support plans and agreed ways of working.
• Is confident working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Can maintain professional boundaries and respect confidentiality.
• Is resilient and able to remain calm and thoughtful when faced with challenges.
• Is willing to undertake training and develop their skills and knowledge.
• Can communicate effectively and contribute to clear handovers between team members.
• Is reliable, punctual and committed to providing consistent, high-quality support.

Most importantly, you'll have a genuine passion for working with people and a desire to be an advocate for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health support needs.

Working Pattern and Flexibility

This is a bank, zero-hours position, offering flexibility for individuals who are looking to work on an as-needed basis.

There are no guaranteed hours under this contract. Shifts will be offered in response to the needs of the service, and you'll be able to discuss your availability with the management team.

You'll need to be willing to work a range of shifts, which may include:

• Day shifts and evening shifts.
• Weekends and bank holidays.
• Sleep-in shifts.
• Waking night shifts.
• Shifts of up to 12 hours.

Flexibility is important to help us maintain continuity of support for the individuals we support. Reliability, good communication and a willingness to work collaboratively with the established team are essential.

Key Responsibilities

As a Bank Support Worker, your responsibilities will include:

Person-Centred Support

• Provide support in a way that works for each individual, respecting their choices, preferences, communication and routines.
• Build trusting relationships through consistency, patience and genuine interest.
• Promote dignity, privacy, independence and meaningful participation.
• Support individuals to make informed decisions and have greater control over their lives.
• Encourage individuals to develop everyday living skills and pursue their personal interests and goals.

Daily Living and Independence

• Support individuals with daily activities and practical tasks, in line with their individual support plans.
• Encourage the development of life skills, including budgeting, money management and decision-making.
• Support personal care and self-care where required and agreed.
• Promote access to community activities, social opportunities and meaningful experiences.
• Provide emotional reassurance and encouragement while respecting personal boundaries.

Communication and Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide consistent, person-centred support.
• Follow agreed support plans, risk assessments and organisational procedures.
• Communicate relevant information clearly during handovers.
• Maintain accurate records and report concerns or changes in an individual's wellbeing appropriately.
• Work respectfully with families, representatives and other professionals where appropriate.
• Be willing to learn from established team members and contribute positively to the wider team.

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

• Promote the safety, welfare and rights of the individuals you support.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Follow health and safety guidance, medication procedures and other relevant policies, where applicable to your role and training.
• Support positive risk-taking while helping individuals remain safe and develop independence.
• Attend required training and keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

General Responsibilities

• Provide support in a way that reflects each individual's needs and preferences.
• Help individuals live as independently and fulfillingly as possible.
• Encourage budgeting, life skills and informed decision-making.
• Act as a respectful advocate for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health support needs.
• Contribute to effective teamwork and continuity of support.
• Embody the values of Believe Care and Support.

Why Join Believe?

We believe that great support starts with great people. As a member of our bank team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while benefiting from the flexibility of a zero-hours contract.

Our benefits include:

• Health and Wellbeing Programme – access to an employee assistance line offering counselling support, bereavement support, legal information, medical information and more.
• Employee Referral Programme – opportunities to benefit from referring suitable candidates, subject to the applicable scheme terms.
• Believe Breaks – access to our fully accessible caravan in the heart of the Lake District at a heavily discounted rate for employees throughout the year.
• Living Wage Employer – we are accredited as a Living Wage Employer.
• Training and professional development – a commitment to investing in your learning, development and career progression.
• Supportive management – an invested and dedicated management team committed to supporting staff and improving the quality of care.

As a bank team member, access to particular benefits may depend on the scheme rules and your employment arrangements. This can be discussed during recruitment.

Values-Based Recruitment

At Believe, we believe in recruiting people whose values align with those of the individuals they support.

We want to build teams around people, recognising that good support depends on understanding each individual's personality, communication, interests and aspirations.

If you believe in individuality, citizenship, choice, independence, collaboration and equality, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you already have experience in care or are looking to develop a career in support work, we welcome applications from people who are committed to learning, building relationships and making a positive difference.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the individuals we support. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

As part of our recruitment process, successful candidates will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include:

• Reference checks from previous employers.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including barred-list checks where legally applicable to the role.
• Right-to-work verification and identity checks.
• An employment history review, including clarification of any gaps.

It is a criminal offence for an individual who is barred from working in regulated activity with the relevant group to undertake work from which they are barred.

Equal Opportunities

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

We believe diversity enriches our organisation and enables us to better support the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Our recruitment decisions are based on skills, experience, values and suitability for the role.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

If you're compassionate, flexible and ready to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.