Senior Residential Care Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO: Registered Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

To provide quality care for a group of vulnerable young people (adolescent boys) with Learning Disabilities / emotional & behavioural difficulties within an Ofsted registered residential home.

HOURS OF WORK:

working a rolling rota of one day on two days off with a requirement of 12.5 shifts per month. Any outstanding shift requirement to meet the 12.5 within the said month will be incorporated within the month's rota. This pattern includes sleep ins which will be shared between the team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working under the direction of the Registered Manager 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 Blandford House and the Homes 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 Registered Manager to 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

In conjunction with the Registered Manager work proactively with and direct 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 work with the staff team to build positive and appropriate working relationships with the young people.

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 Registered Manager, 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 support and monitor young people throughout the 24 hour curriculum as directed.

To follow and act in accordance with all relevant aspects of legislation, regulation, and 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 and advise on 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 work effectively with and advise on complex cases and situations, including key work, successfully integrating theory and practice.

To assume responsibility for the operation of the home when acting as shift leader. Take the lead in decision making, ensure paperwork is completed to the required standards, and ensure effective handovers take place between the home and school and at the beginning and end of each shift where required.

To provide formal supervision to individual members of staff as directed by the Registered Manager, in line with company policy and care standards.

Undertake appropriate training as required and refresher training in specified areas as identified by the Registered Manager. To attend training on “off shift” as and when the need requires.

To fully abide by and follow all 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 Team Manager.

In conjunction with the Registered Manager to 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 Registered and /or Head of Children's Services