Job Description

Support Worker

Alternative Care Services is looking to recruit experienced Community Support Workers

to join our team. Alternative Care Services is a domiciliary care and supported living agency that provides home care and support to our clients in Luton and Lambeth.

What is a support worker?

The definition of a support worker is someone who looks after the well-being of vulnerable people. They help people to live their lives as independently as possible and support them in reaching their potential, through both practical and emotional support.

The type of care you provide will be tailored to the needs of the individual. You could work both independently and as part of a team, in a variety of different settings, such as in the individual's home.

What does a support worker do?

A support worker role will vary depending on the person you're supporting, as well as seniority and specialism, but generally speaking you will be supporting vulnerable people with many aspects of their day-to-day living, helping them to take care of themselves and live a fulfilled life. Different people will need support for different reasons. For instance, they may have mental health needs, learning disabilities, medical conditions or physical disabilities. As a support worker, you will be working in people's homes, in the community.

The career prospects are good too, with lots of opportunities to progress your career into more senior roles, such as team leader or service manager, or a different specialism, such as mental health or dementia.

Role of a support worker:

The daily schedule of a support worker is unique and varied because the people you support all have unique needs. Whilst this can be a very diverse role, the key focus is always on supporting a person to lead a fulfilling and more independent life.

On a day-to-day basis, support worker duties could include helping with meal preparation, household chores, administering medication, managing finances, accessing community facilities, going shopping, meeting friends, visiting the doctors, finding a job, or providing general emotional support. The list really is endless.

In addition to this, you will often work with significant people in the person's life, such as friends and family, by giving them confidence and reassurance and involving them in the person's care.

Support worker responsibilities:

Providing emotional support to individuals and their families.

Providing practical support for individuals and their families, such as helping with household tasks, personal care and paperwork.

Supporting and monitoring their healthcare needs, including administering medication and temperature checks.

Supporting them to pursue hobbies and interests.

Supporting the learning of new skills or gaining employment.

Teaching life skills, such as budgeting and paying bills.

Helping with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, writing a shopping list, going shopping or maintaining their housing tenancy.

Helping them to access community facilities and be included in community groups.

Understanding their communication needs and adapting your communication to each individual, e.g. sounds, tones, body language.

Working with other professionals, such as doctors and therapists, to ensure consistency of support.

Analysing an individual's needs and drawing up a focused support plan.

Becoming both a role model and companion to the individual and uncovering shared interests, such as hobbies and outings.

Join our team as a Support Worker and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. If you are dedicated to providing quality care and support, we welcome your application.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.60 per hour

Benefits:

Company pension Employee mentoring programme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Physical Setting:

Homecare Sheltered housing
Shift:

8 hour shift Day shift Night shift
Work days:

Monday to Friday
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

Home care: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person