Job Title:Support Worker Level 1

Location:Lisburn & Newry Services

Reports to:Deputy Manager (Registered Manager)

Introduction
Livability is the disability charity that connects people with their communities. We tackle social isolation and the barriers that can cause this in the lives of the people we support. Through a wide range of disability, education, church and community services we promote inclusion and wellbeing for all. Together, we work to see people take part, contribute and be valued. We put the element in place that all add up to connected lives and communities.

Job Purpose

To provide the highest standards of professional support and create an environment that will enable Service Users to have the best possible quality of life and live as independently as possible. We do this by empowering the people we support.

Main Duties
Support workers are required to work within the mission and values of Livability and the aims and objectives of the service. Support workers should respond to the needs of each individual we support in a person-centred way to enable the people we support to make informed choices whilst maintaining their safety. The privacy, confidentiality, rights and responsibilities of the Service Users will be held at all times. Support workers are required to work within Livability policies, practices and procedures, codes of practice and all legislative and regulatory requirements, including Regulation and Quality improvement Authority, Northern Ireland Social Care Council and Supporting People standards at all times.

  1. Provide support and encouragement to Service Users, in the activities of daily life according to their needs and resources in line with their individual person-centred plans and direction from line management.
  2. Establish with Service Users a relationship of mutual trust and respect, supporting them in a person centred way promoting values of individuality, independence, privacy and partnership, choice, dignity and respect to enable individuals to live as independently as possible.
  3. To communicate with Service Users using their preferred method of communication encouraging them to voice their own choices, needs and options freely.
  4. Support and encourage Service Users to achieve their personal goals and pursue social or recreational activities, training and employment opportunities as appropriate.
  5. Support Service Users with agreed and identified routines as set on in daily/weekly activity planners, providing specific support as required (e.g. personal care, cooking, laundry, budgeting and banking etc whilst respecting their dignity, privacy and independence.
  6. To fulfil key worker responsibilities, contributing to reviews and the development of person-centred plans as directed by line management.
  7. Support the Safeguarding of Service Users by adhering to all relevant policies and procedures, ensuring that all causes of concern or poor practice if genuinely suspected or witnessed are reported.
  8. Register with NISCC within the first month of employment and be fully registered with NISCC before the end of the six-month probation period and provide a copy of this certificate to line management. Take responsibility for maintaining this registration, including annual fees and work within the NISCC Code of Practice at all times.
  9. Maintain Service User/ organisation confidentiality at all times.
  10. Be able to cover leave as required, including sickness and annual leave.
  11. To work as part of a team and demonstrate working using own initiative.
  12. Ensure that accurate records are maintained and that significant incidents are reported promptly to line management, particularly matters relating to safeguarding, finance and medication.
  13. Carry out all duties in a manner consistent with Livability policies and procedures, practices and the Livability Code of Conduct. Maintain professional boundaries and be aware of current legislation and regulations.
  14. To complete the induction plan and be responsible for and able to evidence own personal development by undertaking relevant training and fulfil NISCC registration training requirements.
  15. Establish and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, other professionals, service users and families.
  16. Flexible working across a 24 hour, 7 days a week rota, including working days, evening, nights and sleep-ins.
  17. To carry out additional duties and tasks that may be reasonably requested.

The nature of the work in many circumstances may be unpredictable and varied. The post holder will therefore be expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and fulfil tasks that are not specifically covered in their job description. These additional duties will normally be compatible with the regular type of work.

The job description may also be reviewed in light of changing service, or service user needs, developments within the organisation, or due to legislative or regulatory requirements or in consultation with the post holder.

This job description is not definitive and may vary.

Christian Ethos and Values
The post holder must carry out all duties in a manner that is consistent with Livability policies and procedures and practices. The post holder must maintain at all times the Christian ethos and values of the organisation, ensuring as far as possible, that all activities within the work setting are consistent with the values held by the organisation.

Confidentiality
The post holder must ensure that any information relating to employees (future, current and past) and service users is treated in strictest confidence and must only be discussed within the confines of the work setting with the appropriate members of the team or managers.

Health and Safety
The post holder must be familiar with Livability Health and Safety policies and guidance. All work should adhere to this guidance ensuring own health and safety in the workplace and that of others.

Person Specification

Essential / Desirable / Assessment Method
Qualifications /
  • Can demonstrate a good understanding of literacy and numeracy. There will be an assessment to be completed in the interview process.
/
  • English and Mathematics Grade D or above or equivalent qualification
  • Healthcare qualification or equivalent or working towards it
  • NISCC registered or working towards registration
  • Evidence of Continued Professional Development
  • Willing to engage in training

Knowledge /
  • An understanding of what it means to provide support/ care
  • Understand importance of policy and procedure
/
  • Understanding of person centred care
  • Aware of current legislation
  • Understanding of Supporting People, RQIA and NISCC
  • Understanding of Safeguarding
  • Understanding of Health and Safety

Experience /
  • Experience of working with people in a team and lone working
/
  • Experience of working in care, including personal and voluntary
  • Understanding of reflective practice

Technical/work based skills /
  • Able to fulfil daily record keeping e.g completion of daily notes
/
  • Knowledge of Microsoft office packages

General Skills/ Attributes /
  • Able to explain and understand importance of confidentiality in the workplace
  • Possess a full clean UK driving licence and access to a car or can demonstrate mobility to carry out functions of job
  • Prepared to work unsociable hours including weekends, days, evening, nights, sleep ins across 7 day week rota
  • Demonstrate empathy and be non- judgemental
/
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Good listening skills
  • Able to take direction

Terms and Conditions

Post:Support Worker Level 1

Hours:As per contract

Salary:£15,600 (£7.50 per hour)

Annual Leave:20 days Annual Leave per year pro rata

Bank Holiday:10 days per year pro rata

Probation:6 months

Pension:Auto-enrolment

Equal Opportunities:Livability is committed to equal opportunities and as such welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Job Criteria

Essential

  • Can demonstrate a good understanding of literacy and numeracy
  • Full clean UK driving licence and access to a car or can demonstrate mobility to carry out functions of job
  • Understanding of what it means to provide care/ support
  • Flexibility, prepared to work unsociable hours including days, evenings, nights, sleep ins across 7 day rota

Desirable

  • Healthcare qualification or equivalent or working towards it
  • NISCC registered or working towards registration
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Understanding of Supporting People, RQIA and NISCC

October 20171