Weekend Community Support Worker

Community Support Worker | Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan | 14 hours per week, Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm to be agreed | £9,798.88 per annum for 14 hours per week (full time equivalent salary £24,497.20 pro rata) | Fixed term until April 2027 with potential to become permanent
Being diagnosed with dementia at a younger age can bring different challenges. Someone may still be working or adjusting to leaving work, have teenage children or other family responsibilities, and want to continue doing the things that are important to them.
As a Community Support Worker supporting people with young onset dementia , you’ll work alongside people and their families across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. You’ll take the time to understand what matters to each person and provide practical, person centred support that helps them maintain their confidence, independence and connection with their community.
You don’t need previous experience in a dementia-specific role to apply. You may have developed relevant skills through care, support, community or other people focused work, volunteering or personal experience. What’s important is your understanding of dementia, your ability to build trusting relationships and your confidence supporting people whose needs and circumstances may change over time.
This is a predominantly community based role with most of your working time spent supporting people face to face in their homes and communities across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Some administration, recording and elearning can be completed from home, but home working is a small part of the role rather than the main working arrangement.
You’ll spend much of your working time supporting people in communities across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, so you’ll need to be able to travel independently and reliably across the area . As public transport can be limited in some locations, having a driving licence and access to a vehicle would be helpful.
You might support the person with young onset dementia to identify, reconnect with or take part in meaningful activities that reflect their interests, strengths and what matters to them. This could include researching local groups and opportunities, helping someone return to a favourite hobby, take part in exercise or a walking group, visit a café, library or museum, attend a sports or music event, volunteer in their community, or build confidence using public transport. You might also accompany someone to an appointment or help them find new ways to stay active and connected.
You’ll also work with families and carers, consider changing needs and use your judgement to balance independence, choice and wellbeing.
You won’t be expected to know everything about young-onset dementia from day one. What’s important is having a good understanding of dementia, being willing to continue learning and being able to turn what you know into practical and meaningful support.
There isn’t just one type of person who could be a great Community Support Worker. Listen well and build trusting relationships with people living with dementia and those close to them.
Have an understanding of dementia , including how changing needs can affect the person, their family and carers.
Are proactive and resourceful , with the confidence to research local opportunities, make connections and find practical solutions.
Can use your judgement and adapt your approach when someone’s needs, wellbeing or circumstances change.
Can support people to maintain their independence and make their own choices , while considering wellbeing and potential risks.
Are comfortable working independently , organising your time and workload and knowing when to ask for support.
Can build positive relationships with community organisations and local services.
Can travel independently and reliably throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan .
 
Above all, we’re looking for someone who will take the time to understand the person and what matters to them, then turn that understanding into practical support that helps them live well with dementia.
If you have relevant or transferable experience and recognise your skills in what we’ve described, we’d encourage you to apply.
The role is 14 hours per week, to be worked during weekday daytime hours. There is flexibility around the exact working pattern, which will be agreed with the successful candidate, with hours worked between Monday and Thursday, 9am to 5pm.
 
Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.
Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.