Support Worker – Part Time or Full Time. Ponteland (NE20) – Driver Essential

Please be advised that this position does not offer a Certificate of Sponsorship or a Visa Sponsorship Transfer. If you are a non UK citizen, we can only accept applications from those on a Dependant, Leave to Remain, Spouse or Partner VISA, due to the full time hours required.

Vacancy Location: Medburn, Ponteland, NE20

Salary / Rate of Pay: £13

Contract type: Part Time or Full Time

Shift pattern available: Various. This is a 24/7 care package which will include:

• Day shifts
• Sleeping nights
• There are also additional day hours for double sessions around the client's social and wellbeing activities

Essential Criteria:

• Full UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle to travel to the individual’s home. There is no public transport to this location.
• A fully adapted Renault Master (manual) is provided for all community outings.

Person-Specific Information – Who You’ll Be Supporting:

L is a 30-year-old man with dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy, affecting all four limbs and his trunk. He is a full-time wheelchair user and requires full assistance with personal care, feeding, drinking, and mobility, including the use of specialist equipment. L lives semi-independently in his own adapted home next to his family. His property includes a private entrance, kitchen and living area, a lift to his bedroom, a fully adapted wet room, and full ceiling-tracked hoisting. There are two dedicated carer bedrooms and a bathroom within the property. L is non-verbal and uses a communication device to express himself. You’ll be fully supported to learn how to communicate effectively with him.

Support Needs:

• Communication support using his communication device
• Full assistance with personal care, feeding and drinking
• Safe use of hoisting and specialist equipment
• Emotional support and encouragement
• Support to access the community, social activities and travel
• 2:1 support during part of the working day around any social activities
• 1:1 overnight support (sleeping nights unless L is unwell)

A Typical Day:

No two days are the same, and that’s exactly how L likes it. Support will include:

• Assisting L to get up, dressed and ready for the day
• Preparing all meals and supporting with eating and drinking
• Completing household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and ironing
• Supporting L to attend regular activities including hydrotherapy, rebound therapy and other booked sessions

Social Life & Interests:

L has a very active social life and enjoys going to the cinema, pubs, competing in pub quizzes and meeting friends. He regularly takes trips into Newcastle at weekends and loves attending events such as darts, shows and live music concerts. L also enjoys travelling across the UK and abroad, taking photos of his adventures using his communication device. L is sports-mad, particularly football and rugby, and loves stadium tours and following sport closely. An interest in sport, music and travel or at least a genuine willingness to engage in these interests would be ideal.

Who Would Be a Great Match?

You’ll be a brilliant fit for L if you are:

• Talkative, patient, fun and outgoing
• Proactive and confident planning activities and days out
• Genuinely interested in building a meaningful relationship with L
• Encouraging and motivating
• Willing to engage with L’s interests and passions

L would describe the ideal support worker as “good fun”.

Values That Matter:

Support for L must always be:

• Person-led and empowering
• Respectful of his wishes, communication and routines
• Motivating and supporting, so L knows he can participate in his chosen activities safely
• Focused on L’s wants and needs, not pleasing others

Experience in health or social care is helpful but not essential – the right person is more important than the perfect CV.

What benefits will you receive?

• A contract that works for you; fixed hour contract for part or full time hours, or a more flexible Zero hour contract
• Paid Annual Leave; 5.6 weeks annual leave if you are on a fixed hours contract or, for those who choose our flexible zero hour contract, you will accrue 12.07% on all hours worked. Funds can be drawn at your discretion.
• Training, Mentoring and Shadowing programmes; in-house with our own RGN, Occupational Therapist and trained Psychologists
• Double Pay for bank holiday working
• Paid Enhanced DBS check
• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme; to support health and mental wellbeing
• Blue Light discount card; giving you BIG discounts at major retailers
• Employee of the month scheme; winners receive a monetary voucher

Who are Keyfort Group?

Keyfort Group deliver packages of care and support to individuals with a range of conditions and disabilities. Our support is person-centred; we only work with people if we think we can provide great care not based on their disability. We have experience of working with people with a brain injury, neurological condition, learning disabilities, spinal injuries, physical and mental health needs.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion:

KEYFORT Group is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and lived experiences, including those from under-represented groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and employment, to ensure everyone can perform at their best.

Next Stage:

All applications will be assessed against the role requirements. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to share their interview availability. If you have not heard from us within 7 days of the advert closing date, unfortunately on this occasion you have not been successful.