Support Worker, Wiltshire Council, Chippenham – Visa Sponsorship Available

Wiltshire Council is seeking a dedicated Full-Time Support Worker in Chippenham, Wiltshire. This role is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants in the UK or those overseas seeking a pathway to the UK, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available. You can earn between £13.92 – £14.36 per hour, alongside a 10% unsocial hours plussage, making this a financially attractive and stable opportunity.

Job Description

As a Support Worker at Meadow Lodge, you will play a crucial role in providing short breaks for customers, enabling them to engage in meaningful activities away from their family homes. Your work will focus on supporting individuals to maximise their independence, ensuring they receive the most appropriate care tailored to their needs.

You will collaborate closely with families, as well as paid and unpaid carers, to ensure their voices are heard and their involvement is integral to the support process. This role is deeply rooted in a community-focused ethos, where trust, respect, and empowerment are central to delivering exceptional care.

Requirements

• A valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or agreement for suitable alternative transport/reasonable adjustment.
• A passion for supporting vulnerable adults and promoting their independence.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including undertaking a 26-week probationary period.
• Understanding and adherence to safeguarding principles for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• For overseas applicants, the ability to secure a Skilled Worker visa and meet all associated immigration requirements is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £13.92 – £14.36 per hour, plus a 10% unsocial hours plussage.
• Regular training opportunities to support your professional growth in the care sector.
• A friendly and welcoming workplace with a 'One Council' ethos and supportive staff networks.
• Commitment to a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust, and respect.
• Employee benefits package as detailed on the Wiltshire Council 'Our Identity' page.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants aiming for this Support Worker role, a well-structured application is vital. Focus on presenting a CV that highlights your care experience in a UK-compatible format, emphasising transferable skills and any relevant certifications. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is updated to reflect your professional aspirations and experiences, aligning with UK employer expectations.

When crafting your cover letter, articulate your genuine motivation for working in care, your understanding of safeguarding, and your commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals. If invited for an interview, be prepared to discuss your right-to-work status and how you meet the visa sponsorship requirements, demonstrating confidence in your eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa.

• Ensure your CV and cover letter clearly showcase relevant care experience and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable adults.
• Gather all necessary documents, including any professional references and a completed full-employment-history form.
• Familiarise yourself with the Health and Social Care Act (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, particularly regarding employment history requirements.
• Be ready to discuss your visa sponsorship needs and commitment to the UK immigration process during your interview.
• Review the role description and person specification thoroughly to tailor your application to Wiltshire Council's specific needs.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship for the Skilled Worker (Tier 2) route is available for this Support Worker position. This means foreign applicants, including those currently residing outside the UK, are encouraged to apply. While Wiltshire Council welcomes applications from those requiring sponsorship, they are currently unable to issue a defined Certificate of Sponsorship due to capacity limitations. If your immigration status is borderline or complex, it is advisable to seek independent immigration advice before applying to understand your full eligibility.