Job Description

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. The Percy Hedley Foundation has five sites providing specialist education, adult day services, residential care services and independent supported living to our service users. Our sites are based in Forest Hall, Killingworth, Jesmond, Spital Tongues 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

We are looking for people who are passionate about providing excellent care and support, and who hold a British Sign Language qualification to provide flexible support to our independent supported living service in Spital Tongues.

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

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.

A flexible working approach is essential as bank positions are required to provide cover as and when needed - the hours and days will vary according to the needs of the service. You will also have to opportunities to support into our other services including residential settings, day services and schools.

We would love to hear from you and welcome all applications.

Why Work for Us

We also offer the following benefits to staff:

Wellbeing support Contributory Pension Scheme Induction and ongoing training Employee Assistance Programme Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping, including Blue Light Card
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.

The position will be closed once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

INDLP

Pay: 15.01 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Transport links
Licence/Certification:

British Sign Language Qualification (required)
Work Location: In person