Senior Support Worker in Exeter

Looking for a career where you can make a real difference in your community? That’s exactly what we do here at Step One Charity.

Step One is a registered charity with over 85 years’ experience supporting people across Devon with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity. As a unique provider in the region, we offer a comprehensive range of mental health support services. Our holistic approach considers each individual as a whole, addressing the wider factors that could be affecting their mental health, their ability to work, or opportunities to be part of their community.

Motivated by seeing people progress, Step One makes a real difference in the lives of more than 1,000 individuals each year.

The Senior Support Worker will support the Community Services Manager and Deputy Managers with the day-to-day operational running of the community enabling and supported living services Step One provides. They will Supervise community support workers and bank support workers and will provide them with support and supervision.

Ensure all services provide safe, effective, person-centred and holistic support to the people accessing them. Ensure all services are delivered according to organisational policies and procedures. Promote and improve the quality of delivery of a recovery focused, compassionate and dynamic support service.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Deliver effective supervision to support workers, as direct by the Community Services Manager & Deputy Managers, across a range of service models within the community and supported living accommodation.
• Provide effective guidance to support workers to ensure delivery is consistently of a high standard.
• As directed by management participate in regular audit and monitoring of delivery, providing a cycle of timely reports to the manager and corporate colleagues as required.
• Liaise with people we support, their families/supporters and professionals to monitor and review support as outlined in individual plans, contract reviews and audit cycles.
• This will include the provision of regular supervision, coaching and appraisal.
• This could also include supporting staff through performance management and/ or disciplinary process.
• Under the direction of the Community Service Manager or a Deputy Manager ensure timely action is taken in the event of non-compliance, underperformance or serious incidents in order to safeguard the wellbeing of people we support, the required minimum performance outcomes, and the reputation of the organisation.
• Under the direction of the Community Service Manager or Deputy Managers ensure that all records are maintained in compliance with policy, professional standards and regulation.
• Maintain and develop joint working relationships across Step One services and external statutory partners.
• Ensure that professional practice guidelines are always adhered to.
• Ensure practice and procedure adheres to the requirements and terms within relevant legalisation and internal policy and procedures. This will include the timely and accurate recording of all appropriate information.
• Ensure that properties are maintained in good order and meets legislative requirements through regular and recorded risk assessment.
• Participate in the team on call system.
• Attend any training as outlined by the Community Services Manager or Deputy Managers.
• To maintain a small case load of those we support.
• To be flexible to step in to cover as and when required to cover staff shortage.
• To participate in the team’s on-call rota, providing on-call cover approximately one week in every five weeks.

Person Specification:

• To hold a driving licence
• Evidence of continuous professional development and learning
• Excellent interpersonal / communication skills
• Ability to act as an effective change agent
• To have skills and understanding of recovery-based practice
• Demonstrable understanding of relevant legislative requirements
• A solutions-focused “can do” approach
• Fully IT competent (including all Microsoft software)
• Strong track record of effectively empowering and supporting people with enduring mental health conditions and/or developmental conditions
• Experience of working with other health professionals and building positive and productive relationships at all levels
• Highly organised and adept at managing conflicting priorities
• Demonstrable knowledge of the complex needs and support requirements relating to homelessness, housing, drugs and alcohol, offending, mental health and learning disabilities.

Please download job description below for more information.

Step One Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those we look after. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and disclosures with the relevant body at an enhanced level. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Step One reserve the right to close this job role early if necessary.

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about current opportunities with Step One Charity. Following consideration of applications, we will invite selected candidates for a formal interview.

Please note:

• Step One is not able to provide sponsorship for roles and applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK.
• Step One is committed to safe and fair recruitment, safeguarding and protecting those they care for and support. The successful applicant will need to complete a criminal records self-declaration, a criminal record check (DBS) and two satisfactory references will be needed (including from your most recent employer).
• Step One is an equal opportunity employer. This means that whilst seeking employment or during employment within the organisation, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status.
• We are committed to taking positive action as a Disability Confident Employer. If you find your meet the essential criteria in the person specification for a role, and identify yourself as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 definition, you’ll be guaranteed a first round interview.
• It is important to note that the Disability Confident Scheme guarantees an interview for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and tell us that they’d like to be considered under the scheme. The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate, regardless of any protected characteristic.

From all Step One staff, volunteers and service users – thank you for showing interest in what we do and we wish you all the best.