Support Worker - Learning Disabilities Admission Avoidance

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to come and join our new team supporting young people with a learning disability aged 16 -25 who are experiencing a period of crisis.  This new team requires a number of  support workers who will provide care and support to service users. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate great communication skills alongside a commitment to developing a positive team culture focused on person centred care. This role provides an opportunity to develop skills and experience working alongside a dedicated team of professional staff, while also developing your own skills. The service will provide a range of training opportunities aimed at supporting your continuing development and our new service offer which includes a range of clinically led approaches such as trauma focus care and positive behavioural support (PBS).

These roles will also provide support to the Senior Support Workers and will interlink with the Unit Manager, Administrator and other professionals working within the unit.

You will routinely interact with service users, their families and carer's and also a wide range of professionals from across Greater Manchester.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within the Learning Disability Crisis Response Unit predominately on the Radcliffe site within the borough of Bury and may also at times work across the Learning Disability Care Hub across the footprint of Pennine Care. Our new service aims to provide a therapeutic model of care to people aged 16-25 years with a Learning Disability with or without Autism who are experiencing a period of crisis by the provision of a service to reduce hospital admissions and offer of a de-escalation programme. The post holder will provide high quality care and support to people accessing the service. They will assist in the delivery of the model of care under the guidance of the Unit Manager, Senior Support Workers, and members of the qualified clinical team. People accessing the service will typically be experiencing distress and at times present as challenging. The post holder will provide support which is therapeutic while also maintaining the persons safety and dignity. The post holder will assist in establishing care plans and in the delivery of care. The expectation will be to work within the boundaries of agreed instruction, whilst being supported within Trust procedures and policies

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To support and contribute to the development and maintenance of an environment which is defined by high quality care and support.
• To work as an assistant or co-worker in therapeutic activities and / or group work with the support and guidance of senior staff.
• To listen and talk to service users, families and their carers’ and develop boundaried therapeutic relationships.
• To undertake and accurately document observations and clinical care in line with Trust Policy.
• To ensure effective communication, either verbal or written, amongst the team, reporting any change or unusual occurrence in the service user’s behaviour or condition.
• To accurately report and feedback any concerns.
• To understand the importance of and maintain the need for confidentiality in all service users matters.
• To participate in the maintenance of a clean, tidy and safe environment.
• To value diversity and promote equality of opportunity for all and to ensure individuals are treated fairly.
• To ensure that any interventions are provided in accordance with least restrictive practice.
• To carry out duties as allocated.
• To support the development and implementation of Positive Behaviour Support Plans.
• Attend to personal hygiene including bathing, toileting and dressing, promoting quality of life and independence.
• Support and assist at mealtimes as required.
• To attend education and training sessions specially arranged for the team.
• To carry out assigned tasks under the supervision of qualified staff.
• To provide guidance to new staff on the induction to the ward and participate in induction and training programmes for staff.
• To undertake support to new staff as appropriate, supporting them complete their care certificate.
• To act as a positive role model to the service users and staff.
• To demonstrate appropriate de-escalation skills in managing aggression exhibited by service users, subject to achieving agreed training and competency in Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression techniques.
• To attend / undertake statutory and mandatory training as required.
• To have an interest in self-development and be active in enhancing own personal knowledge.
• Escort service users as appropriate to areas outside the service as delegated.Adhere to appropriate Trust and local policies, procedures and guidelines.