Care Support Worker

ROLE SUMMARY

To provide high quality physical care to service users, including assistance with bathing, grooming, personal hygiene and other daily living activities when required. To support service users with essential household tasks such as grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and the preparation and serving of meals when needed. To administer medication safely and in accordance with individual care plans, ensuring accurate record keeping and adherence to agreed procedures if necessary. To routinely monitor and record vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration and weight if required. To organise and facilitate appropriate recreational activities that encourage engagement, boost wellbeing, and contribute positively to the service user’s quality of life as needed. To promptly report any changes or concerns to the appropriate personnel. To communicate effectively with family members and healthcare professionals, offering informed recommendations that contribute to the development and review of the service users care plan when needed. To work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals to ensure that each service user receives the most effective, coordinated and person-centred care. To deliver care in a manner that is respectful, inclusive and sensitive to each individual’s culture, disability, race, age, sexuality, marital or civil partnership status, transgender status and religion or belief. To promote and protect the dignity, privacy, independence, choice, fulfilment and overall rights of service users in every aspect of care and support.

JOB SPECIFICATION

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of daily activities as directed by senior Assisted Lives staff or by service users outlined in care plans when necessary.
• Assist meeting the personal care needs of our service users including assistance with eating, toileting, bathing, dressing and other household tasks if required.
• Support service users with meal preparation, serving meals, shopping, laundry and administering medication when needed.
• Escort or accompany service users to appointments, outings and events if required.
• Promote the physical, emotional, social and cultural needs of service users, using a person-centred approach as needed.
• Maintain professional, positive relationships with service users, their families and other stakeholders.

Teamwork and Flexibility

• Support colleagues and work flexibly, including covering sessions during staff shortages, annual leave or sickness absence when required.
• Contribute to effective team working and share relevant information appropriately.

Administration and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate records relating to care delivery, incidents, or change in service users’ circumstances.
• Assist in creating shopping lists and other administrative records as required.
• Report promptly any concerns or changes in service user needs to senior staff.

Health and Safety/Risk Management

• Comply with Assisted Lives Health and Safety policies, by following agreed safe working procedures.
• Report incidents promptly and take appropriate action to mitigate risks.

Professional Conduct and Company Standards

• At all times present a professional and caring image of Assisted Lives and demonstrate behaviours reflective of Assisted Lives values.
• Promote dignity, privacy and anti-discriminatory practice at all times.
• Act promptly and appropriately to protect service users from neglect or abuse.
• Deliver care in a manner sensitive to culture, disability, race, age, sexuality, marital/civil partnership status, transgender status, or religion/belief.

Equality and Diversity

Abide by Assisted Lives policies and procedures and actively support its commitment to equality and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. All service users, staff and visitors must be treated equitably, with dignity and respect considering their race, gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexuality etc.

Continuous Professional Development

Take responsibility, in agreement with the line manager, by ensuring that continuous professional development remains a priority. Undertake mandatory training to maintain high standards of care.

Safeguarding and Confidentiality

Always respect service user confidentiality and not divulge service user information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role. Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in line with company safeguarding policies and training.

Person Specification – Support Worker Requirements

• Qualifications/Education/Knowledge - Essential: The ability to understand and speak English to a standard.
• Experience - Desirable: Previous experience of working (paid or voluntary) in a social care setting or experience of caring/looking after family members.
• Abilities - Essential: To work with a range of Service Users, including people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities as well as older people. To work as a team member and also to work alone when required (in many cases in the Service User's own home). Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions and guidelines.