Your questions

We have put together a list of the questions that we get asked most often about jobs at Turning Point. We have grouped them into sections.

If you can't find the answer to your questions here then please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team.

Recruitment at Turning Point

Types of vacancy available

Benefits

Working in social care

Your personal circumstances

How does the recruitment and selection process work?

At Turning Point we take great care to make sure we have a fair and transparent recruitment and selection process - one that meets our equality and human rights objectives.

We don't have a central recruitment service at Turning Point. Instead, each service or department recruits to match the exact needs of their service users.

However we do have a set of clearly defined and measurable competencies which we outline in each role profile. These help recruiting line managers to employ and/or promote on the basis of performance against these criteria. All our recruitment takes place on the basis of fair and open competition.

How can I find out about vacancies?

We usually advertise vacancies in local, regional or national press, trade and professional journals, career services and job centres, online job boards as well as on our website.

I have a disability, will you consider my application?

Yes, we wish to improve disabled people’s chances of being selected for our vacancies and are accredited holders of the Disability or Two Ticks Symbol.

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Does Turning Point currently have any vacancies in my area?

Details of all current vacancies can be found by clicking on job vacancies.

Do you offer volunteering opportunities?

Yes, many of our most successful employees started in voluntary roles.  Please visit the volunteering section of our website for further details.

What is the recruitment process like?

Each service or department and post is different but if you're successful in your application you can generally expect to be invited for an interview. During the interview it is likely that you will be asked questions about your previous experience as well as why you are interested in the role with Turning Point.

We will also assess the competencies or skills you'll need for the job. With the huge variety of jobs available at Turning Point, the selection assessments vary. Experience isn't always necessary, especially for front line roles in the services, where they will typically look at your interpersonal skills and decision-making abilities during the interview.

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Will you hold my details on file until a suitable vacancy arises?

Yes. We encourage all applicants to apply for the vacancies online as this allows us to easily find your details when a suitable vacancy arises. You have the option to remove your details from our files at any time by simply requesting that your details are unsubscribed.

How do I remove my details from your records?

You have the option to remove your details from our files at any time by simply requesting that your details are unsubscribed.

I am experiencing problems with the website / my online application, can you help?

If you are attempting to retrieve a previous application please check to ensure that you are using the correct email address – you may wish to recheck the confirmation email that was sent to you.  For all other technical queries please email recruitment@turning-point.co.uk in the first instance outlining the nature of your problem eg. problem experienced, vacancy reference number, date and time of issue and we will contact you asap in order to assist you.

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Do you offer permanent, temporary and casual positions?

Most vacancies are filled on a permanent basis. However, there are occasions where we do offer casual, temporary or fixed term appointments.

See current vacancy details

Or you can register for 'jobs by email' and we will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

Do you offer sessional work?

Yes. We frequently employ specialist counsellors or therapists on a sessional basis to meet our service users' individual needs.

See current vacancy details

Or register for 'jobs by email' and we will contact you when a suitable vacancy becomes available.

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Do you offer part-time positions and jobs which take account of family and other commitments?

Yes. We value diversity and offer many ways to work flexibly. Many services and most departments are happy to provide part-time and term-time posts. Our openness extends to job share, career breaks and secondments to different departments or services, which allow you to work without letting it take over your life. Our policies are designed to help those with family commitments and go well beyond those required by law.

Can I work for Turning Point as a second job?

Yes, so long as there is no conflict of interests with your main employer. They will need to be informed and you will need to ensure that you do not breach Working Time Directive Regulations in relation to the number of hours worked.

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What kind of benefits can I expect?

Click on Employee benefits for a full list of available benefits.

Will I get enhanced payments for out of hours working?

Yes you will receive additional payments for work after 8pm, before 7am and at weekends.

I have a service specialism, could I transfer to another area e.g. mental health to substance misuse?

This depends upon the individual service, however as many of our service users have multiple issues, it is likely that your experience will be relevant in most services.

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As a Support Worker will I be involved in the personal care of service users?

Yes, although the extent and nature of your duties will depend upon the individual's needs.

Who are typical service users?

This varies enormously depending on the service type. You can find out more about our services by clicking on Services.

How are service users referred to Turning Point?

From a variety of sources. Some approach us directly, some are referred by their GPs, care managers, social or probation workers or other social and healthcare agencies and professionals.

How many people typically work at each service?

This varies depending on service. However, typically a service would employ a service manager with 2 or 3 team leaders. Each team leader would have 7 direct reports including project workers, support workers and administrators.

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I am pregnant/on maternity leave - does this exclude me from applying?

No, you can still apply.

What childcare arrangements do you offer?

Through our flexible benefits programme we offer a salary sacrifice scheme that allows you to give up part of your salary at source (i.e. before tax and national insurance deduction) and use it to buy childcare vouchers.

I am an ex Turning Point employee, can I be reappointed?

We are happy to consider all applications. In line with our commitment to fair and open competition during the recruitment process you will be required to complete all elements of the selection process along side any other applicants.

I am an ex service user, or in recovery, will this be a problem?

Many of our employees are ex service users, and frequently offer invaluable support to current service users. Furthermore your insights into improving service effectiveness can be invaluable and will help us to provide more effective and meaningful services. If you are in recovery, we will review your application on an individual basis, but this will in no way prejudice your application.

I have a criminal conviction, will this prevent me from working at Turning Point?

No. We review all applications on an individual basis. However all prospective employees must agree to an enhanced CRB check and are subject to police approval for the services related to the Criminal Justice Service.

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