Independent Living Support Worker – British Sign Language (qualified) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Who We Are

The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide. We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.

The Role

We are looking to appoint a qualified BSL (British Sign Language) Independent Living Support Worker. This is an exciting opportunity to help build our BSL ISL Provision and provide excellent support. Due to the demands of the service, we are looking for candidates who hold a BSL qualification. The property is a 2 bedroom home located in a residential area in Newcastle, a short walk from the City Centre, St James Park, the Town Moore and Leazes Park as well as local transport services which opens up the whole of the North East to the people we support. There is also parking available.

The role is to support 2 young gentlemen moving into their first home following completing College. The role will be to support both men to find new and exciting opportunities in and around their new home and to support them to grow relationships and connections, positively impacting their quality of life. You will be responsible for supporting with all aspects of daily living, including support at home, to go to different community places and support with personal care. One young person that you will be supporting will have seizure activity which is generally nocturnal. This person can also have escalated behaviours and self-injurious behaviours. The other young person has a dysphagia need with an IDDSI Level 6 soft and bite sized diet.

The Foundation offers both mandatory and person specific training to support candidates to be able to meet these individuals' needs and to support continuous development in career pathways.

Requirements

Please note we do not offer sponsorship, applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Candidates must hold a Level 1 (or above) British Sign Language qualification. An understanding of Positive behaviour Support and meeting complex needs of autistic people, who display behaviour that may challenge is also desirable. You will need to be enthusiastic, friendly, enjoy your work and have a positive outlook on life and a real desire to help people achieve their goals and reach their full potential. A great team player, who is flexible, organised and has the skills to work with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the people we support receive the highest level of care is required. Being able to adapt and respond to evolving situations with a person-centred approach is essential for an independent living scheme. There are also times when the people we support will need support with managing behaviours of concern. Where there are training needs identified these will be provided.

We would love to hear from you and welcome all applications. For more information, please contact our recruitment team on 0191 2381301.

Why Work for Us

At Percy Hedley we encourage career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and also have development opportunities across the wider Foundation.

We Also Offer The Following Benefits To Staff:

• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Loyalty awards starting at 2 years’ service
• Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Induction and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to discounted Nexus Travel
• Corporate Pop Card (payments spread over 12 months and deducted from salary each month)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements. Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview.

The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 & 2023) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.

As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application. This recruitment is ongoing therefore the vacancy will close when a suitable applicant has been appointed.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.