Independent Living Support Worker – BSL

Service: Independent Supported Living

Location: Magdelene Court, Ancrum street, Spital Tongues, Newcastle NE2 4LP

Responsible To: Service Manager

Hourly Rate: £14.54 per hour

Job Purpose

To provide personal care and support to adults with physical and/or learning disabilities in an Independent Supported Living environment. To promote individuals’ independence, choice and dignity, and maximise their social inclusion, increase aspirations and achieve positive outcomes. To ensure people are provided with timely, high quality and reliable care and support in their own home.

Main Duties

• Enable people to develop and maintain their skills to live as independently as possible, supporting them to cook, clean, shop, and promote social inclusion and citizenship.
• Support people with personal care, in accordance with their Care Plan, including personal hygiene, bathing, and moving and handling.
• Enable and encourage social activities both at home and within the community.
• Support people to reach their full potential, identify goals and achieve positive outcomes.
• Ensure a high standard of care is provided in line with current regulations and Care Quality Commission standards.
• Support the effective application of Safeguarding tools in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• Ensure support plans reflect individual needs, wishes, and opinions, and show plans for clear outcomes.
• Promote dignity and respect, ensuring people have choice and control.
• Ensure people have access to healthcare and support them to live active and healthy lifestyles.
• Administer medication in accordance with procedures and training.
• Be aware of risks to residents, follow risk assessments, and promote a positive risk-taking culture.
• Escort people as required and drive Foundation and/or Motability vehicles if a valid license is held.
• Complete daily records to a high standard using “Nourish” technology.
• Liaise with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure appropriate care access.
• Maintain clear and transparent communication with family or nominated individuals.
• Liaise with the landlord regarding property maintenance and tenancy agreements.
• Collaborate with other Foundation services including Horizons and Hedley’s College.
• Support the development of new or less experienced staff.
• Maintain high standards of infection control in the home environment.
• Promote excellent health and safety practices at all times.
• Report incidents, accidents, and safeguarding concerns in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all service Policies and Procedures.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties related to the needs of the people.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise, review and work under pressure to meet timescales and targets
• Knowledge of working with adults with disabilities
• Knowledge of CQC standards and associated legislation
• Understanding of challenging behaviour and Positive Behaviour Support
• Ability to plan and case manage care packages
• Understanding of social care, health and medication procedures, and safeguarding
• Understanding of ISL model of care and tenancy agreements

Qualifications and Training

• Valid BSL Qualification
• Care Certificate Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy
• Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care
• Training in Moving and Handling of People

Experience

• Providing personal care and support
• Experience within health and social care, especially supporting those with learning and/or physical disabilities
• Experience in ISL or small care home environments

Organisational Standards

Professional Duties

• Participate in the review of Foundation Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Undertake further training and professional development
• Keep up to date within your professional area
• Participate fully in the induction and training programme
• Contribute to the development of other staff

Equality and Diversity

• Promote equality of access for disabled people
• Recognise and respond to individuals’ specific needs
• Empower disabled people through support strategies
• Maintain non-discriminatory behaviours at all times
• Use appropriate communication methods to support inclusion
• Remain flexible to changing needs of individuals and environment

Discipline, Health and Safety

• Promote Health, Safety and Welfare policy
• Only purchase equipment from recognised sources
• Report incidents and accidents appropriately
• Maintain high standards of record keeping

Safeguarding

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• Follow recruitment and HR processes to protect vulnerable people
• Ensure adherence to guidance and regulations for safeguarding

Confidentiality

• Respect confidentiality of service users
• Share personal information only as required for support
• Remain objective and comply with confidentiality policy