Support Practitioner | Wernham House

Aberdeen Cyrenians; Scotland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in the United Kingdom seeks a Support Practitioner to provide person-centered care to Service Users facing challenges related to alcohol, substances, and mental health. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, experience in a trauma-informed environment, and a qualification in care. Responsibilities include maintaining Service Users' well-being, supporting them in crisis situations, and collaborating with various agencies. Competitive salary and permanent position offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in a social care, trauma-informed environment.
• Literacy, numeracy, and IT skills to maintain records and provide budgeting guidance.
• Willingness to register with the Scottish Social Services Council.

Responsibilities

• Support and deliver person-centred care home and respite service.
• Engage with Service Users through emotional and practical support.
• Assist Service Users with medication and personal care as required.

Skills

Interpersonal understanding

Emotional awareness

Flexibility

Initiative

Team working

Working within Professional Boundaries

Developing others

Education

N/SVQ3 in Care or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

PASS

CareSkills / Learning Management System

Job description

Job Title

Support Practitioner

Reporting Line

Residential Services Team Leader and Service Manager

Team

Relief Practitioners, Volunteers

Salary

£25,560 – SCP 26

Hours of Work

39hrs per week – rota shift work

Contract Type

Permanent

SSC Registration Level

Support Worker/Practitioner

Required Qualification

• A qualification of N/SVQ3 in Care, or equivalent, or the willingness and ability to attain this within three years

Core Responsibilities

To be pro‑active in the support and delivery of a holistic, flexible, person‑centred care home and respite service through trauma‑informed key‑working with Service Users who use alcohol and substances and have related mental health challenges.

Key Job Activities

• Form, develop, sustain and maintain relationships with Service Users through person‑centred, trauma‑informed emotional and practical care and support
• Assess and review Service Users’ strengths and needs through accurate & appropriate information gathering, professional recording and case management (Outcomes Star, PASS, etc)
• Ensure that the basic humanistic needs of Service Users are addressed and met and where required assist Service Users with medication and personal care (food, prompt bathing, continence etc)
• Support Service Users who use alcohol and substances and have related mental health challenges using harm minimisation approach and recovery models (Managed Alcohol Plans, etc)
• Intervene in a crisis to effectively pre‑empt and/or de‑escalate accidents and incidents
• Engage in partnership working by liaising/working in compliance with Confidentiality and GDPR with a wide range of agencies on behalf of the Service User including but not limited to Social Work, Housing, Health and Social Care, Police, Courts, Department for Work & Pensions, utility companies, debt agencies statutory authorities other third sector agencies
• Assist in the protection of Service Users from risk of harm and work with other agencies to ensure appropriate Safeguarding
• Ensure that Service Users’ views remain paramount, provide agreed advocacy on Service Users’ behalf and generally assist with communication issues and ensure that potential obstacles such as literacy & numeracy are assessed and addressed
• Work with Service Users to tackle debts, budget and maximise their income
• Plan/participate and assist Service User involvement in quality social activities on a one‑to‑one and group basis
• Assist with the day‑to‑day issues relating to the building from where the service is delivered (health & safety, cleaning, other maintenance, etc)
• Carry out other relevant work commensurate with the post as required

Systems and Tools

• Professional recording and maintenance of records in relation to Service User case management – PASS & Outcomes Star
• CareSkills / Learning Management System – organisation and service specific training
• Day‑to‑day operation of service – appointments, planners, meetings
• Microsoft Office – Word, Email, SharePoint, Teams
• Cezanne – Annual Leave
• PASS – Support and Supervision

Aims, Values and Behaviours

To be respectful of and work in accordance with the core values and behaviours of the organisation including a commitment to work with those with the most challenging needs to ensure that they have every opportunity to avoid further exclusion

To respect and work in accordance with our Equality and Diversity Policy and ensure its promotion in the course of your daily work

Have a duty to take care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your actions at work

Co‑operate with employers and co‑workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements

Raise any specific queries or concerns you have regarding your workplace with your line manager or health and safety representative

Essential Role Requirements and Quality Standards

• A qualification of N/SVQ3 in Care, or equivalent or the willingness and ability to attain this within three years
• Experience in a social care, trauma‑informed environment in a voluntary or paid
• Have an understanding of current social justice issues i.e. homelessness, mental health, substance misuse, social isolation
• Literacy, numeracy and IT skills at a level to maintain all appropriate records, professional communication, care plans and provide budgeting guidance
• Maintain professional confidentiality and boundaries at all times
• Be willing to develop skills used when supporting people through reflective practice, personal and professional development and supervision
• Register with the Scottish Social Services Council and work to all appropriate legislation, standards and regulatory requirements including Health and Social Care, Care Inspectorate, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and Environmental Health

Key Capabilities

• Interpersonal understanding – listens and understands expressed feelings; demonstrates concern for others; encourages others to express themselves
• Emotional awareness – manages strong emotions and responds constructively; keeps own feelings in check; deals with stress
• Flexibility – adapts easily to changes at work; modifies behaviour in response to a situation; sees the merits of differing viewpoints
• Initiative – takes responsibility; looks ahead and anticipates what needs to be done; is able to assess and manage risks
• Team working – contributes fully to teamwork; establishes positive relationships with the team
• Working within Professional Boundaries – Demonstrates professional curiosity; accepts responsibility for own work; seeks and uses professional support; understands the principle of confidentiality
• Developing others – case management responsibility for developing service users’ skills; encourages initiatives in problem‑solving and making informed choices