Learning Disability Support Worker

HSA Locums; Littlehampton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

HSA Locums is seeking an experienced Support Worker to provide 1:1 care for an adult with complex needs, learning disabilities and refractory epilepsy. The role involves patient, calm support in an independent flat, with a GoTalk device and slow speech to aid communication.

You will implement Positive Behaviour Support plans, assist with personal care, mobility, dysphagia safety, medication administration and emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience with adults with complex support needs.
• Experience with severe learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of epilepsy and seizure management.
• Experience with visual impairment.
• Experience supporting individuals with ASD.
• Experience implementing Positive Behaviour Support plans.
• Experience administering medications, including emergencies.
• Experience providing personal care.
• Experience assisting with reduced mobility (walking aids).
• Experience managing dysphagia risks and choking prevention.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people with speech/communication difficulties.

Skills

Complex support needs

Severe learning disabilities

Refractory epilepsy

Visual impairment

ASD support

Positive Behaviour Support

Medication administration

Personal care

Mobility assistance

Dysphagia management

Communication difficulties

Job description

Experienced Support Worker - Complex Care & Learning Disabilities

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate Support Worker to provide 1:1 support to an adult with complex care needs, learning disabilities and refractory epilepsy.

About the Service User

The service user lives independently in her own flat and receives 1:1 support at all times. She is verbal and can communicate her needs, although her speech may be unclear to people who are unfamiliar with her. She has recently started using a GoTalk 9 communication device.

Due to her learning disability, she requires additional processing time and benefits from supporters who communicate using slow speech, simple language and short sentences.

The service user experiences a high number of seizures and is unsteady on her feet. She has a Positive Behaviour Support Plan in place and may present with non-engaging behaviours that can sometimes be mistaken for seizure activity. It is therefore essential that support workers develop a good understanding of her presentation and individual needs.

She also has social hours available as part of her annual allocation of support hours.

Skills & Experience Required

We are looking for candidates with experience in:

• Working with adults with complex support needs
• Supporting people with severe learning disabilities
• Refractory epilepsy and seizure awareness
• Supporting people with visual impairment
• Working with individuals with learning disabilities and/or ASD
• Following and implementing a Positive Behaviour Support/behaviour management plan
• Medication administration, including emergency medication
• Providing personal care
• Supporting individuals with poor mobility, including use of a walking frame
• Supporting individuals with dysphagia and managing the risk of choking
• Communicating effectively with people who have speech and communication difficulties

Diagnoses & Health Needs

The service user's diagnoses and support needs include:

• Refractory epilepsy secondary to oligodendroglioma (brain tumour)
• Learning disabilities
• Dysphagia
• Left-sided hemiplegia following CVA
• Spinal stenosis
• Frontal lobe damage
• Osteoporosis

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will be patient, calm, observant and compassionate, with the confidence to support someone with complex physical, neurological and communication needs.

You should be able to recognise the service user's individual presentation, follow care and behaviour support plans consistently, communicate in an accessible way, and respond appropriately to seizures and other emergencies.

Allergies: Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin.