JOB DESCRIPTION
1. POST:One to one support worker
2. LOCATION:858 Finchley Road or Custard Factory, Digbeth Birmingham
3. SALARY:£8.50 per hour for first 12 weeks induction rising to £9.23 per hour on successful completion plus 12% holiday pay and optional pension
4. HOURS:To be negotiated. Will include weekends and evenings.
5. ACCOUNTABLE TO:Reach Out Services Development Worker
6. ROLE OF THE ONE TO ONE WORKER
The purpose of the job is to deliver optimum services for adults and children on the Autistic Spectrum throughout London and The West Midlands. The workers will work towards achieving the aims of the organisationby helping develop an ideal model of service for all those on the autistic spectrum and promoting the practical implementation of these. Building on existing expertise within RfA the workers will be expected to work with others to ensure every person attending is offered choices, enjoys equality of opportunity, their safety is protected and their needs met.
7. DUTIES:
i)To work with other team members to devise and develop an ideal model of provision for those on the autistic spectrumand to ensure the practical implementation of these.
ii)Support and care for individuals with autism in the community.
iii)Liaise and create working links with existing providers of specialist and not specialist projects.
iv)Arrange home visits where appropriate and build relationships with individuals to support them into groups.
v)Work with parents/carers and adults to ensure all areas of need are being accommodated.
vi)Form and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with users, staff, volunteers, parents and carers.
vii)Ensure that developments are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation, equal opportunities policy and vulnerable person’s protection policies.
viii)Ensure that all sessions are properly resourced and have the equipment required to operate safely.
ix)Ensure that services are accessible and appropriate to all users including implementing appropriate communication strategies.
x)Support the monitoring and evaluating of the service, collecting robust information from users, families and staff.
xi)Promote positive action to deal with challenging behaviour of users
xii)Publicise the projects and ensure appropriate management of waiting lists
xiii)Contribute to staff in-service training as appropriate
xiv)Promote Resources for Autism to families and other agencies
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ONE TO ONE SUPPORT WORKERS
Essential criteria
General Background
Experience of working with children, older teenagers and/or adults with ASC/Asperger Syndrome or similar with knowledge of the issues involved.
Experience of working in community settings
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of issues surrounding Health and Safety
Knowledge of the issues and general procedures of working with vulnerable persons
Willingness and enthusiasm to undertake further training.
Have a completed Criminal Records Bureau Check/DBS, or be willing to undertake this.
Abilities and skills
Ability to communicate effectively with users, colleagues, parents, carers and other agencies.
Ability to think creatively and develop new ideas.
Ability to put ideas into practice
Ability to maintain client monitoring and information systems.
Ability to empathise with the needs of parents, carers, friends and families of someone with ASD/Asperger syndrome and an understanding of the importance of working in partnership.
Ability to support children and/or adults who may experience challenging behaviour and/or emotional difficulties.
Understanding of basic budgeting and financial controls
Non-Judgemental and caring approach to work
Energy and enthusiasm
Experience and Knowledge
Experience of working autonomously using own initiative.
Experience of prioritising workload and managing time effectively.
Knowledge of the appropriate methodology for working with this client group, such as educational and behaviour techniques to support people on the autistic spectrum
Experience of developing and maintaining networks and formal channels of communication with external agencies.
Desirable
Additional Skills
Have current Driving License with access to own transport.
IT skills including Excel.
Sense of Humour