Support Worker (Part-time)

About Carers Guernsey

Supporting unpaid carers across our Bailiwick

We are an independent charity providing information, emotional support, advocacy and practical help to anyone in the Bailiwick who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental ill health. We do not provide hands-on or personal care.

The Role

The Support Worker provides emotional and practical support to unpaid carers across the Bailiwick, helping them feel connected, supported and less isolated in their caring role. Working closely with the Service Manager, the post-holder leads on peer support, social activities and one-to-one emotional support, and keeps in regular contact with the carers we support.

This is a standalone, part-time post of up to 20 hours per week, worked during weekday daytime hours only, with no evening or weekend work. The post-holder will also provide some cover when the Service Manager is on leave, so a degree of flexibility over working patterns would be appreciated. For this reason, the role is not well suited to being held alongside other employment.

Training and Support

You will receive a full induction, regular supervision, training opportunities and ongoing support, and be part of a small, friendly team committed to making a difference. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life - currently working in charitable organisations, caring roles, or those considering a change of career. 

Eligibility and Checks

This is an island-based role and we are unable to consider remote or overseas applications. The post involves working with adults who may be vulnerable and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Applicants will be asked to disclose any criminal convictions, including spent convictions. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment, but convictions relevant to working with vulnerable adults may make an applicant unsuitable. Any offer will also be subject to two satisfactory references.

Carers Guernsey is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one emotional support to carers in person, by phone or online
• Maintain regular, proactive contact with carers so that they continue to feel supported
• Help carers identify their needs and access appropriate support and services, referring complex matters to the Service Manager
• Provide information, signposting and practical help, including assistance with forms such as Blue Badge and Carer’s Allowance applications
• Co-facilitate the weekly peer support group and help maintain the carers’ peer support network
• Plan and support social outings, carer events and community social activities
• Raise awareness of Carers Guernsey with professionals, community organisations and service providers
• Maintain accurate and timely records using our Lamplight case management system
• Gather carer feedback and contribute to monitoring reports and case studies
• Provide some cover when the Service Manager is on leave
• Follow our safeguarding, lone working and data protection policies, maintain professional boundaries and attend regular supervision

No formal qualifications or medical experience are required. Full training and induction will be provided.

Experience in a caring or support role, whether current or previous, paid or voluntary, or personal lived experience of caring for a friend or family member, would be particularly valued.

Essential

• Genuine empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by unpaid carers, with a warm, non-judgemental approach
• Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm and supportive when people are distressed
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Discretion, reliability and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and recognise when a matter needs to be referred on
• Ability to organise your own workload and keep accurate records
• The confidence and self-motivation to work independently as well as part of a small team
• Competent IT skills
• A full, valid driving licence and access to own transport
• Resident in Guernsey with the right to live and work in the island
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check and complete training, including safeguarding training
• Respect for equality and diversity

Desirable

• Personal lived experience of an unpaid caring role
• Current or previous experience, paid or voluntary, in a caring, support or outreach role
• Experience of facilitating or supporting groups, including peer support or online groups
• Knowledge of the health, care or voluntary sector in Guernsey
• Previous experience, paid or voluntary, in a support or outreach role
• Experience of using a case management system

• 25 days’ annual leave per year, pro-rata for part-time hours
• Pension
• Flexible working within weekday daytime hours
• Full induction and ongoing training
• Regular supervision and support
• Permanent contract, subject to funding, with funding currently in place for an initial two-year term
• 6-month probationary period
• Be part of a small, friendly team making a real difference to unpaid carers in the Bailiwick