Support Worker

Location

Ashford, Kent | United Kingdom

Job description

We are looking for compassionate, patient and enthusiastic individuals to join are expanding team of Support Workers (Complex Needs) within our Residential Services.

It may be that you are an experienced Support Worker looking for a new challenge or considering a meaningful career in care supporting adults with a learning disability?

If all of this sounds like you, then one of our permanent, full-time or part-time Support Worker (Complex Needs) opportunities based at Rosemary Cottage in the grounds of the Rare Breeds Centre on the outskirts of Ashford may be right for you.

This Support Worker (Complex Needs) is a permanent full time post of 162.5 hours per month although part time applicants will also be considered.

As a Support Worker (Complex Needs) you will be supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex health needs by enabling them to live the lives they choose through independence, dignity, choice and achievement.

You will be required to drive a COT pool car to drive/accompany the residents to appointments and activities. For business/driving purposes you will need to be 21 or over

Canterbury Oast Trust

Canterbury Oast Trust provides high quality care and support for adults with learning disabilities across Kent and East Sussex. We provide long-term accommodation and care in small family style homes in a residential or community setting.

We also provide opportunities for learning through our Life Skills Services as well as owning and running the Rare Breeds Centre.

We support people to live the lives they choose through independence, dignity, choice and achievement.

About you

Most importantly you do not need to have previous experience in this field, nor do you need qualifications to get started.

We will provide learning and development support to help you become an excellent Support Worker (Complex Needs)

For this Support Worker (Complex Needs) We are looking for someone who:

• would like to make a difference to the lives of adults with a learning disability
• is committed to providing consistent high quality care
• is enthusiastic; compassionate; respectful and reflective
• is supportive; approachable and friendly
• is adaptable, responsive and flexible in order to meet our service users complex needs
• will work well within a team but can work on their own initiative when required
• is able and willing to drive an adapted house vehicle in order to drive/accompany our service users to their life skills sessions, activities and appointments as required
• shares our values of dependability; respect and recognition, professionalism and quality; integrity and honesty; equality and fairness
• has a good standard of written and spoken English - for effective communication, maintaining accurate plans, up to date record keeping and reading medication
• has a good standard of numeracy (incl. calculations, measurements) - for recording fluid intakes and outputs, counting medication and measuring weights
• is competent using the computer for updating digital handover notes, care plans, risk assessments, emails and recording of necessary paperwork for service users
• is physically able to push wheelchairs and to use equipment such as hoist and slings (training will be provided)

The Role

As a Support Worker (Complex Needs) at Rosemary Cottage you will assist our service users in every aspect of their daily lives. Through a person-centred approach you will enable them to feel valued, reach their potential and nurture their aspirations.

You will support with all aspects of their daily living needs including:

• aspects of house cleaning, washing, ironing and cooking meals
• personal hygiene/care needs
• supporting service users at their life skills activities
• attending medical appointments with service users and conversing with medical professionals, and recording accurate information on the computer
• planning and attending safe outings - cinema trips, shopping and visiting places of interest
• setting up and running sensory/craft/music sessions
• ensuring all requisite records are accurately maintained
• administering daily medications
• driving the house vehicles which are specially adapted vehicles designed to support wheelchair users.

This full time Support Worker (Complex Needs) role will based on:

• 162.5 hours per month which include weekends and bank holidays
• Working variable shifts allocated on a monthly rota covering short days, long days, sleep-ins and possibly occasionally awake night shifts.

The Service

Rosemary Cottage is a spacious residential care home for people with high level needs. It is home to 6 individuals (4 male and 2 female) between the ages of 25 and 60. They have learning disabilities and healthcare needs including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, communication differences, dysphagia, peg care and sensory needs. This does not define or deter them from living an interesting and active life.

The team, consisting of a Registered Home Manager, a Deputy Manager, 2 Assistant Home Managers and 15 Support Worker (Complex Needs) staff at Rosemary Cottage work hard to ensure they provide high quality specialised care but have lots of fun doing so.

They take a keen interest in preventative healthcare measures designed to reduce emergencies or dramas and work closely with families and health care professionals. They have learnt so much about different conditions. Rosemary Cottage is considered a specialist home.

Pay and Benefits

• FTE Starting salary £20,631 per annum, plus Complex Needs allowance £2,087 per annum and shift allowances. Pro rata for part time hours
• Enhanced overtime and bank holiday rates
• 22 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays; Additional annual leave for 3,4 and 5 years continuous service
• Paid DBS check
• Contributory pension scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan on completion of 6 month probationary period
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Free Parking
• Free entry to Rare Breeds Centre - 2 adults & 2 children.

Appointments

Appointments to this Support Worker (Complex Needs) role are subject to:

• proof of eligibility to work in the UK
• an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service
• two references satisfactory to the Trust - one of which must be from your current or most recent employer
• a full and detailed employment history
• evidence that you meet our driving requirements i.e. hold a clean full driving licence and are aged 21 or over

Interested?

If you believe you have the right values, behaviours and commitment for our organisation then we would love to hear from you.

Please note we reserve the right to close this Support Worker (Complex Needs) vacancy early.

Job tags

Salary