Support Worker – Dorchester – Weekends Freedom Care

Freedom Care Group; Dorchester; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Shadow shifts

Job summary

Freedom Care Group in Dorchester is seeking a Support Worker for weekend sessions to join a small, consistent care team. You’ll work 2:1 with a young person, learn their routines, needs and communication styles to provide thoughtful support.

This role requires medication training (provided), full training and shadow shifts, and DBS checks. You must have a full UK driving licence and access to a suitable car for transporting a child. Travel payments and mileage are paid at the published rates.

Qualifications

• Reliable availability at least one weekend in two.
• At least 2 years’ experience supporting children with neurodiverse needs.
• Experience with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• Willingness to complete training for medication support and DBS checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide 2:1 support with the same child and family.
• Transport a child in your own car and maintain records.
• Attend full training and shadow shifts as part of onboarding.

Skills

Weekend availability

Experience with neurodiverse needs

Good communication skills

Driving licence

Education

A Level 3 Health and Social Care

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Job description

Support Worker – Dorchester – Weekends

Location: Dorchester
Hours: At least one weekend in two, on a Saturday, Sunday or both; school holiday sessions may also be available
Pay: £20 per hour on Saturdays and Sundays; £18 per hour for weekday sessions

About Freedom Care Group

Freedom Care Group provides childcare and specialist support for children, young people and families. We take a relationship-first approach, giving workers time to get to know each young person and build trust with them and their family. Freedom Care Group is CQC registered and is committed to high standards of support, supervision, training and governance.

About the role

You’ll be assigned to the same young person and family over time. You’ll learn their personality, routines, needs and individual ways of communicating so you can provide consistent, thoughtful support.

This role requires medication training, which we will provide. The role includes community activities and transporting a child in your own car.

Every session is staffed 2:1. You’ll always work alongside another support worker and never work alone with the child. Full training and shadow shifts will be provided.

Requirements

• Reliable availability at least one weekend in two, on a Saturday, Sunday or both.
• At least 2 years’ experience supporting children and young people with neurodiverse needs, including experience relevant to autism, ADHD, PDA or learning disabilities.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and behaviours of concern.
• A patient approach that recognises behaviour as communication, including the different ways pre-verbal or non-verbal children may express their needs.
• Experience providing personal care and supporting with medication, or willingness to complete relevant training before undertaking these tasks.
• A caring, reliable and resilient approach, with the ability to build a positive, consistent relationship with the child and family.
• Good communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A full UK driving licence, access to a suitable vehicle and appropriate insurance for transporting a child.
• Willingness to complete mandatory training, the appropriate Enhanced DBS check and registration with the DBS Update Service.

A Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent is preferred but not essential. Experience in a special school, or using PECS or Makaton, would also be welcome.

Travel payments

Travel time beyond the first 30 minutes each way to and from support sessions is paid at £14.25 per hour. Mileage beyond the first 15 miles each way to and from sessions is paid at 45p per mile. Any journey with a child in your vehicle is paid at 45p per mile.