Orwell Mencap – Genesis

Job Description – Support Worker

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay rate: £12.21 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.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Support Genesis Orwell Mencap – customers, individually or in groups at our day opportunities centre, in community or in customer .
  • Work as part of a proactive team with customers, primary carers, parents and colleagues.
  • Assist customer in their daily activities, including personal care, dietary needs and other care and support needs personalised to them.
  • Implement and take part in support reviews along with senior support coordinator, customer and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Facilitate activities chosen by customer, promote life skills, such as communication, social interaction and vocational abilities.
  • Encourage participation in educational and recreational programs to enhance personal development.
  • Support customer in accessing community resources, attending events, and building social networks.
  • Monitor and respond to health needs, administering medication as required and ensuring adherence to health protocols.
  • Maintain a safe environment by conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate measures.
  • Carry out sleep-in duties as rostered for team members of supported living service.
  • Advocate for the customer.
  • Adhere to Genesis Orwell Mencap policies and protocols.
  • Maintain accurate records of support provided, incidents, and progress towards goals.
  • Communicate effectively with families, carers, and professionals to ensure cohesive support
  • Attend team meetings and other relevant meetings e.g. customer support plan review or organisational events.
  • To take part in all required training, supervision and appraisal.
  • To co-operate with management in providing a valid enhanced police check, as and when required.
  • Ensure conduct outside work disrepute image and integrity of Genesis Orwell Mencap.
  • Committed to adapt to mange changes to the service delivery and 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 and relevant to the job role as instructed 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.
  • Willing to drive work vehicles as and when required.
  • Ability to work flexibly including occasional evenings and weekends.