Children's Support Worker

Job overview

*Previous Applicants Need Not Apply*

35 Hour Term Time Only Position

The Children’s Continuing Care Schools Team are looking for a motivated and dynamic Children's Support Worker to work alongside the School Nurse and provide care for children with complex health needs, within the school setting.

The successful candidates will be expected to work between the hours of 08:30 -16:00 Monday – Friday during term time only.

Your working day will start at the child’s own home, where you will be responsible for escorting the children and young people to school, on school transport.

Once you arrive at school you will be responsible for the care and support of children and young people with complex health needs within school and perform any health interventions that the children or young people may require

There is a school nurse on site who will provide support as required. In addition to this you will be expected to support the child to access their educational curriculum helping them to fulfil their potential.

The post holder will work under the direction of the team leader and registered nursing staff to set standards and plan of care. They will carry out specialised care in an unsupervised capacity.

The successful candidate will be put through a comprehensive training programme to ensure they are competent and confident whilst delivering a high standard of care.

You will be required to hold a driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will either be responsible for the one to one care and support of an individual child or will assist the allocated School Nurse with healthcare related tasks for all children and young people in school.

Depending on the role, the post holder will start their day at the school base or at an identified child’s own home. You will be expected to escort the child into school on school transport and remain with them throughout the school day providing specialised support in the classroom. The working day will finish once the post holder has escorted the child back home on school transport.

The children will have complex health needs, and require bespoke and individualised plans of care. The post holder will be responsible for medications, suctioning, manual handling, tracheostomy cares, gastrostomy cares, and other health care related needs.

The provision of robust training and regular competency reviews will ensure care is provided safely and in line with all policies and guidelines.

The aim is to enable the children to achieve set targets and goals, and also make the school day enjoyable whilst maintaining safety at all times.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The children that you will be supporting have complex health needs and require bespoke and individualised plans of care. A robust training programme will be offered to the successful applicant to ensure that they have the skills required to maintain the child’s safety and welfare.

An ideal applicant will have significant experience in looking after children and preferably children with additional or complex needs, you must be willing and able to learn new skills. You will be joining a growing team of Support Workers and will have every opportunity to learn and be supported in gaining experience and knowledge in caring for these children.

Responsibility for Patient Care

Clinical

To undertake a range of duties, which involve direct care, by following care plans agreed with parents and named professionals, whilst working in the children's home, school or other environment where they spend time.

To be aware of, and participate in meeting the psychological, social, physical and spiritual needs of the children and young people.

To complete all training and competencies related to the care and support of the children and young people under our care.

To assist in the maintenance of a safe environment for the child or young person.

Maintain accurate records of all care given, including any omissions and inform parents and named professionals of any changes in child or young person's condition or situation, and any significant relevant factors.

Communication

Maintain confidentiality of information.

Contribute to the effective communication process between the child and young person, their family and/or carers, and staff colleagues.

Communicate appropriate information to and from other service areas/environments used by child or young person, as required. Liaising with the multi-disciplinary team in relation to the child or young person’s care and requirements.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trust’s policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately.

If successful, this vacancy will require an enhanced DBS check at a cost of £54.90. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary. In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16.