Elderly & Dementia Day Support Worker - Penketh

Elderly & Dementia Support Worker Days

Job Role: Elderly & Dementia Support Worker Days
Service: Heathside / The Mews
Hours per week: 24 Hours per week
Salary: £12.61 per hour
Location: Penketh, Warrington

About Heathside And The Mews

We support older people and people with dementia in our residential homes, Heathside and The Mews, either as a permanent new home or for short respite breaks. Heathside is our 37‑bedroom residential home with a cozy and homely feel, and The Mews is our 25‑bed home with a light, modern airy feel. They sit next to each other and collaborate on many fun activities and outings, yet each offers a different living experience to the residents. Read more about each home on our website.

One thing they have in common is the high level of care provided. Our approach is entirely built around the people we support, and we don’t believe in one‑size‑fits‑all. Everyone we support is different, so we take the time to get to know them and create a bespoke support plan and personalise everything – even down to how they like their morning routine.

A Day in the Life of an Elderly & Dementia Support Worker

In this role, your days are as varied as the individuals you care for. At the heart of our approach is person‑centred planning, tailoring support to meet the unique needs of each person in your care. Equipped with comprehensive training and the unwavering support of your team, you’ll provide a wide range of assistance – from personal care to being a friendly presence in their day, respecting their individuality, celebrating life histories, and supporting people in doing what they enjoy. Your compassionate care will create a sense of safety and comfort, empowering individuals to live their best lives.

Our Employee Benefits

• Welcome Bonus: £500 as a warm welcome to the team. (Not eligible if we pay to sponsor you to work in the UK)
• Training and Development: Access to both in‑house and accredited courses. We will cover the cost of your qualification, and on completing Level 2 or above, you’ll receive a £150 bonus (plus an additional £50 for passing the care certificate).
• Health and Wellbeing Support: 24/7 access to GP.
• Blue Light Card and other discount schemes: We cover the cost of your card, unlocking discounts for you. Enjoy discounts on childcare, shopping, and a wide range of online training courses.
• Night Enhancement: £1 per hour for all hours worked between 8pm and 8am, whether regular contracted hours, bank hours, or overtime.
• Free Meals: Available to all staff working 12‑hour shifts, ensuring you stay energized with a hot or cold meal.
• Refer a Friend: Earn £200 for referring a friend who successfully joins WCL.
• Christmas Enhancement (Double Time): Double‑time pay for allocated Christmas hours worked.
• Ongoing Technological Advancements: Benefit from our investment in new technology, including care plans and rota apps, with full training provided.
• Get Paid As You Earn – With FlexEarn: Access a portion of your earnings as soon as you’ve worked the hours.

What We’re Looking For

Although previous experience would be great, it’s not essential, as all training and qualifications are provided on the job! At We Change Lives (WCL), we seek compassionate individuals who share our vision and values. You’ll champion the rights, needs, choices, and dreams of our residents, making a positive difference in their lives. Dedication to embracing innovation, valuing each colleague’s unique contributions, and fostering a supportive and empowering work environment are all key to who we are at WCL. If you’re driven to transform lives, you’ll fit right in with us.

Job Description

Job Title: Support Worker
Responsible to: Service Manager
Responsible for: The People We Support

Our Values

Supporting rights, needs, choices and dreams
Seeing the possibility to make a difference in all that we do
Being financially responsible and economically sustainable
Embracing new technology and innovation
Appreciating every colleague’s contribution

Job Summary

To work under the direction of the Service Manager to meet the needs of the people we support, promoting an environment that provides high‑quality, personalised care through individual consultation, continued development, and learning.

Key Responsibilities

Colleagues

• Mentor new colleagues during induction to support high‑quality care delivery
• Participate in supervision, observation and appraisal processes
• Provide effective communication including accurate written reports

Business

• Follow WCL financial procedures
• Act in line with the organisation’s environmental and sustainability principles

The People We Support

• Help maintain a caring environment aligned with best practice, guidance and legislative requirements
• Contribute to clear and effective communication with all stakeholders
• Deliver high‑quality care in line with support plans and organisational policy (including personal care, physical and mental support, medication, activities and engagement)
• Seek and share the views and preferences of the people we support
• Promote high levels of satisfaction among people we support, families, colleagues and commissioners
• Support the Service Manager with complaints and concerns following WCL policy
• Maintain positive relationships with families, the community, and external partners
• Understand and implement safeguarding procedures

Safeguarding

• Complete Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Mental Capacity Act training
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns appropriately

Health and Safety

• Take reasonable care of your own and others’ health and safety
• Cooperate with the employer to ensure compliance with legislation
• Avoid misuse of equipment or systems provided for safety
• Support the Service Manager in maintaining a safe environment

Data Protection

• Respect confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ISO27001
• Use and share information only with authorised people and for authorised purposes

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet service needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Desirable: A recognised health or social care qualification

Experience

• Additional relevant training or qualifications
• Essential: Evidence of wanting to professionally develop
  Willingness and ability to learn
• Desirable: Experience supporting people with disabilities, older people, dementia or mental health needs
  Experience working as part of a team

Technical Skills

• Essential: Ability to handle basic numerical data, including simple financial information
  Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook)
• Desirable: Ability to use WCL transport or own transport when required

Personal Qualities

• Essential: Understanding of fairness and valuing diversity
  Understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and the ability to recognise concerns
  Ability to work positively and flexibly as part of a team
  Positive values relating to disability, older people, dementia and mental health
  Understanding of WCL’s key statements and how to demonstrate them
  Ability to provide high‑quality support to people with learning disabilities, dementia and mental health needs
  Good verbal and written communication skills
  Ability to listen sensitively
  Strong interpersonal skills
  Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with others
• Desirable: Ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks
  Understanding of positive, person‑centred support planning

Ready to Change Lives? Apply Now!

If you are passionate about making a genuine impact and enriching the lives of others, we would love to hear from you. Once you’ve applied, one of our friendly team will be in touch to discuss the next steps!

More About We Change Lives

We Change Lives (WCL) is a remarkable charity based in Northwest England, dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people, those with dementia, and individuals experiencing mental health issues. Our mission is to enable people to lead their best lives in purposeful, healthy, and fulfilling ways. We achieve this by providing compassionate support through our residential homes, supported living schemes, and various community‑based services.