Senior Support Worker

Olive Recruit; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Olive Recruit in Southampton is seeking an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a team supporting individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours. The role involves hands-on care in high-acuity 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 packages and leading colleagues during shifts.

You will guide staff, monitor safety, follow care plans and risk assessments, and promote dignity and least restrictive practice while safeguarding and reporting incidents as required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience supporting individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Experience in 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 care packages.
• Experience managing physical aggression and behavioural escalation.
• Strong de-escalation skills.
• Experience of physical intervention/restraint in a care setting.
• Experience with PBS, risk assessments and complex care plans.
• Experience supporting or supervising other care staff.
• Understanding of safeguarding, DoLS and least restrictive practice.
• DMI (Dynamis) training is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred care and support.
• Lead and support colleagues during shifts.
• Support effective staffing within 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 packages.
• Recognise early signs of behavioural escalation and use de-escalation strategies.
• Provide calm leadership during incidents involving aggression or other risks.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments and PBS strategies.
• Ensure incidents and safeguarding concerns are recorded and escalated.
• Support and mentor less experienced Support Workers.
• Promote dignity, independence and least restrictive practice.

Skills

Leadership

De-escalation

Behaviour management

PBS knowledge

Risk assessments

Safeguarding

DoLS understanding

Supporting staff

Job description

Job Types: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 38 or 48 hours per week

Salary: £15.00 per hour

Location: Southampton

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Support Worker to join a team supporting individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.

This is a senior role within high-acuity 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 care packages, providing hands-on support while also guiding colleagues and taking a lead during challenging situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred care and support.
• Lead and support colleagues during shifts.
• Support effective staffing within 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 packages.
• Recognise early signs of behavioural escalation and use effective de-escalation strategies.
• Provide calm leadership during incidents involving aggression, violence, absconding or other significant risks.
• Follow care plans, risk assessments and PBS strategies.
• Ensure incidents and safeguarding concerns are accurately recorded and escalated.
• Support and mentor less experienced Support Workers.
• Promote dignity, independence and least restrictive practice.

About You

• Significant experience supporting individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Previous experience in 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 care packages.
• Experience managing physical aggression and behavioural escalation.
• Strong de-escalation skills.
• Experience of physical intervention/restraint in a care setting.
• Experience with PBS, risk assessments and complex care plans.
• Experience supporting or supervising other care staff.
• Understanding of safeguarding, DoLS and least restrictive practice.

DMI (Dynamis) training is highly desirable. PMVA or equivalent recognised physical intervention training will be considered.

Experience in learning disabilities/autism, acquired brain injury, mental health or complex behavioural support would be advantageous.

We are looking for someone who is calm under pressure, confident without being confrontational, emotionally resilient and able to provide clear direction to colleagues during challenging situations.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment and participate fully in safeguarding training and processes.

The successful applicant will undergo a free enhanced disclosure from the disclosure barring service & other compliance checks required