Orwell Mencap – Genesis

Job Description – Support Worker

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay rate: £11.44 to £13.73 per hour

Main Purposes:

  • To provide tailored support for people with learning, physical and mental health needs.
  • To assist in the development of people with learning, physical and mental health needs and to support them in being as independent as possible.

Responsible to:

  • Support Coordinators
  • Deputy Manager
  • Registered Manager

Main Responsibilities:

  • To support individuals with learning, physical and mental health needs to access their chosen daily activities.
  • To maintain the routines for the health, safety and well-being of people with learning, physical and mental health needs.

Hours of work:

The normal hours of work will be outlined in your contract.

Flexibility:

It is a condition of employment to work flexibly to respond to the care, support and training needs of people with learning, physical and mental health needs.

Responsibilities:
  • To support Orwell Mencap – Genesis customers, individually or in groups.
  • To work as part of a proactive team with customers, primary carers, parents and colleagues.
  • To support customers to communicate in a personalised manner.
  • To be patient and provide engagement and stimulation.
  • To participate in all activities chosen by the customers.
  • To manage positively with any incidents of distressed behaviour.
  • To push customer wheelchairs as and when required by the needs of the customer.
  • To manage any medical emergencies as and when required.
  • When necessary, provide dignified support with all aspects of personal care needs.
  • To be an advocate for the customer, when required.
  • To display positive values and assumptions and able to be imaginative, creative, and versatile in supporting the customer.
  • To observe, and to report both orally and in writing.
  • To attend meetings and contribute to the effectiveness of the organisation.
  • To maintain high standards of confidentiality.
  • To take part in all required training.
  • To co-operate with management in providing a valid enhanced police check, as and when required.
  • To ensure that all public actions maintain the image and integrity of Orwell Mencap – Genesis.
  • Other duties to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of care and support for people with learning and physical disabilities as may arise from time to time.
  • To carry out any other duties deemed necessary by the management.

Support Workers – Person Specifications

Essentials Desirable
Experience & Knowledge  
  • Experience of supporting/caring for someone in any capacity
  • Knowledge and understanding of learning, physical, mental health & sensory needs.
  • An understanding of the health and social care sector
  • Experience of working with vulnerable people both paid and unpaid.
  • Experience of working with people who have physical/sensory/learning disabilities or mental health needs.
  • Knowledge of person-centred planning/tools/approaches.
  • Knowledge of PBS (positive behaviour support)
Education & Qualifications  
  • Be willing to complete a Diploma level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care
  • Be willing to complete The Care Certificate within the first 12 weeks of employment
  • Good level of general education
  • Ability to undertake compulsory induction training programme
  • Knowledge of basic IT
  • Knowledge of health and safety
  • Knowledge of safeguarding
  • Level 2 Diploma or above in Health & Social Care.
  • To have completed the Care Certificate.
  • Knowledge of basic first aid procedures

 

 

 

 
Abilities & Skills  
  • Be able to speak, write and understand English
  • Be able to read, write and do basic math
  • Ability to communicate effectively with people (customer’s, parents, carers, staff and volunteers) both in writing and verbally.
  • Ability to motivate and work directly with people and participate in their chosen activities
  • Ability to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of people
  • To take responsibility within own authority and make decisions.
  • Ability to communicate and interpret non-verbal communication, i.e. British Sign Language, Makaton, PECS and symbols.

 

 

 

 

 
Traits & Characteristics  
  • To support individuals with dignified personal care needs: feeding, bathing, toileting and medication.
  • A caring & positive approach to difficult situations, challenges & people
  • To be adaptable, reliable, empathetic, accepting and non-judgemental
  • Integrity and honesty
  • Good organisational and planning skills
  • Ability to work both on own initiative and cooperatively as part of a team.
  • Patience and consistency in working with adults with needs.
  • Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring services clearance (enhanced DBS).
  • Full, clean UK driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.
  • Ability to work flexibly including occasional evenings and weekends.