Care Support Worker in Harrogate

We are on the lookout for someone with great resilience to become a valuable part of our team. Whilst there will be fantastic, enjoyable days, it is important to note that the role can present challenges and demanding moments. We highly value the ability to adapt swiftly to change, as no two days are ever alike here at Henshaws! Our Care Support Workers play a pivotal role in supporting our students in their day-to-day lives. In terms of qualifications and experience, worry not, as prior experience is not essential for the position. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, along with a clear path for career progression. We firmly believe that working in care isn’t just a job, it’s a fulfilling career driven by passion and dedication.

Salary: £13.02 per hour (weekdays) and £14.52 per hour (from 16.30 on Friday to Sunday). Enhanced overtime rates.

Weeks: 52 weeks per year

Annual Leave: 5 Weeks, plus 10 bank holiday days.

Benefits:

• You’ll work a fixed rota (weekend shifts have enhanced pay rates)
• Support to complete Health and Social Care Diploma
• Free Uniform
• Free on-site parking
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Family Friendly Pay (maternity, paternity, adoption)
• Wellbeing and Emergency Leave days (Paid)
• Long Service Awards

Main duties of the job:

• To work as part of a team of staff across campus providing care and learning support to our students, enthusiastically encouraging them to develop their independence and living skills with a focus on quality of life.
• Some of our students may be diagnosed as having severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities. They may also have physical and sensory needs.
• Due to the complex needs, the learners may have a high level of personal care and clinical needs which need to be met sensitively and professionally in line with our rigorous policies.

About us: Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever you are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families to build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future. Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidates.

Job responsibilities:

• Ensure that the care support needs of each student are met, as directed by their individual care plan.
• This may involve but is not limited to intimate personal care, moving and handling, eating and drinking, ensuring clinical needs e.g. PEG feeding, suction and medication administration is completed by trained and competent staff.
• Ensure that the learning needs of the students are supported as directed by education staff and work with other college staff to support the students within their lessons.
• To comply with all policies and procedures including safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to the appropriate persons.
• Work towards being able to carry out clinical tasks after undergoing competency assessment, as delegated by the clinical team and working in line with the Infection Prevention Control Policy.
• Complete comprehensive record keeping and documentation relating to students' care, support and progress.
• Advocate on behalf of students and attend student meetings to enable/assist students to express their views.
• Assist all students in line with their care and support plans.
• Work collaboratively with all college departments using a multi-disciplinary approach to meet students' individual outcomes outlined in Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) improving the students' quality of life.
• Support managers in information gathering and contribute to updating students' care plans.
• Contribute to and attend Quality of Life Meetings with internal professionals.
• Take an active role in organising and supporting the students with leisure activities when supporting within the residences (swimming, walking, and assisting with purchasing personal items etc).
• Report any concerns to the care management team or any other manager which may affect student/staff welfare or safety.
• Check, challenge and change any bad practice observed and report to your line manager.
• Champion a professional working environment and work in a way that demonstrates our society values.
• Comply with Health and Safety including requirements of the Society and follow Society Policies and Procedures, operate within the employee code of conduct and respect confidentiality at all times.
• Carry out any administrative and housekeeping tasks necessary to ensure good housekeeping, cleanliness and health and safety in relation to student residences.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings as required.
• Any other additional responsibilities to ensure safe and effective running of the service.
• Support the assessment process for potential new students including writing assessment reports/observations with the supervision of line managers and the assessment officer.
• When required to take on the responsibility of being a student mentor including contributing to EHCP reviews.
• Engage in the debrief and reflective practice process to ensure you feel supported and contribute to lessons learnt.
• Working in line with Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Standards.
• Strive to support the students to build their confidence, develop their independence and support their achievement in the residential and educational environments.
• Work towards being trained and competent in the administration of medication, working within Henshaws Medication Policy and Procedures.
• Work in line with The Mental Capacity Act and its underpinning principles.

Person Specification:

Skills and Knowledge:

• Willingness to assist students with any personal care requirements as needed.
• Willingness to support students in a way that promotes their independence and development.
• The ability to keep calm under pressure.
• Enthusiastic, respectful and sensitive attitude to our client group.
• Able to work using own initiative as well as working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commitment to furthering students' independence.
• Ability to promote the student group in a positive and professional manner.

Special Requirements:

• Flexible approach to working hours and ability to work the hours which meet the establishment's needs.
• Commitment to undertaking any training and personal development required which may take place in college holidays.
• A commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students.
• Adhere to Henshaws Values: Inspiring, Proactive, Sharing, Compassionate, Empowering, Informed.

Qualifications:

• Willingness to work towards Care Certificate within first 6 months of employment.
• Good standard of numeracy and literacy.
• Hold Level 2 Diploma in Health and Safety or willingness to complete within 2 years of employment.
• Intervener Training.

Experience:

• Awareness and respect of students' rights.
• Knowledge of different learning disabilities.
• Knowledge and care work and what this will involve including understanding dignity and respect.
• Ability to promote the student group in a positive and professional manner.
• Awareness of equal opportunities issues relating to this area of work.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety issues relating to this area of work.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.