Due to the variety within our services and the different support needs of the individuals we work with; the role of a Senior Support Worker is one with great diversity and challenges for employees at any stage of their career. The role of a Senior Support Worker is one in which you will be required to work as part of a team as well as lead a team on a daily basis. As a Senior Support Worker, the day-to-day tasks that you will be required to complete can include: · Leading shifts and deputising for the service manager · Supporting individuals with the administration of medication and recording the administration of medication · Supporting with writing and updating of service user reviews, support plans and risk assessments · Supporting with personal care needs and nutritional needs · Supporting with laundry duties and cooking and cleaning · Supporting with finances and other administrative tasks · Supporting with moving and handling requirements and using hoists · Supporting with making and attending medical appointments, ensuring accurate comprehensive records are kept. · Supporting with social activities and accessing community-based services including those required to promote health and wellbeing. · Supervision and Appraisal of staff · Liaising with families, internal and external professionals to implement and deliver agreed support · Completing daily observation sheets, ensuring a smooth flow of information to facilitate good communication within the staffing team, as well as professionals who require viewing of these. · Supporting the team and individuals we support with Safeguarding requirements, completing incident reports as/when required and ensuring that relevant Safeguarding policies and procedures are understood and followed by yourself and your staff team. · Fully implementing policies and procedures of the organisation and that all recording systems are completed accurately on a regular basis. To sign to say that all policies and procedures have been read. · Supporting the service manager with the rota and ensuring adequate cover of shifts · Completing staff Inductions with new staff and supporting in the completion of any necessary training · Completing weekly/ monthly audits on Medication, Health and Safety, Infection Control and Fire Safety. · Attending training, participating in supervision sessions with nominated manager and attending staff meetings as required by your line manager. Apart from the duties summarised above, we retain the right to include other reasonable duties which are part of, and incidental to this type of work. Everyone we support is an individual and our care plans reflect this. We are able to offer a variety of hours and shifts, meaning you can find a job that suits your schedule, helps with your work / life balance and still enjoy the challenges and rewards of working in care. About the Service: We work across Kent, Bexley, East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey; supporting individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities and physical disabilities across residential care homes, supported living homes, day services and our fantastic outreach programme. Each of our services is unique and supports individuals with different support needs. Because of this, Aspens Charities are able to offer a variety of amazing roles and challenges to suit what you may be looking for. We are currently recruiting for a block of 10 single person Supported living flats for adults with learning disabilities in Dover. Aspens' supported living accommodation services provide opportunities for people to experience a more independent way of living. Each person is assessed to identify their preferences and the required level of support. We support people with a wide range of needs, from moderate to more complex. We have a flexible, person-centred approach, adapting our care and support to an individual's needs. We work closely with individuals to promote independent living, always making their safety, health and well-being the number one priority. Those who access our supported living services rent their accommodation either as a self-contained flat or as a 'shared home' with communal areas. Most people who live in supported living have moved either from their family home or from a residential service., Any offer would be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks, which we will complete on your behalf if you don't already have one, and satisfactory employment references. We will consider job share and part time arrangements for all posts in line with the needs of the charity.
As a charity we are looking for caring, hardworking and understanding people to join us to promote the values that Aspens champions; respect, honesty, empowerment and professionalism. Ideal candidate is those who are able and willing to work toward their own personal progression, for self-development and to be able to better support the people we work with. We have an incredible internal training team who support staff from day one to not only benefit your career going forwards but to offer you that first step in a new career if this is what you're looking for.,
* NVQ L3 in Health and Social Care or Equivalent
* Completion of Care Certificate
* Moving and Handling training
* Mental Capacity and DoLs training
* Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults training
* Management and administration of medication training
* First Aid training
* Commitment to continued personal development
Essential Experience and Knowledge:
* Previous experience of working within in a team as well as leading a team
* Previous experience working with people with Learning Disabilities, Physical disabilities, Autism and associated medical needs or demonstratable working knowledge of autism, Learning Disabilities and associated medical needs
* Previous experience of working within a residential/ supported living service or similar environment
* Previous experience supporting with personal care
* Previous experience supporting with nutritional needs
* Experience or knowledge of Report writing (including the completion of incident/accident forms)
* Knowledge of Safeguarding and Whistleblowing processes and procedures
Essential Skills and Attributes:
* A caring personality with a drive to help others
* A positive 'can-do' attitude with good problem-solving skills
* A calm, friendly and patient nature
* A team worker with good communication skills
* A confident leader with good interpersonal skills
* A Trustworthy individual with good listening skills and the ability to show empathy
* The ability to work under pressure and deal with widespread demand
* Good English and Maths Skills
* Good verbal and written communication skills
* Good working knowledge of IT including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
Fantastic paid training and career progression opportunities (including recognised qualifications in health and social care)
* Paid DBS (we will recover the cost should your employment terminate for any reason, other than redundancy, before passing your probation)
* Flexible work arrangements with opportunities to take on additional bank shifts too
* 30 Days Annual Leave (including Bank Holidays) / Pro rata dependent on hours. Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
* Nest Pension and Death in Service Benefit (Includes unlimited access to a suite of six services: a 24/7 UK-based GP, Best Doctors, mental health support, a health check, access to nutrition consultations and an online fitness programme [Smart Health])
* Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Access to Mental Health First Aiders
* Hardship loans and advance (subject to conditions)
* Enhanced family leave pay
* Travel season tickets (interest free loans for those wishing to purchase a travel season ticket)
* Aspens High Street Stores - 20% discount on all items for Aspens' staff
* Blue Light Card and access to high-street discounts
* Refer a Friend scheme, so you can earn up to £250 for every person you refer to work for Aspens
* Recognition schemes, including 'Employee of the Month'
Additional Desirable Criteria: · Driving Licence and access to own car