Support Worker – Bridport – Weekends

Freedom Care Group; Bridport; On-site; AUD 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Freedom Care Group in Bridport is seeking a dedicated Support Worker for weekend shifts, with at least one weekend in two. You will support a single young person and family, learn their routine, interests and communication style to provide familiar, consistent care; occasional swimming activities may be included.

The role requires experience with neurodiverse needs, patience, good communication, driving licence for transport, and willingness to complete training and DBS checks.

Qualifications

• Reliable weekend availability (at least one weekend in two).
• At least 2 years’ experience supporting children and young people with neurodiverse needs (autism, ADHD, PDA, learning disabilities).
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• Patient approach recognizing behaviour as communication (including pre-verbal/non-verbal cues).
• Experience providing personal care and supporting with medication, or willingness to train.
• Caring, reliable and resilient, able to build positive relationships with child and family.
• Good communication and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Full UK driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and appropriate insurance.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training, Enhanced DBS check and DBS Update Service.
• A Level 3 qualification preferred but not essential; PECS or Makaton experience welcome.

Responsibilities

• Be assigned to the same young person and family over time to learn routines and needs.
• Provide familiar, consistent support and communicate effectively.
• Assist with community activities including swimming; transport child in your own car.
• Work in a 2:1 staffing model with another support worker.
• Receive full training and shadow shifts.

Skills

Weekend availability

Experience with neurodiverse needs

Communication skills

Driving licence

Patient approach

Education

Level 3 Health & Social Care or equivalent

Job description

25 Sep Support Worker – Bridport – Weekends

Location: Bridport

Hours: At least one weekend in two, on a Saturday, Sunday or both; school holiday sessions may also be available

Pay: £20 per hour on Saturdays and Sundays; £18 per hour for weekday sessions

Freedom Care

About Freedom Care Group

Freedom Care Group provides childcare and specialist support for children, young people and families. We take a relationship-first approach, giving workers time to get to know each young person and build trust with them and their family. Freedom Care Group is CQC registered and is committed to high standards of support, supervision, training and governance.

About The Role

You’ll be assigned to the same young person and family over time. You’ll learn their routines, interests, needs and individual ways of communicating so you can provide familiar, consistent support.

The child loves water and would like to go swimming, so being able to swim would be an advantage. The role includes community activities and transporting a child in your own car.

Every session is staffed 2:1. You’ll always work alongside another support worker and never work alone with the child. Full training and shadow shifts will be provided.

Requirements

• Reliable availability at least one weekend in two, on a Saturday, Sunday or both.
• At least 2 years’ experience supporting children and young people with neurodiverse needs, including experience relevant to autism, ADHD, PDA or learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• A patient approach that recognises behaviour as communication, including the different ways pre-verbal or non-verbal children may express their needs.
• Experience providing personal care and supporting with medication, or willingness to complete relevant training before undertaking these tasks.
• A caring, reliable and resilient approach, with the ability to build a positive, consistent relationship with the child and family.
• Good communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A full UK driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and appropriate insurance for transporting a child.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training, the appropriate Enhanced DBS check and registration with the DBS Update Service.

A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent is preferred but not essential. Experience in a special school, or using PECS or Makaton, would also be welcome.

Travel payments

Travel time beyond the first 30 minutes each way to and from support sessions is paid at £14.25 per hour. Mileage beyond the first 15 miles each way to and from sessions is paid at 45p per mile. Any journey with a child in your vehicle is paid at 45p per mile.