Do I need any qualifications to become a support worker?
No. While qualifications are beneficial, Ambient are proud to offer a range of accredited City and Guilds Diplomas and Qualification for our employees. We work hard to support staff with their learning and development, guiding them throughout their career with us.
What kind of experience do you need to work in the Health and Social Care Sector?
For most roles at Ambient you do not need any specific experience. What is more important to Ambient and the people that use our services is having caring, compassionate and committed individuals who share our values and want to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
What are DBS checks, and why do you do them?
An Enhanced Criminal Record Check, also known as an Enhanced DBS Check, details all cautions, warnings, reprimands or convictions on an individual’s criminal history.
We use these checks as a prevention and safety recruitment tool to ensure we have the right staff caring for our vulnerable adult groups. Anything which shows on a DBS does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to work for us. We look at issues on a case by case basis.
If you wish to discuss any issues in advance of making an application then our Recruitment Team will be happy to assist.
Who will interview me if I am called forward?
The interview panel may consist of a hiring manager and or their deputy and a HR consultant.
We also like to have the people that use our services involved in our interview processes. This means that we encourage our service users to sit in on our interview panels. It gives the people we are interviewing an insight into the types of people that we support and the service users a chance to have a say in who may be involved with their care.
Do I have to work evenings / weekends / nights?
If you are working in our operational services Ambient can offer a range of Part time, Full Time and Bank positions. Many of our services do offer 24/7 care and support 365 days a year. We will discuss working patterns and the flexibility of the shifts available at interview stage. Our normal full time working week is 38 Hours for all positions in the charity.
What is personal care, and will I have to do it?
Personal Care means supporting people that use our services with tasks such as washing, feeding and toileting. If personal care is necessary to the role you are applying to, this will be detailed in the job advert.
We ensure full training is provided for this element of a job. If you have any concerns about this matter do get in touch with us and we will put you in touch with the hiring manager so they may answer any queries you may have.
How much annual leave will I get?
Ambient employees receive a minimum of 28 days holiday (Including Bank Holiday) pro rata for part time positions.
Some senior positions receive more than this. These details will be found on the job specification.
If you have any further questions on salaries and holiday entailment, please contact the Ambient Recruitment Team who will be happy to help.
What benefits do you offer staff?
Ambient offer a range of benefits to employees which include:
- Flexible working, enabling life-work balance.
- National Living Wage paid regardless of age including under 25s.
- Range of qualifications including, care certificate, apprenticeship schemes in the health and social care sector and management development programme.
- ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus scheme.
- Enrolment into defined pension scheme with contribution rates that increase over time ( to maximum of 6% of the employee’s pensionable earnings).
- ‘Season Ticket’ loans & ‘Bike to Work’ schemes.
- Paid holiday with minimum of 28 days holiday, including BH (pro-rate for part time staff).
- Membership of Health Service Discounts scheme.
- Free access to comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
Tell me more about Ambient's commitment to quality.
Ambient is committed to delivering the highest quality of care and support to the people we serve.
We provide ongoing training and support for all our staff throughout their careers with us. This training may include statutory or mandatory training in addition to specialist training which enables people to follow a specialist career pathway.
Ambient Support is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our services that are registered currently have an 89% rating of GOOD. This is 10% above the national average in the UK.