Senior care support worker
- Location
- QEF Independent Living Services - Leatherhead, Surrey
- Salary
- £20,007 Full time 37.5 hours per week (shift work)
- Posted
- 28 Apr 2017
- Closes
- 26 May 2017
- Contract Type
- Permanent
Would you like to work as a senior member of a team providing care and support to young people with physical and learning difficulties?
MAIN FUNCTION OF JOB
Work under the direction of the Head of Care in order to achieve a high standard of care and support, in accordance with the policies and procedures of QEF Independent Living Services and CQC Standards.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Assist the Head of Care by taking responsibility for the supervision and training of Support Workers and ensuring that communication within the Department is effective and constructive.
2. Take responsibility for being the senior member of staff on duty when required by the rota and to provide guidance with key worker responsibilities, supervision and appraisals for Care Support Assistants.
3. Direct and supervise, Care Support Assistants, Bank workers and agency workers.
4. Ensure all general and specific strategies for clients are put into practice and reinforced in keeping with the Service’s programme of developing skills and promoting independence.
5. Support clients in achieving high standards in all areas of personal care, including diet, hygiene and appearance and to ensure that these standards are maintained and reinforced throughout the department.
6. Observe strict confidentiality in respect of any information regarding clients, working with external professionals, families and carers, as required.
7. Maintain good staff relationships within the Department in order to ensure a high standard of work as an effective team.
8. Ensure residential areas are kept in good order, advising the Facilities Coordinator of any domestic or maintenance requirements so that a safe and comfortable environment is maintained for the clients and staff.
9. Arrange/attend any appointments deemed necessary for clients and report back to the appropriate person.
10. Ensure, as Senior, the procedure for medication ordering/receiving, stock control and security is followed.
11. Ensure Care Support Assistants are aware of their responsibility to maintain accurate records for individual clients.
12. Under the instruction of the Head of Care, work with other seniors to keep staff working lists up to date and evenly distributed, allowing appropriate time for each task and making certain that the rota accurately reflects the client to staff ratio, thereby ensuring safe practice.
PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING
The post-holder is required to use their own initiative in suggesting solutions when required, referring to the Head of Care for approval before implementation. There are occasions, particularly during evenings and weekends when the Senior Support Worker on duty is the Senior Officer in Charge with delegated responsibility for clients, staff and premises. The post holder will exercise judgement in problem solving/decision making, contacting the Service Manager, Head of Care, G.P. or Emergency Services if emergencies occur.
WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION
• Provide written and verbal reports on clients and maintain accurate records as appropriate.
• Work with others (e.g. therapists) in maintaining effective working relationships and good communication between staff and clients.
• Develop and maintain good contact and co-operation with relatives, carers, external professionals and advocates. The post-holder is required to refer important enquiries/concerns from external contacts to the Service Manager or another appropriate senior member of staff.
PHYSICAL ABILITY
The post-holder must be aware and alert to the requirements and needs of clients at all times. Although there are regular breaks built into each shift, the post-holder is perceived to be “on duty” throughout the 7.5 hour shift. They must be physically fit as the job involves moving and handling clients during bathing, toileting, transfers etc.
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
• A recognised qualification in Care/Nursing NVQ level 3 or a relevant allied profession is required. This will either be held now or there will be a commitment to work towards it.
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy is required since keeping records and contributing to reports is an integral part of the job.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The post requires previous experience of providing care and support to adults at risk, preferably in a residential setting with young adults with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.
A full Driving Licence would also be advantageous.