2:1 SUPPORT WORKER – COMPLEX CARE
Location: [Location to be confirmed]
Pay: £15.20 per hour PAYE, including holiday pay
Hours: Full-time
Shift pattern: 12-hour day and night shifts
Day shifts: 8:30am–8:30pm
Night shifts: 8:30pm–8:30am
Working pattern: Monday to Sunday, including weekends
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and dedicated Support Worker to join our team, providing 2:1 support to an adult man in his own home and within the community.
The service user is in his 30s and has autism and epilepsy. He is non-verbal and communicates through eye movements, pointing and guiding others towards what he wants. Staff use objects of reference and picture cards to help him understand his daily routine, what is happening next and the choices available to him.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is patient, observant and confident supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and behaviours that may challenge.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Providing 2:1 support during the day to promote safety, wellbeing and independence.
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Supporting the service user with daily routines and activities at home.
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Using picture cards and objects of reference to support communication and offer choices.
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Supporting medication management in line with the care plan.
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Monitoring and managing epilepsy and seizures, including administering rescue medication when required and trained to do so.
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Maintaining close supervision and supporting safety awareness, particularly in the community.
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Accompanying the service user to daily church services.
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Supporting attendance at weekly youth club activities and other community outings.
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Encouraging participation in activities he enjoys, including playing with cars and cards.
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Recognising signs of distress and responding calmly and appropriately.
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Following agreed approaches to support behaviours that may challenge and reduce the risk of incidents.
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Supporting community access, walks and visits to places of interest.
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Being flexible to accompany the service user on family holidays and trips when required.
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Providing overnight monitoring due to the risk of nocturnal seizures and working alongside the additional sleep-in support arrangement.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
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Previous experience supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism.
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Experience working within a 2:1 care package.
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Experience supporting individuals who may display behaviours that challenge.
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Knowledge of epilepsy, seizure management and rescue medication.
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Experience with medication administration and management.
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Understanding of non-verbal communication and alternative communication methods.
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A patient, calm and compassionate approach.
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Confidence supporting individuals safely at home and in the community.
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Flexibility to work 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends.
A full UK driving licence and confidence driving the service user's car are required to support community access.
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, his communication methods, routines and support requirements. Shadow shifts are paid at a lower rate.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for someone who is dependable, understanding and confident supporting adults with autism, learning disabilities and epilepsy. You should be able to build a positive relationship with the service user, understand his individual communication style and support him to enjoy meaningful activities while maintaining his safety and independence.
If you have the relevant experience and are looking for a rewarding full-time Support Worker role, we would love to hear from you