FAQs About Social Care and Housing Recruitment

A Care and Support Worker provides practical and emotional support to people in care settings or their own homes.

At First for Support, many of our roles are within children’s and young people’s services, helping clients build independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Yes. We have a wide range of permanent roles available across all levels of seniority, including management and leadership positions within both social care and social housing services.

Care work covers a broad range of services, from supporting children and young people to assisting adults with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs.

You can work in residential homes, supported living or educational settings. Most of our roles focus on children’s services.

Absolutely. As an agency worker, you can choose shifts that suit your availability.

We do our best to match assignments around your other commitments, such as study schedules, childcare or part-time work.

It’s one of the most rewarding roles you can do. You’ll make a real difference to people’s lives while enjoying flexible working hours and the chance to develop your career.

Whether you’re a student, a parent or simply looking for meaningful work, we’ll support you in finding a balance that fits your lifestyle.

We look for caring, enthusiastic people who ideally have experience working with children, young people or adults with learning disabilities or autism.

Empathy, patience and good communication are key. You should be organised, observant and confident documenting your work, as reporting and recording are important parts of the role.

For agency work, yes - we generally require at least six months’ experience in care.

This ensures our candidates can adapt quickly to different placements and provide immediate, high-quality support.

Formal qualifications aren’t required for most roles, but all candidates must complete mandatory training in areas such as First Aid, Safeguarding and Health & Safety.

We provide access to free training and refresher courses to help you stay compliant and confident in your work.

We offer a variety of assignments across both adult and children’s services, including day and night shifts.

Most of our placements involve working with children and young people, but we also have roles supporting adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs.

It depends on the placement. Some roles involve independent work supporting young adults, while others are team-based within residential or supported living environments.

All roles are paid in line with the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or above. Rates are reviewed annually and usually increase each April in line with legislative changes.

You can choose shifts that fit your lifestyle. Some of our workers prefer weekend or night work, while others work full-time during the week - it’s completely flexible.

We follow a thorough and supportive process to ensure safety and compliance.

After a face-to-face or video interview, you’ll complete a compliance check including right-to-work documentation, training certificates, references and a DBS check.

The time frame varies depending on how quickly references and DBS checks are completed. Some clear within 24 hours, while others may take a few weeks.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

If you’ve been invited for an interview, it’s very likely you’ll complete the compliance process and start work soon after.

We cover thousands of support hours every month and are always looking for dedicated new candidates.

Keep it simple and personal. Include your full work history, relevant experience and a short paragraph about yourself and your values.

We care more about your passion and attitude than a perfect CV.

Yes. Our consultants will support you before and after your interview, providing advice, information about the client, and practical tips to help you succeed.

If you’ve been invited for an interview, it’s very likely you’ll complete the compliance process and start work soon after.

We cover thousands of support hours every month and are always looking for dedicated new candidates.

Keep it simple and personal. Include your full work history, relevant experience and a short paragraph about yourself and your values.

We care more about your passion and attitude than a perfect CV.

Yes. Our consultants will support you before and after your interview, providing advice, information about the client, and practical tips to help you succeed.

Driving isn’t essential. Many placements are accessible by public transport.

We’ll always take your travel options into account when matching you to assignments.

We’re here for you from day one. Our consultants provide ongoing guidance, answer questions and ensure you feel confident before every placement.

Many agency roles can lead to permanent positions.

Once in a permanent role, you can work towards specialist qualifications and senior positions such as Senior Support Worker or Registered Manager.

We’d love to help you find your next opportunity.

You can call us on 02382 515805, email info@firstforsupport.co.uk, or use our contact form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.