Support Worker - Tyne House in Newcastle upon Tyne

Who Are We? 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 have five sites offering specialist education, adult day services, residential care and independent supported living to our service users. Our sites are based in Forest Hall, Killingworth, Jesmond, Newcastle City Centre and North Shields. 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

Please note we do not offer sponsorship; applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are looking for a Support Worker with a passion for helping people to join our team at Tyne House on a permanent basis. Tyne House is a residential home with 7 specialist rooms that offers tailored and positive support to individuals with specific and complex needs within our adapted‑for‑purpose building, based in Jesmond, Newcastle. As part of the team you will support people living with us with complex needs and their ongoing development and daily living. You will follow support plans, provide practical and emotional care, and enable further independence and positive outcomes. Our residents have varying communication needs, so you will use VOCA's, word boards, print symbols and pictures in addition to verbal communication, encouraging and promoting effective communication for all. You will encourage and support people to carry out all daily household tasks such as shopping, days out, cooking, tidying and washing, and assist with administration of medications and personal care tasks. When residents need support with managing behaviours of concern, you will provide the appropriate assistance, with training provided when a training need is identified. The residents are encouraged to be part of the community and we support them in accessing social events and activities such as the local pub, bowling and swimming to name but a few. It is a high‑energy and friendly service with an absolute focus on delivering the highest standard of person‑centred care. As the newest member of our amazing team you will have a proactive approach and be an excellent communicator. A great sense of humour and a good understanding of positive behaviour support are important assets. To be successful you will have worked previously in a care setting and understand the importance of routine and structure for the people we support. You will also be committed to inspiring the people you support and making a positive difference to their lives. Service provides round‑the‑clock residential care, so you must be fully flexible Monday – Sunday. If you think you have what it takes to join our team we would love to hear from you.

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.

Benefits

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after 5 years service (pro‑rated for part‑time staff)
• Loyalty awards starting at 2 years’ service
• Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Induction and ongoing training
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycling to Work Scheme
• Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
• 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 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 registered and accredited by the scheme, we encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application. This recruitment is ongoing; the vacancy will close when a suitable applicant has been appointed.