Support Worker, Southampton City Council – Visa Sponsorship Available

Southampton City Council is actively seeking a dedicated Support Worker in Southampton. This full-time role is ideal for skilled care professionals, including Nigerians and other African immigrants requiring a UK work visa, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available. Offering a competitive salary of £27,273 – £29,138 per annum, this position also comes with an excellent local government pension, making it a highly attractive opportunity.

Job Description

As a Support Worker with Southampton Day Services, you will play a crucial role in empowering adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and complex needs to lead fulfilling and inclusive lives. This dynamic position involves working alongside individuals to foster independence, enhance communication and life skills, build confidence, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

Your daily responsibilities will span supporting engagement in various activities and opportunities within both community and building-based settings. You will be expected to provide person-centred, strengths-based support, create opportunities for learning and social connection, and respond creatively to diverse communication styles and complex support needs, all while maintaining high standards of safeguarding and professional practice.

Requirements

• Experience or lived experience of supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, or complex needs.
• A strong commitment to person-centred practice, safeguarding, and equality.
• Good communication skills and the confidence to adapt your approach to individual needs.
• The ability to work positively and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for developing meaningful opportunities.
• Flexibility to work across community and building-based services in Southampton.
• Possession of a Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate, or willingness to work towards this qualification.
• Eligibility to work in the UK, with visa sponsorship available for international applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa.

Benefits

• Excellent local government pension with a 15.2% employer contribution.
• Generous holiday allowance of 25–34 days, based on role and service.
• Flexible working options (role-dependent) and family-friendly policies.
• Access to comprehensive training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.

How to Prepare

For Nigerians and other African immigrants eyeing this Support Worker role, meticulously preparing your application is key. Ensure your CV is formatted to UK standards, highlighting any experience with learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs, and demonstrating your commitment to person-centred care. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect these skills and aspirations, making it attractive to UK employers. A compelling cover letter should explicitly link your experience to the job description and subtly address your need for visa sponsorship.

Be ready to discuss your understanding of UK care standards, safeguarding, and person-centred approaches during your interview. For care roles, having any relevant professional registrations or certifications ready, such as a DBS check if you've worked in the UK before, or details of your qualifications from your home country, will be beneficial. If you are offered the position, the council will guide you through the visa process.

• Update your CV to a UK format, showcasing relevant care experience and person-centred approaches.
• Craft a bespoke cover letter that addresses the job requirements and your interest in working with adults with complex needs, mentioning your visa sponsorship requirement.
• Prepare for interview questions on UK safeguarding practices, dignity, and equality in care settings.
• Gather any certifications or qualifications in adult social care, ready for verification.
• Research Southampton City Council's values and services to demonstrate genuine interest.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa / Skilled Worker (Tier 2) sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Support Worker position. Foreigners, including non-UK residents who require a UK work visa, are explicitly encouraged to apply. If your immigration status is complex or borderline, it is advisable to clearly state your current situation in your application or reach out to the recruitment contact for clarification before applying.