Support Worker

Linkit Recruitment; Derby; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Linkit Recruitment is seeking dynamic Support Workers in Derby to provide safe, person-centred care to individuals with complex needs. You will work within enhanced staffing arrangements (3:1, 4:1 or 5:1) and must stay calm during behavioural escalations while following care plans and PBS strategies.

Ideal candidates have experience with de-escalation, safeguarding, and working as part of a coordinated team to maintain dignity and independence for people with challenging behaviours.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Experience on enhanced staffing packages (3:1/4:1/5:1) or similar high-acuity services.
• Experience managing behavioural escalation and physical aggression.
• Experience using de‑escalation techniques.
• Experience with detailed care plans, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
• Experience working in a coordinated staff team and maintaining safety.
• Understanding safeguarding, duty of care and least restrictive practice.

Responsibilities

• Deliver person-centred support per care plan and PBS plan.
• Work within 3:1/4:1/5:1 staffing and identify roles.
• Recognise triggers and respond proactively.
• Use de-escalation to reduce distress.
• Maintain calm communication during challenging situations.
• Record care delivery and incidents accurately.
• Escalate safeguarding concerns and incidents promptly.

Skills

Calm under pressure

De-escalation techniques

Effective communication

Teamwork

Job description

Job Purpose

To provide safe, person-centred and consistent support to individuals with complex needs who may present with behaviours that challenge, physical aggression, impulsivity, destructive behaviour, absconding risks and significant difficulties with emotional regulation.

As a Support Worker, you will work as part of an enhanced staffing model, which may include 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 support, and must be confident working within a structured multidisciplinary care environment were effective communication, teamwork, situational awareness and adherence to individual care plans are essential.

The role requires staff who can remain calm and professional during periods of significant behavioural escalation and who understand that prevention, positive behaviour support and de‑scalation must always be prioritised before restrictive intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred support in accordance with the individual's care plan, risk assessments, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan, DoLS authorisation and other agreed protocols.
• Work effectively within 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 staffing arrangements and understand individual staff roles during periods of increased risk.
• Recognise individual triggers, early warning signs and changes in behaviour and respond proactively.
• Use appropriate verbal and non‑verbal de‑scalation techniques to reduce distress and prevent escalation.
• Maintain calm, neutral and non-confrontational communication during challenging situations.
• Use distraction, redirection, environmental changes, sensory strategies and appropriate reduction of demands where identified within the individual's care plan.
• Support individuals with complex communication needs using simple language, visual aids, structured choices and other agreed communication strategies.
• Provide support with personal care, daily living activities, meals, medication, community access and meaningful activities as required.
• Maintain professional boundaries while developing positive and trusting relationships.
• Accurately record care delivery, behavioural observations, incidents, restrictive interventions and other significant events.
• Immediately escalare safeguarding concerns, injuries, incidents, medication concerns and changes in presentation.

Essential Experience

Candidates must have:

Previous experience supporting individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.

Previous experience working on enhanced staffing packages such as 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1, or demonstrably comparable high-acuity services.

Practical experience of managing behavioural escalation and physical aggression.

Strong practical experience using de‑scalation techniques.

Experience of working within detailed care plans, risk assessments and behavioural support plans.

Experience maintaining safety while working as part of a coordinated staff team.

An understanding of safeguarding, duty of care, least restrictive practice and professional boundaries

Physical Intervention Training

DMI (Dynamis) training is highly desirable.

Candidates with current or recent PMVA training or another recognised physical intervention/restraint programme may also be considered, subject to review of the training undertaken and successful completion of any required organisation-specific training and competency assessment before participating in physical interventions.

Previous practical experience of appropriately managing restraint or restrictive intervention within a high‑risk care environment is strongly preferred.

Desirable Experience

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Acquired brain injury.
• Mental health support.
• DoLS/restrictive care arrangements.
• Absconding and community‑access risks.
• Supporting individuals with limited or complex communication.
• Alcohol/substance‑related behavioural risks.
• Incident reporting and post‑incident debriefing.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate must be calm under pressure, emotionally resilient, observant and able to respond quickly without becoming confrontational.

They must be able to follow detailed instructions, work consistently with colleagues and recognise that changing approach or acting independently from an agreed behavioural strategy can increase risk.

Excellent communication, teamwork, professional boundaries and the ability to maintain dignity and respect during highly challenging situations are essential.

Salaries Per Annum

Support Worker -

38hr Contract - £27,144

48hr Contract - £36,192

Senior Support Worker -

38hr Contract - £28,080

48hr Contract - £37,440

Pension Contribution

Holidays

Private DMI / Internal training for progression - Levels 2/3/4/5