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- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and Autism in daily activities and personal care.
- Company: Heathlands is a dedicated centre for adults with profound learning disabilities and Autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy continuous training, development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a compassionate and respectful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or similar roles, with a focus on empathy and respect.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS check required; flexible working in community or day centre settings.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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To support people with profound & complex learning Disabilities and Autism to live a full and active life based on their individual plans, their wishes, and aspirations. To ensure that service users’ care and support needs are met in a safe and supportive environment. This could be based in a day centre setting or in the community. To establish programmes of meaningful activities and support to develop personalised services which meet the needs of the service user. Ensure that health, safety and well-being needs are met within a range of settings and in the community.
Special requirements for this post
• To have an enhanced knowledge of learning disabilities and associated conditions.
• To uphold the dignity and respect of individual service users through positive behaviour support and encouragement including when challenging circumstances occur.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of TEACCH programmes for service users with Autism.
• Undertake monitoring observations of wellbeing or behaviour and share, record the data accurately keeping care plans updated.
• To actively work in a person-centred way by developing a professional working relationship with service users in determining how their care and support is delivered whilst they are in receipt of a service and how their wishes, aspirations and outcomes can be supported.
• To work with families, carers and other professionals involved in the care and support of individual service users whilst ensuring that record keeping is accurate.
• To deliver support with all aspects of personal care support which is based on the needs of the service user and ensures that the highest levels of dignity and respect are maintained.
• To Communicate effectively with service users using Total Communication methods appropriate to the individual. Develop a rapport with carers, parents and other individuals connected with the daily living of service users
• To administer medication in line with policy and procedures.
• Where necessary assist service users to eat and drink working within guidelines regarding dietary restrictions and specialist diets including Gastronomy peg feeding.
• To work as part of a team and develop good working relationship with colleagues including participating in team meetings, a commitment to learning and development, appraisals and supervision.
• Update individual plans and information sheets, recording any relevant information as required. This includes maintaining the stocked items needed for individuals who have higher care needs.
• Support service users with a range of domestic tasks such as vacuuming, dishwashing and keeping clean food preparation areas.
• To participate in the review process and ensure that outcomes from this are followed through and all necessary paperwork is complete.
• To undertake Key Working responsibilities for individual service users which include keeping files up to date
• To support the development of risk assessments for service users, group activities and ensure that these are understood by all involved.
You will also require an Enhanced DBS to be carried out.
About you
We are looking for Specialist Support Workers who can demonstrate compassion and empathy in their approach to supporting people, either through previous roles in social care or in other roles.
You will be providing personal care to customers, supporting with medical needs (This would include administering medication), supporting people with distressed and challenging behaviour. You will be supporting customers to take part in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, gardening, supported volunteering, work opportunities and visits to places of interest, towards a more fulfilling life. Can you demonstrate how you would treat our customers, for whom our community is their community, with the dignity and respect they have a right to expect?
If you have the right values for our organisation, you will be supported by a programme of continuous training and development. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, complete your application or to find out more, please call Carol Hackett. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a DBS check will be carried out on the successful applicant.
About us
Heathlands is a purpose-built centre offering day/weekend opportunities for adults with profound and complex learning disabilities and Autism. At Heathlands we are committed to providing a personalised service which supports people to achieve outcomes in developing their independent living skills towards a meaningful and active life.
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Specialist Support Worker employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the TEACCH approach and other communication methods used for individuals with Autism. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the needs of service users.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain experience in person-centred care by volunteering or shadowing professionals in similar roles. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've demonstrated compassion and empathy in challenging situations. Real-life examples will showcase your ability to handle the demands of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the social care field, either through online platforms or local events. Building connections can lead to valuable advice and potentially even referrals for the Specialist Support Worker position.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Specialist Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with profound learning disabilities and Autism, as well as the importance of person-centred care.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in social care or similar roles. Emphasise your skills in compassion, empathy, and communication, particularly in relation to supporting individuals with challenging behaviours and personal care needs.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and Autism. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated dignity and respect in previous roles, and explain why you're a good fit for Heathlands' values and mission.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your approach to challenging behaviour, personal care, and working within a team. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully supported individuals in a similar context.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassion and empathy. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you supported individuals with learning disabilities or autism, highlighting how you approached their needs with dignity and respect.
✨Understand Person-Centred Care
Make sure you have a solid understanding of person-centred care principles. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop professional relationships with service users and tailor support based on their individual plans, wishes, and aspirations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with TEACCH
Since the role involves contributing to TEACCH programmes for service users with autism, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with this approach. Be ready to explain how you would implement these strategies in your work to support individuals effectively.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Discuss your experience working with colleagues, families, and other professionals, and how you ensure effective communication and record-keeping in a team environment.
