Support Worker

ISWP; Reading; On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Support Workers to empower young people aged 16-25 in supported accommodation. In this rewarding role, you will provide essential support, helping individuals navigate their daily lives while fostering independence and personal growth. You will collaborate with a passionate team to deliver tailored services that meet the unique needs of each young person. If you have a strong commitment to making a difference and possess the skills to support vulnerable individuals, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a dynamic organization where your contributions will have a lasting impact on the lives of young people as they transition to adulthood.

Qualifications

• 1-year experience working with children or adolescents is desirable.
• NVQ Level 3 or willingness to work towards it is required.

Responsibilities

• Support young people in their transition to adulthood and promote positive life choices.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure the safety and well-being of young people.

Skills

Support Work

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Microsoft Office

Understanding of Safeguarding

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Willingness to complete QCF/NVQ Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location – Reading Berkshire (RG6)

Contract – Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Hours – 40 hours a week/ as agreed

Minimum Role Experience – 1-year experience of working with children and/or adolescents or a similar support worker/care worker role - desirable.

Minimum Qualifications – NVQ 3/Equivalent - or willingness to work towards completing QCF/NVQ Level 3 award in Health & Social Care (Children) within the set time frame

DBS – Valid DBS/Updating Service Registration

Salary starting at – £11.44 per hour

About the role

This position involves delivering support to Young People aged 16 – 25 years living in supported accommodation. As a Support Worker at Pola Well Care, you will be supporting young people to make decisions about their daily lives. You will also be creating flexible services that meet young people’s needs and always looking for the best way of doing things.

You will be working as part of Pola Well Team, and you will support the Team Leader to deliver a package of support. This will involve monitoring, supporting individual plans, providing feedback to the Team leader and contributing to the reviews.

Job Description/ Duties

1. Support young people transitioning from care to adulthood to the standard set by Pola Well Care and in line with individual planning, cultural needs and wishes.
2. Support young people to remain safe in their home and respond to all safeguarding events in a calm and controlled manner.
3. Contact and liaise with the appropriate emergency services as required (e.g. fire, Police, Emergency Duty Service, etc).
4. Support young people to meet their own personal care needs in line with their support plan (e.g. encourage regular bathing, good dental health, smoking cessation, etc).
5. Support and encourage young people to make positive choices and life decisions in line with their age and ability.
6. Support and encourage young people to engage in positive social, leisure and work activities, according to the individual’s choice.
7. Support young people to manage their own health needs as required, e.g. taking medication and attending doctor’s appointments.
8. Keep accurate and up to date records.
9. Support young people to manage their finances in line with Pola Well Care guidelines and individual Pathway Plans.
10. Promote health, safety and well-being of the young people we support.
11. Work positively with colleagues, families and external organisations and professionals.
12. Work as part of a team.
13. Support, advise, assist and maintain the learning of less qualified staff.
14. Support and maintain compliance with all Pola Well Care policies and guidance.
15. Maintain the integrity of the building at all times and ensure the safety of all residents and staff.
16. Participate in learning and development opportunities as required.
17. Undertake any other duties as appropriate.

Person Specification

• A good understanding of the challenges and disadvantages faced by Looked After Children and young people leaving care, particularly regarding accessing employment, training or education.
• Understanding of how safeguarding issues might affect young people leaving care specifically.
• Some knowledge of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 (Desirable).
• An understanding of and commitment to the provision of child led services for young people.
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, e-mail and internet.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage a busy workload effectively.
• Good communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds and to adapt communication styles appropriately (e.g. young people, professionals in social care and business partners).
• An understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to take responsibility for your own work.
• To be able to evidence Pola Well Care’s values at all times.

Specific Conditions

• Ability to lone work with individual young people.
• Sleeping in duties may be required.
• Willing to work Bank Holidays & Christmas Holidays If required.
• Willing to work additional hours to cover sickness and holidays and to work in other homes within your area.
• A satisfactory and ongoing Enhanced DBS reference is required.
• The holder of this position may be required to work in any service of the organisation where there is a need or emergency.
• The holder of this position is expected to maintain confidentiality and observe data protection guidelines.
• Due to the nature of the young people that we support, the rota pattern may change at short notice.