Waking Night Recovery Worker (Penrith)

Opportunity Review: Waking Night Recovery Worker - Penrith

This review provides an in-depth look at the Waking Night Recovery Worker position with Waythrough, aiming to equip potential candidates with the insights needed to assess if this role aligns with their career aspirations and personal values.

Waythrough, a significant force in mental health and social support across the UK, offers a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about community impact. As one of the country's leading charities, Waythrough's mission is to empower individuals to overcome challenges related to mental health, housing, and substance use. This role, based in Penrith, is part of a dedicated team supporting adults with mental health difficulties to achieve more independent and meaningful lives.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: This is a chance to directly contribute to the recovery and independence of vulnerable individuals. The role is designed to inspire lasting positive change in the community.
• Comprehensive Training and Development: A significant advantage of this position is that no prior experience is required. Waythrough provides full training, making this an excellent entry point for those looking to transition into the social support sector. It also signifies a commitment to staff growth, with excellent training and development opportunities offered.
• Supportive and Integrated Organisation: Waythrough is a recently formed entity, bringing together established charities. This suggests a dynamic environment with a shared purpose and a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual support.
• Generous Benefits Package: Waythrough demonstrates a commitment to its staff's well-being and professional growth through a comprehensive benefits package. This includes:
  • Generous Annual Leave: Starting at 27 days, rising to 32 after one year, plus bank holidays.
  • Robust Pension Scheme: With a 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%.
  • Life Assurance and Enhanced Sick Pay: Providing financial security and support during challenging times.
  • Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Including birthday leave, and the option to purchase additional leave.
  • Professional Support: Including professional fee reimbursement, 24/7 online GP access, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Employee Recognition and Perks: Through award schemes, referral bonuses, cycle-to-work schemes, discounts, and a free will-writing service.
• Emphasis on Inclusion: Waythrough actively encourages applications from individuals with lived experience and is committed to providing necessary adjustments for candidates with specific needs.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Night Work and Rotational Schedule: The role involves working 22.5 hours per week on a night schedule. Candidates should be comfortable with this shift pattern and available for inclusion in a weekly rota system, which may also include on-call duties.
• Emotional Resilience: Working with individuals facing mental health challenges requires a high degree of empathy, compassion, and resilience. While no experience is needed, an understanding of and comfort with these dynamics is crucial.
• Independence and Teamwork: The role requires the ability to work effectively both independently, particularly during night shifts, and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Pro Rata Salary: The stated salary of £24,243 is pro rata per annum, reflecting the part-time nature of the role. Candidates should factor this into their financial planning.
• Integration Phase: As Waythrough is a new organisation formed from a merger, candidates should be aware that some systems and processes may still be undergoing integration. This is a temporary phase, and the long-term outlook is one of a unified organisation.

In conclusion, the Waking Night Recovery Worker position at Waythrough presents a unique and rewarding career path for individuals who are compassionate, driven, and eager to make a tangible difference in their community. The comprehensive training, supportive environment, and excellent benefits package make this a highly attractive opportunity for those looking to build a career in social support, even without prior experience.