Job Description

Care Bridge Specialists Complex Care Support Worker - Kendal

We are looking to attract heart-led support workers to join our growing community in the throughout the wider Cumbria area.

Who We Are

Care Bridge Specialists specialise in community pathways for people who are often considered too hard to place.

This includes interim and longer-term care and support for children and adults with autism, learning disabilities and mental health comorbidities and for those who are considered high risk and challenging due to their diagnoses, behaviours or social circumstances

Our model has been built specifically to meet the complexity of need for a specific cohort of individuals who are most at risk of placement breakdown, out of area placements, hospital admissions and inappropriate levels of restriction.

Our staff become the first line of support as a 'wrap-around team' who are skills matched and specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individuals we support.

Job Purpose

This is a rewarding opportunity to join a small, clinically-led organisation that specialises in supporting people with complex and high-acuity needs to live meaningful lives in the community."
The Care Bridge values are 'Be Caring' 'Be Brave' and 'Be Collaborative' because in times of crisis we all hope that people we know well and those we have never met will provide a bridge of support. To flourish and thrive, we all need connection to feel human as well as relationships that enrich and sustain us.

People with autism, learning disabilities, mental health comorbidities and complex needs also need experts like you who make caring for others the story of their lives. They need the competency and understanding of a skilled and person-centred Front-Line team who can meet them where they are, together with the hand of friendship that lends empathy and light when they need it most.

What's in it for You?

Pay and Contract

Competitive pay starting at 14-16 per hour, paid weekly on a zero-hours contract during the initial 6-month probation. Following successful completion of probation, you'll move onto a permanent contract with an annual salary (up to 30,000 per year) plus bonuses and incentives. We pay

PAYE only

- no umbrella schemes.

A Supportive Culture

A strong sense of purpose and belonging within a small, values-driven team. A holistic, staff-centric approach where your wellbeing matters as much as the people we support. Access to peer support groups, regular debriefs, and reflective practice sessions.

Opportunities and Variety

Work across a variety of service user groups with complex, high acuity needs so no two days are ever the same. The chance to make a genuine and meaningful impact in people's lives. Opportunities to take on specialist keyworker responsibilities and be involved in multi-disciplinary working.

Learning and Progression

Comprehensive training and continuous professional development through

Care Skills

and

The Care Bridge Academy

. Access to the

Care Bridge Knowledge Base

our very own digital portal for resources, learning, reflection and best practise Oversight and guidance from an in-house clinical multi-disciplinary team. Clear career progression pathways within our Specialist Divisions from Support Practitioner through to Senior roles, Integrated Care Leads, or training specialisms.

Your Responsibilities

Care & Support Delivery

Offer person-centred, passionate, empathetic and non-judgemental care and support. Understand, follow and implement tailored support in accordance with individual care & support plans. Meet the individual's needs in line with their preferences, goals and daily routines. Carry out personal care with dignity and respect, following care & support plans. Support individuals to access community activities, learning opportunities and educational resources that reflect their interests and needs. Undertake keyworker responsibilities, supporting people to manage their environment, belongings, dietary and financial needs.

Communication & Engagement

Communicate effectively with individuals in the way they choose, using speech, signing, or alternative communication methods. Use visual supports such as schedules, PECS, social stories, storyboards and communication systems to enable understanding and independence. Encourage and coach colleagues in using these strategies consistently. Maintain effective communication with healthcare professionals, families, and guardians.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

Demonstrate a deep understanding of safeguarding protocols and your duty of care. Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, escalating to the right people, providing accurate reports, and contributing to meetings or hearings. Record and escalate incidents using ABC charts, body maps and detailed reports. Understand and follow risk assessments, completing ad-hoc daily assessments for environments, trips, and activities.

Managing Complex Needs

Support individuals with highly complex needs, including crisis situations, challenging behaviours and fluctuating presentations. Use de-escalation techniques in line with support plans and Positive Behaviour Support principles. Administer medication safely and ensure attendance at therapeutic or clinical appointments.

Professional Standards & Record Keeping

Accurately record and update information on Care Bridge Specialists' digital care platform (Nourish). Maintain high standards of cleanliness, infection control, food safety and COSHH compliance. Attend debriefs, staff meetings, workshops and supervision sessions, contributing learning and insights.

Leadership & Team Contribution

Role model best practice and provide mentoring, shadowing and coaching for new practitioners and support workers. Support inductions, peer support groups, and upskilling of colleagues. Promote good team morale, effective communication and a collaborative working culture. Work closely with Care Bridge Specialists Management team to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.

Values & Other Duties

Carry out any additional tasks aligned with the needs of the role. Always work in a way that reflects the values and vision of Care Bridge Specialists:

Be Caring, Be Brave, Be Collaborative.

Person Requirements

Experience:

Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in health or social care, supporting people with complex needs, autism, learning disabilities and mental health.

Qualifications:

NVQ Level 2 or above in Health & Social Care (or Care Certificate as a minimum).

Specialist Training (must have or be willing to complete):

PMVA or CPI Safety Intervention(TM) (formerly MAPA - Management of Actual or Potential Aggression) NAPPI IPBS Level 3 Training Intensive Interaction Training

Core Training:

Full suite of mandatory health and social care training, including Safeguarding Adults and Children at Level 3.

Clearance:

Enhanced DBS Certificate for both Adults and Children.

Education:

GCSE level (or equivalent).

Driving:

Must hold a valid driving licence and be flexible to commute.

Professional Standards:

Able to evidence adherence to policies, procedures, duty of care and professional conduct.

Desirable

Experience supporting individuals with eating disorders, avoidant or restrictive food intake, and disordered eating presentations. Experience working with people with forensic mental health histories. Training or competency in PEG feeding, gastrostomy or nasogastric (NG) tube feeding. PROACT-SCIPr-UK training and low arousal approaches to behaviour support. Autism Level 2 Training, Autism Awareness, or Autism-Informed Practice modules (in addition to mandatory Oliver McGowan training).

Please note - WE DO NOT OFFER SPONSORSHIPS

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Zero hours contract

Pay: 14.00-16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 38 per week

Application question(s):

Are you a driver? Do you have experience supporting people with autism, learning disabilities & mental health?
Experience:

Healthcare: 3 years (required)
Work Location: On the road