JOB DESCRIPTION: Support Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO: Registered Manager/Senior Residential Care Worker

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 Senior Care Worker 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 homes statement of purpose.

To work as part of a care team, which can include supporting in both formal education settings and informal educational as part of the 24 hour curriculum.

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/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 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 them and enabling to have active participation where possible.

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 e.g. the COPE award.

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 supporting in 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 within the young people's plans and any business updates.

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. Support young people with all aspects of their personal care needs according to individual care plans. Consistently act in accordance with company Behaviour Management policy and ensure appropriate recording of incidents and recording of information on each young person.

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.

Undertake appropriate training, and refresher training in specified areas as identified by Registered Manager and/or Senior Care Worker. The Children's Home regulatory standards require all residential care staff to be qualified. To meet these, we will sponsor you on the Diploma course (Diploma level 4 Residential Childcare award) within three months of you successfully passing your probationary period. It is a condition of your employment that you undertake and satisfactorily complete the Diploma level 4 residential childcare award within the prescribed timescale. This qualification training is subject to a Training Agreement, if you leave the employment of the company whilst undertaking the Diploma or within six months of completion of the Diploma, you will be required to repay costs of the Diploma on a proportionate basis. The Diploma Level 4 Residential Childcare Award is a requirement of the role, if you fail to achieve the Diploma, do not complete it within the prescribed timescale, refuses to undertake it or are withdrawn from the Diploma, it will prevent you from continuing in this employment. Attend training on “off shift” as and when the need requires.

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 Care Worker.

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 Registered Manager and Senior Residential Care Worker