Senior Support Worker - Southampton

Olive Recruit; Southampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Olive Recruit is seeking an experienced Senior Support Worker in Southampton to join a team providing hands-on support for individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours. This senior role covers 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 care packages, offering leadership to colleagues during challenging situations.

The successful candidate will lead shifts, ensure care plans and risk assessments are followed, and mentor junior staff while promoting dignity and least restrictive practice in a supportive

Qualifications

• Significant experience supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Experience in 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 care packages.
• Experience managing aggression and escalation.
• Strong de-escalation skills.
• Experience with PBS, risk assessments and care plans.
• Experience supervising other care staff.
• Understanding safeguarding and DoLS.
• Calm under pressure and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred care and support.
• Lead and support colleagues during shifts.
• Support staffing within 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 packages.
• Recognise early signs of behavioural escalation and de-escalate.
• Provide calm leadership during incidents involving aggression or risk.
• 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

Complex needs experience

High-acuity care

De-escalation skills

Physical intervention

PBS & risk assessments

Staff supervision

Safeguarding & DoLS

Calm under pressure

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.

Olive Recruit, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. Our core values, Integrity, Impact, Inclusivity, and Innovation, guide our efforts to create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel.

As a recruitment agency, we prioritize sourcing and placing diverse candidates with our clients, recognizing that diverse perspectives are essential for business success and inclusive work environments.

We take great pride in celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences of our team members and candidates. By embracing these different perspectives, we not only create a great place to work but also better serve our clients. Your individuality is what makes our team strong.

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.