Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Work in a person-centred way with customers and promote their wellbeing, choices, dignity and independence. This will be achieved through the key-worker system.

Planning activities for and with customers, taking into account differing needs, wishes and preferences.

Creation of menus taking into account medical conditions, wishes, preferences, diets, etc

Support customers either living in their own home, or whilst visiting the settings.

Where appropriate, support customers to understand and maintain their tenancies, or licence agreements.

Support customers moving into or out of the property; to be involved in the planning, preparation and execution of the move, or stay at short break services.

Encourage and support customers in their personal, social (including religious), and leisure and work activities.

Support customers maintain and develop relationships.

When required undertake sleeping-in duties or waking night duties on the premises.

Act as a link person between the customer and work, college or leisure establishments and advising those establishments as necessary on the requirements or needs of the customer.

Provide emotional and practical support for customers with everyday issues or when customers are faced with more difficult decisions or experiences.

Assist/support customers with all aspects of their financial and home management so that financial commitments (paying bills, shopping, benefit claims, etc) are met.

Assist customers with household tasks.

Where required, assist customers in administering their own medicine, or administer medication to customers if this is required.

Seek advice and guidance from Senior support workers and the Team Leader.

Only in exceptional circumstances will the postholder will be responsible for running shifts and should normally have access to more senior staff members whilst on shift.

Focus on the individual, their strengths, choices, assets and goals through person centred planning

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience which demonstrates ability to undertake the role.
• An understanding of relevant procedures and working practices.
• Awareness and understanding of the client group.
• Training and knowledge in a range of procedures and medical equipment to support clients.
• Basic knowledge of Wiltshire Council professional groups and external agencies, relevant to
• the role.
• Sensitivity and empathy to build trusting and supportive relationships with clients and
• families.
• Care skills and basic knowledge of mobility, nutrition and financial issues in order to provide
• practical, emotional support to clients and families.
• Ability to follow routines, carry out set care plans, record and monitor changes in client
• condition
• Basic literacy and numeracy.
• Ability to communicate one to one and in small groups with relevant client group.

Qualifications

Essential

• General Education to GCSE A*-C or equivalent skills and experience
• Current knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with, and the
• safeguarding of, vulnerable adults
• Willingness to undertake L2 Diploma in Health & Social Care (Adults)
• Proven ability to use a variety of communication methods effectively
• Physically fit and able to perform all requirements of the job role
• Previous experience of building good working relationships and teamworking
• Proven ability of being able to remain calm and make decisions in difficult situations
• Fluent in English

Desirable

• L2 Diploma in Health & Social Care (Adults) or equivalent
• Knowledge of First Aid and experience of applying it
• Awareness of health and safety requirements and able to perform moving & handling safely
• Knowledge of the principles of Food Hygiene
• Knowledge of the Person-centred approach
• Good IT skills
• Experience of supporting people on a one to one basis
• Driver

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Wiltshire Council

Address

Meadow Lodge Respite Care

Chippenham

SN15 3PE

Employer's website

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)