Waking Night Support Officer

A vacancy has arisen for a permanent Waking Night Support Officer to be based within our residential services for autistic adults in Northampton. Experience in working with people with autism or learning disabilities would be an advantage. The Waking Night Support Worker will be responsible for the welfare and security of the service users and building through the night. The successful applicant will need to liaise with care staff and contact the on-call manager during the night should the necessity occur. There will also be a responsibility for laundry work, general caretaking duties, cleaning and domestic duties. The night officer will also have a responsibility to assist in the preparation of breakfast. You will be positively supporting people by providing holistic support including personal care, medication administration, integration into the local community and managing their anxieties, which they may communicate through distressing behaviour. No experience is necessary, so don't worry if you don't think you know enough about how to support adults with autism. Full training is given. We are looking for someone who has the right attitude, who shares our values and who we can work with to develop their skills. If you have experience as a support worker, care assistant, nursery assistant, or personal care assistant or have worked in the NHS, health care or in social care, this position will be suited to you too. Our support is 24/7. The working pattern is on a rolling rota and includes a variety of shifts - early, lates, sleep-ins, weekends, bank holidays and flexible shift patterns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To be responsible for the general welfare and security of service users at nighttime.
• To support service users unable to sleep and deal professionally with incidents concerning service users’ well-being.
• To provide personal care for service users on a day-to-day basis.
• Exchange information with residential staff team and liaise closely with sleep-in staff.
• To assist with settling in the service users at nighttime.
• To render personal assistance and minor first aid should the need arise.
• During the hours of nighttime, ensure all service users’ laundry is undertaken during shift unless an emergency arises.
• Carry out domestic tasks, mopping floors, hovering, cleaning toilet areas, ensuring a hygienic environment.
• Be responsible for building security during working hours, ensuring all exterior doors are locked.
• Undertake minor caretaking duties.
• In the event of an emergency or crisis beyond the scope of the postholder, contact a senior member of staff or On-Call officer for advice and assistance.
• To carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities within the overall function commensurate with the grading and level of responsibilities of the post.

Please be aware, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who have restricted hours, and we are unable to offer sponsorships.

What we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (33 days)
• Occupational sick pay
• Extensive induction with autism specialist training
• Fully paid for Care Certificate, which is essential for those wanting to pursue a career in health and social care
• Paid job-related qualifications during employment
• Free initial DBS Check
• Employer pension scheme
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Refer a friend scheme worth £500
• Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid maternity/ paternity/ adoption leave

We reserve the right to close the advert once sufficient applications have been received, therefore, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. Autism East Midlands is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from anyone interested in working with people with autism. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. If you meet the person specification criteria and are eligible for the Disability Confident scheme, we will guarantee you an interview – just let us know in your covering letter or in your email when you send us your application form. Either way don’t forget to tell us if you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme. Autism East Midlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. If you’re a successful applicant you will need an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, we will meet any initial costs.