Job Description

Job Role:

Elderly & Dementia Support Worker Days

Service:

Heathside

/

The Mews

Hours per week:

24 - 36 Hours per week

Salary:

12.61 per hour

Location:

Penketh, Warrington

About Heathside and The Mews

We support older people and people with dementia in our residential homes, Heathside and The Mews, either as a permanent new home or for short respite breaks. Heathside is our 37-bedroom residential home with a cozy and homely feel, and The Mews is our 25-bed home with a light, modern airy feel. Heathside and The Mews are just next door to one another and collaborate on many fun activities and outings, but each offers a different living experience to the residents. You can read more about each home on our website.


One thing they have in common, though, is the high level of care provided. Our approach is entirely built around the people we support, and we don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Everyone we support is different, so we take the time to get to know them and create a bespoke support plan and personalise everything - even down to how they like their morning routine.

A Day in the Life of an Elderly & Dementia Support Worker

In this role, your days are as varied as the individuals you care for. At the heart of our approach is person-centered planning, tailoring support to meet the unique needs of each person in your care. Equipped with comprehensive training and the unwavering support of your team, you'll provide a wide range of assistance, from personal care, to being a friendly presence in their day, respecting their individuality, celebrating life histories and supporting people in doing what they enjoy. Your dedication and compassionate care will create a sense of safety and comfort, empowering individuals to live their best lives.

Our Employee Benefits

As a charity, we do what we can to show our teams that we value them and the life-changing work they do, so we offer the following:

Welcome Bonus

: You'll receive 500 as a warm welcome to the team. Not eligible if we pay to sponsor you to work in the UK*

Training and Development:

We offer access to both in-house and accredited courses. We will cover the cost of your qualification, and on completing Level 2 or above, you'll receive a 150 bonus (with an additional 50 for passing the care certificate).

Health and Wellbeing Support:

offering health and wellbeing support including 24/7 access to GP.

Blue Light Card and other discount schemes:

We cover the cost of your card, unlocking various discounts for you. Enjoy discounts on childcare, shopping, and a wide range of online training courses.

Night Enhancement:

An additional 1 per hour enhancement for all hours worked between 8pm and 8am, whether regular contracted hours, bank hours, or overtime.

Free Meals:

Available to all staff working 12-hour shifts, ensuring you stay energized with a hot or cold meal.

Refer a Friend:

You can earn a 200 bonus for referring a friend who successfully joins WCL.

Christmas Enhancement (Double Time):

Enjoy double-time pay for allocated Christmas hours worked.

Ongoing Technological Advancements:

Benefit from our investment in new technology, including care plans and Rota apps, with full training provided.

Get Paid As You Earn -

With FlexEarn, you don't have to wait for payday. WCL gives you access to a portion of your earnings as soon as you've worked the hours. It's a great way to stay on top of your finances, cover unexpected costs, or just have a bit more flexibility with your money.

What We're Looking For

Although previous experience would be great, it's not essential, as all training and qualifications are provided on the job!


At We Change Lives (WCL), we seek compassionate individuals who share our vision and values. You'll champion the rights, needs, choices, and dreams of our residents, making a positive difference in their lives. Dedication to embracing innovation, valuing each colleague's unique contributions, and fostering a supportive and empowering work environment, are all key to who we are at WCL. If you're driven to transform lives, you'll fit right in with us.

Job Title:

Support Worker

Responsible to:

Service Manager

Responsible for:

The People We Support

Our Values

Supporting rights, needs, choices and dreams


Seeing the possibility to make a difference in all that we do


Being financially responsible and economically sustainable


Embracing new technology and innovation


Appreciating every colleague's contribution

Job Summary

To work under the direction of the Service Manager to meet the needs of the people we support, promoting an environment that provides high-quality, personalised care through individual consultation, continued development, and learning.

Key Responsibilities

Colleagues

Mentor new colleagues during induction to support high-quality care delivery


Participate in supervision, observation and appraisal processes


Provide effective communication including accurate written reports

Business

Follow WCL financial procedures


Act in line with the organisation's environmental and sustainability principles

The People We Support

Help maintain a caring environment aligned with best practice, guidance and legislative requirements


Contribute to clear and effective communication with all stakeholders


Deliver high-quality care in line with support plans and organisational policy (including personal care, physical and mental support, medication, activities and engagement)


Seek and share the views and preferences of the people we support


Promote high levels of satisfaction among people we support, families, colleagues and commissioners


Support the Service Manager with complaints and concerns following WCL policy


Maintain positive relationships with families, the community, and external partners


Understand and implement safeguarding procedures

Safeguarding

Complete Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults and Mental Capacity Act training


Recognise and report safeguarding concerns appropriately

Health and Safety

As an employee, you must:


Take reasonable care of your own and others' health and safety


Cooperate with the employer to ensure compliance with legislation


Avoid misuse of equipment or systems provided for safety


Support the Service Manager in maintaining a safe environment

Data Protection

Respect confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and ISO27001


Use and share information only with authorised people and for authorised purposes


This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended to meet service needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Desirable:


A recognised health or social care qualification


Additional relevant training or qualifications

Experience

Essential:


Evidence of wanting to professionally develop


Willingness and ability to learn



Desirable:


Experience supporting people with disabilities, older people, dementia or mental health needs


Experience working as part of a team

Technical Skills

Essential:


Ability to handle basic numerical data, including simple financial information


Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word and Outlook)



Desirable:


Ability to use WCL transport or own transport when required

Personal Qualities

Essential:


Understanding of fairness and valuing diversity


Understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults and the ability to recognise concerns


Ability to work positively and flexibly as part of a team


Positive values relating to disability, older people, dementia and mental health


Understanding of WCL's key statements and how to demonstrate them


Ability to provide high-quality support to people with learning disabilities, dementia and mental health needs


Good verbal and written communication skills


Ability to listen sensitively


Strong interpersonal skills


Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with others



Desirable:


Ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks


Understanding of positive, person-centred support planning

Ready to Change Lives? Apply Now!

If you are passionate about making a genuine impact and enriching the lives of others, then

we would love to hear from you

. Once you've applied, one of our friendly team will be in touch to discuss the next steps!

More About We Change Lives

We Change Lives (WCL) is a remarkable charity based in Northwest England, dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people, those with dementia, and individuals experiencing mental health issues. Our mission is to enable people to lead their best lives in purposeful, healthy, and fulfilling ways. We achieve this by providing compassionate support through our residential homes, supported living schemes, and various community-based services.