Support Worker

Balance Care; England; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in the United Kingdom is looking for dedicated individuals to provide practical and emotional support to service users, particularly those with mental health needs and learning disabilities. The role involves implementing care plans, promoting independence, and ensuring safety within a community setting. Strong communication, resilience, and relevant experience are essential. Shift work is required, and candidates must have enhanced DBS clearance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in health, social care, criminal justice, or forensic settings is desirable.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support to service users with complex needs.
• Assist with implementation of care and risk management plans.
• Support service users with daily living skills and community integration.
• Monitor and record service user progress and behaviours.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Promote positive risk-taking.
• De-escalate challenging behaviours and respond to crisis situations.
• Encourage engagement in education, training, or employment.
• Support contact with families and carers.
• Contribute to a safe environment.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to build trusting relationships

Resilience in managing challenging behavior

Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection

Understanding of forensic mental health

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good record-keeping and IT skills

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

To provide practical, emotional, and rehabilitative support to individuals with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities who are involved with the criminal justice system or living in forensic settings. The role involves supporting service users in their recovery, promoting independence, and ensuring public and individual safety in line with care and risk management plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide person-centred support to service users with complex needs, including mental health issues, substance misuse, and offending behaviours.
• Assist with the implementation of care, treatment, and risk management plans in collaboration with clinical teams and other professionals.
• Support service users with daily living skills, community integration, and structured activities to promote rehabilitation.
• Monitor and record service user progress, behaviours, and risks, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including nurses, psychologists, social workers, probation officers, and the police.
• Promote positive risk-taking while maintaining appropriate boundaries and safeguarding principles.
• De‑escalate challenging behaviours and respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Encourage service users to engage in education, training, or employment opportunities.
• Support service users in maintaining contact with families, carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
• Contribute to a safe and secure environment in line with legal and organisational policies.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trusting, professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Resilience and confidence in managing challenging behaviour.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection requirements.
• Understanding of forensic mental health, the criminal justice system, and risk management.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good record‑keeping and IT skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience in health, social care, criminal justice, or forensic settings (desirable).
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent (or willingness to work towards).
• Training in de‑escalation, conflict management, or trauma‑informed care (desirable).
• Enhanced DBS clearance required.

Working Conditions

• Shift work, including evenings, weekends, nights, and bank holidays.
• Work may involve exposure to challenging behaviours and emotionally distressing situations.
• Based in the community in supported living settings.