Interview for learning disability support worker without relevant experience

User_Name1

Hi all,

I have an interview for a learning disability Support worker however I'm slightly worried because I have never worked in care before and have no idea what the job is really like.
The job is caring for adults with learning disabilities, which is an area I would like to move into hopefully.
They picked me for the interview however in the job description it mentions that I need knowledge of learning disability and experience with working as a learning disability support worker

elsien

I used to interview for support workers - we used to say that experience was less important than attitude or values because we could teach you everything you need to know on a practical level.
You may already have relevant experience, without realising it. Ever had to deal with someone losing their temper, for example? If you've managed that in any role, without escalating the situation, that may be relevant to questions about challenging behaviour.
The job spec should tell you what you need to know, but I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. For the right person, it's a great job.

User_Name1

elsien wrote: »

I used to interview for support workers - we used to say that experience was less important than attitude or values because we could teach you everything you need to know on a practical level.
You may already have relevant experience, without realising it. Ever had to deal with someone losing their temper, for example? If you've managed that in any role, without escalating the situation, that may be relevant to questions about challenging behaviour.
The job spec should tell you what you need to know, but I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. For the right person, it's a great job.

Hi, I have very limited knowledge of learning disabilities and I am afraid this may come across at the interview. I just checked on the Person specification and it mentions that experience with people with learning disabilities is essential.
Stuff I could think of that might be relevant is that I have cared for one elderly family member of mine it was unpaid I have done stuff like going shopping for them, decorating their house etc.

elsien

Time to do a bit of research then. Have a look at sites like Mencap, the National autistic society to get an idea of what the issues can be for people with learning disabilities and the factors that can affect them.
Bear in mind that they will be adults who can be perceived as "childlike" by sectors of society. What issues does this raise for them and for you as the person supporting them? How might you deal with this in practice?

You may be supporting people with a milder disability or those with complex needs/wheelchair users/people who need personal care. Is it a residential or supported living role?

Your caring role is definitively relevant - think about how you helped your relative in terms of offering the right support rather than doing everything for them - read up about empowerment and supporting people to make choices.

Other questions will probably be the usual ones around teamwork, motivation, knowing when to ask for help, etc. These don't have to be learning disability related - any job you've had, voluntary work, even some hobbies eg team sports can give you examples for these.

User_Name1

elsien wrote: »

Time to do a bit of research then. Have a look at sites like Mencap, the National autistic society to get an idea of what the issues can be for people with learning disabilities and the factors that can affect them.
Bear in mind that they will be adults who can be perceived as "childlike" by sectors of society. What issues does this raise for them and for you as the person supporting them? How might you deal with this in practice?

You may be supporting people with a milder disability or those with complex needs/wheelchair users/people who need personal care. Is it a residential or supported living role?

Your caring role is definitively relevant - think about how you helped your relative in terms of offering the right support rather than doing everything for them - read up about empowerment and supporting people to make choices.

Other questions will probably be the usual ones around teamwork, motivation, knowing when to ask for help, etc. These don't have to be learning disability related - any job you've had, voluntary work, even some hobbies eg team sports can give you examples for these.

Thanks I think I'll start my research now and learn about all the Buzwords they might ask me at interview such as Confidentiality, person centered approach ect
And It's at a residential care home, I will basically be on shifts if I get the job so fingers crossed

elsien

If it's residential, it may be people with a higher level of disability. So maybe also have a think about verbal and nonverbal communication, and other ways to communicate as well as using speech - you with them, and them with you.

When's the interview? Come back and ask if anything else crops up, and good luck. I used to sit in the pub with people, thinking "I'm get paid for doing this!"

dawyldthing

elsien wrote: »

If it's residential, it may be people with a higher level of disability. So maybe also have a think about verbal and nonverbal communication, and other ways to communicate as well as using speech - you with them, and them with you.

When's the interview? Come back and ask if anything else crops up, and good luck. I used to sit in the pub with people, thinking "I'm get paid for doing this!"

A lot of that has changed now sadly (it has where I work). A lot of the job is supporting people with every day living - to pay bills, access the community, make and attend appointments, banking, shopping, ordering and making medicines available. Like someone said a lot of this you do when caring for a relative. I've done it for 4 years now but will be leaving in a few weeks. I've enjoyed the job, a lot has changed, but you can make huge differences and it can be really rewarding