Support Worker with Additional Responsibilities - Term Time / 52 weeks in Harrogate

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about providing high quality care and learning support to young people with complex needs. You will work as part of a supportive team across campus, enabling students to develop their independence, confidence and daily living skills. You will also play an important role in supporting new staff during their induction by acting as a mentor to help them settle into the workplace and understand their responsibilities. The role contributes directly to Henshaws mission by ensuring students receive personalised, safe and empowering support that enhances their quality of life.

In this role you will demonstrate ambition by helping students develop their independence, communication and personal skills both in education and residential settings. You will show respect by valuing each student's voice, advocating for them and ensuring their wishes shape the support they receive. You will promote empowerment by enabling students to make choices, build confidence and work towards their personal goals. These values also guide how you support colleagues, including new staff, by modelling good practice and creating a positive and inclusive team environment.

We offer comprehensive training, ongoing CPD, support from an experienced management team and opportunities to progress. You will be part of a caring, friendly and passionate team making a real difference to the lives of young people with complex needs.

• You will need experience of supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or complex needs, including personal care and assisting with daily routines.
• Experience within a residential or education setting is helpful but not essential.
• You should feel confident completing accurate records, following care plans and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Training in moving and handling, medication administration, PEG feeding or clinical tasks is desirable, although full training and competency assessments will be provided.
• You will also need to work in line with safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, health and safety requirements and Henshaws policies.
• An important part of this role is supporting new staff by acting as a mentor during their induction, helping them understand routines, policies and expectations, and modelling high quality care practice.
• The role requires a flexible approach to shifts, good communication skills and a commitment to reflective practice.
• A DBS check is required.
• You may also be asked to support students during leisure activities in the community and to travel between college and residences.

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.

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred care in line with each student's individual care and Quality of Life plans.
• Assist with personal care, clinical tasks (including PEG feeding, suction, medication and moving & handling) following competency assessment and relevant policies.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation, including care records, progress notes and Medication Administration Records.
• Develop, review and update person-centred plans and risk assessments in collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Advocate for students, ensuring their voice is heard in meetings and that their wishes shape their support.
• Work collaboratively across departments to deliver a holistic, safe, effective and responsive service.
• Lead or contribute to handovers and staff meetings to ensure clear communication and continuity of care.
• Report, challenge and upscale any safeguarding, welfare or practice concerns in line with organisational policy.
• Support the induction, mentoring and competency sign-off of new staff, including Care Certificate observations.
• Contribute to student assessments, transitions and EHCP review processes, including preparing reports where required.
• Promote independence, confidence and daily living skills, encouraging students to achieve their personal goals.
• Work in line with relevant legislation and standards, including the Mental Capacity Act, RRN Standards, and CQC.
• Engage in reflective practice, debrief processes and continuous professional development to maintain high standards of care.
• Support a positive team culture, including contributing to staff wellbeing initiatives and modelling best practice at all times.

• Good literacy and numeracy with an enthusiastic, respectful, and sensitive approach to students.
• Willingness and ability to provide personal care, promote independence, and uphold student rights and dignity.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately to challenging behaviours.
• Commitment to achieving the Skills for Care Induction Award (if required) and experience supporting young adults with complex needs.
• Awareness and respect of students' rights.
• 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.

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.