Support Worker (Includes Bank Workers)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Residential Care Worker / Deputy Manager

JOB SUMMARY: To provide quality care for a group of vulnerable young people with emotional & behavioural difficulties within an Ofsted registered residential home.

HOURS OF WORK: Working a rolling rota of two days on, consisting of 16 hours per day 7.00-23.00. Then you have four days off and it rolls back to your two days on again.  This pattern includes sleep-ins which will be shared between the team.

QUALIFIED RATE OF PAY: All Permanent Support workers have to be qualified and the rate of pay is £9.45 an hour

BANK WORKERS RATE OF PAY: If you hold an NVQ3 or QCF3 you will be paid at the qualified rate £10.45 an hour, if you do not hold any of these qualifications you will be paid at £9.91 an hour.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working under the direction of the Senior Residential Care Worker to actively contribute to the provision of quality care, within which the health, welfare, education and development of young people is promoted and to promote a coherent ethos of care consistent with the overall culture of the statement of purpose.

• To contribute towards the maintenance of a positive, safe and homely environment, including the promotion of a warm and accepting atmosphere, where the safety and care of young people is paramount. Working with the Senior Residential Care Worker ensure proper and appropriate nurturing for all young people with particular attention to the provision of primary care in matters of food, health, clothing and environment.

• As instructed by the Senior Residential Care Worker to work proactively with the team within the daily routine and agreed structures of the house, to include for example day to day parenting responsibilities, undertaking daily household responsibilities such as domestic chores, cooking, shopping, taking young people to appointments/meetings, planning out the day and participation in activities with the young people and supporting in homework.

• To build positive and appropriate working relationships with the young people, ensuring adherence to boundaries and consistency of care practice. 

• To support young people with after school clubs, homework and specific assessed leisure time activities.

• To work in partnership with parents, social workers, agencies and other professionals linked to the young person’s care plan to effectively fulfil the responsibility of parenting the young people, ensuring the maintenance of family contact where appropriate.

• As directed by the Senior Residential Care Worker, undertake keyworker responsibility for individual young people in the house focusing on the specific needs identified in the care plan. Contribute to the writing of the care plan, implementing and monitoring progress.

• To follow and act in accordance with all relevant aspects of legislation, regulation, the company’s Policies and Procedures.  Ensure own understanding of how such issues are interpreted and followed in practice, keeping up to date with changes.

• To work collectively with team members in using effective care practice, de-escalating and diversionary strategies and recognised techniques to manage young people who exhibit challenging, threatening and confrontational behaviour. Consistently act in accordance with company Behaviour Management policy and ensure appropriate recording of incidents.

• Working in conjunction with team members ensure the creation and maintenance of a culture, which shows in practice and knowledge an understanding of the differing cultural, racial and religious needs of young people. Work constructively to enhance the positive value of working with difference to challenge attitudes and practice, which are inappropriate or unacceptable within the ethos of the house.

• To fully abide by and follow the company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective working practices for the staff, young people and people visiting the premises.

• Take responsibility for a designated area of work, or practice development as directed by the Senior Residential Worker .

• To Undertake appropriate training as required and refresher training in specified areas as identified by the Senior Residential Worker, Deputy Manager and/or Registered Manager. To attend training on “off shift” as and when the need requires.

• In conjunction with the Registered Manager and team, develop a positive public profile of the service ensuring good communication, relationships and that staff represent the service in a professional way.

• To carry out any other appropriate duties as directed by the Senior Residential Care Worker, Deputy or Registered Manager.