Mencap support worker interview

luvvlyjubbly

I have an interview on Thursday, the job description is a bit vague as there are various roles available. So it could be support in their own homes or support in the community.....this would be a new role for me.
I have a good idea what they may ask but any tips or suggestions will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

[Deleted User]

Hmmm difficult, it's been ages since I've been interviewed for care work, here's a bump!


Can you not phone and find out more details before attending if you feel any unease?


Or make sure you leave the interview being really clear on what it is being offered (but of course that is no guarantee that the day you come to start it's all change and I'm afraid that is allowed)


Just be yourself, know your limits if any; like hours to work or holidays planned, that seems to be a biggie at the moment it keeps cropping up for me practically at every interview and good luck - have your own questions prepared too x

Racheldevon

I guess I would be reflecting on examples of your experience of lone working in the community, what it's taught you, what factors you take into account as a lone worker etc. I'd be interested in your understanding and experience of safeguarding vulnerable adults/children (unsure from your post whether it's with adults or children).


There's a whole range of typical interview questions around your experience/skills/personal qualities etc that may you suitable for this role. Examples around managing conflict/challenging behaviour etc.


Make sure you've researched the company, their values, mission and can explain why you want to work for them.


Have a think about any current legislation/government papers that influence the particular client group your working with

brokeinyorkshire

I had an interview with them last year but they offered me a relief job with zero hours so I didn't take it.

The questions were competency based and a lot of them were around care, confidentiality, that sort of thing. Also other standard type questions about team work.

I also used to work for Mencap and although I loved my job it was long, unsocial hours and not great pay. very rewarding though.

Good luck!

jobbingmusician

Risk assessment, confidentiality, boundaries (not there as a friend but being respectful and friendly), communicating with someone with no access to language (answer 'I would be happy to learn Makaton or a similar method of communication and in my researches on the internet I have found that......' and off you go to find out!)


IIWY I would also google advocacy for people with learning disabilities so you can find out how to help your clients speak up for themselves. (Yes, even the ones without access to language )

Feyfangirl

I second what jobbingmusician says, they'd probably ask you about what you think confidentiality means in relation to care work, if you know about the CQC (care quality commission) understanding and respecting boundaries, how you could handle a potentially challenging situation (i.e. a service user displaying challenging behavior) how you would overcome barriers to communication... about any previous experience you've had with disabilities in the care sector or on a personal standpoint (friend or family with disability) and if you've got any interest in studying for a care qualification if you have not already got one... also what hours you could work as usually in support work you have to be on call most of the time (shift patterns) and if you are a driver... also they'd probably go over what equality and diversity means to you and about various forms of abuse and how you would go about safeguarding your residents from them

There's also ultimately the thing of why you want to work for the company in question.. I'd think carefully on this (oddly answering this unrehearsed and giving a personal answer helped) also they'd probably ask you if you'd be comfortable working in a team/independently... and about CRB/DBS

These were questions I have been asked in care interviews (also I studied care as well) anyway good luck for your interview if you are worried, I'd just call up and ask if you could get an idea for what role it is they're interviewing you for.

claysam

Working in a person centred way is a real big thing for mencap, and bowing the difference between a supporting role and a care role. Being a support worker means supporting the person to do the activity / job and not taking over and doing it for them

luvvlyjubbly

Thanks for your suggestions...now I just need to calm the nerves!