Job Description:

FEMALE SUPPORT WORKER – COMPLEX CARE

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (BN22)
Pay: £17.00 per hour weekdays, including holiday pay
Weekend rate: £17.50 per hour, including holiday pay
Hours: Full-time
Shift patterns:

• 8:00am–8:00pm

• 12:00pm–7:00pm

• 8:00pm–8:00am
  Working pattern: Monday to Sunday, including weekends

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and experienced Female Support Worker to support a 31-year-old woman with complex physical and mental health needs in her own home.

This package involves 2:1 support during the day and 1:1 support overnight. The successful candidate will provide person-centred support, promote independence and help maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.

The service user enjoys reading, writing and going out to take part in activities. We are looking for someone who will encourage her interests, support her to access the community and help her maintain a positive daily routine.

IMPORTANT: A FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE AND CONFIDENCE DRIVING ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THIS ROLE. The service user has a medium-sized Cockapoo, and carers will also be required to help walk and care for the dog as part of the support provided. Applicants must be comfortable around dogs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing 2:1 support during the day and 1:1 support overnight.

• Supporting the service user with daily routines while promoting dignity, independence and choice.

• Providing medication prompts and support with medication routines in line with the care plan.

• Supporting the service user with her mental health and emotional wellbeing.

• Using a calm, patient and reassuring approach during potentially challenging situations.

• Supporting the service user in relation to her history of self-harm and mental health needs, following agreed care and risk management plans.

• Encouraging reading, writing and other hobbies and interests.

• Driving the service user to appointments, activities and places of interest.

• Helping prepare lunch and dinner.

• Supporting the service user to maintain a safe, clean and comfortable home environment.

• Completing agreed household tasks and encouraging the service user to keep her living space tidy.

• Walking and supporting the care of the family dog, a medium-sized Cockapoo.

• Monitoring wellbeing and reporting any concerns appropriately.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience supporting adults with mental health needs.

• Experience supporting individuals with autism.

• Understanding of self-harm and the ability to respond calmly and appropriately.

• A patient, compassionate, respectful and non-judgemental approach.

• Experience supporting medication routines.

• Confidence supporting individuals with daily living activities and household tasks.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a 2:1 care team.

• A full UK driving licence and confidence driving are essential.

• Must be comfortable around dogs and willing to walk the service user's Cockapoo.

Experience supporting individuals with a history of anorexia or eating disorders would also be beneficial.

TRAINING AND INDUCTION

You will be required to complete three days of package-specific training, including virtual and face-to-face sessions. Additional training, potentially up to five days, may be required depending on your experience and the Clinical Care Manager's assessment of your competencies.

SHADOW SHIFTS

You will be offered between three and five shadow shifts to help you become familiar with the service user, her routines, support requirements and home environment. Shadow shifts are paid at a lower rate.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for someone who is caring, dependable, patient and confident supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. You should be proactive, comfortable driving, happy to support community activities and willing to help walk the service user's dog.

If you have the relevant experience and are looking for a rewarding full-time Support Worker opportunity, we would love to hear from you.