Support Worker

at  Autism Plus

ABOUT AUTISM PLUS

Autism Plus are a leading Yorkshire Charity supporting adults and young people with autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and complex needs.
In 1986 the Charity was created by a group of parents looking for the very best support for their children who were about to leave a specialist school. Once they reached the age of 17, they found there was little or no support. The belief set by our founding parents, to empower more people to live independent, fulfilling lives remains our focus today.
We employ over 350 people across the north of England in care support services, employment support and social enterprise businesses.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

Ideally qualified with an NVQ Level 2 in Social Care

• Minimum of 1 years experience within the care sector

Have an interest in people and a commitment to helping others
The ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with vulnerable people and their families
Good listening skills
An empathetic approach
The ability to gain the trust of individuals and their families and to build good relationships with vulnerable people
The ability to carry out practical and domestic duties
An organised, efficient and flexible approach
The ability to work independently and as part of a team
A high level of patience and emotional resilience
A non-judgmental attitude regardless of the individual’s needs or situation
Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication to the audience
Ability to deal with budgets and handle monies
Good IT skills including Outlook and Microsoft Word
A respect for client confidentiality

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Shifts Patterns: 36 hours a week on a fortnightly rolling rota basis, shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, bank holidays and public holidays. Sleep shifts may also be required.
Autism Plus are looking for Support Workers who are emphatic and compassionate to provide person centred support to individuals with Autism, leaning disabilities and mental health conditions within our new Hull Supported Living Services opening soon. The role is incredibly rewarding as you will support individuals to live as independently as possible, empower them to identify their goals, pursue interests and hobbies, support health and well-being, and to be a part of their local community.
Experience in the care sector is absolutely essential for this role. You must be able to commit to a fully paid, full time 3-week induction when you start your employment with us.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist individuals in their home in accordance with Care Plans and assess their skills and needs
• Provide practical support for individuals such as helping with household tasks including cooking, cleaning, laundry, personal care and paperwork
• Provide emotional support to individuals by talking to them and listening to their problems and concerns
• Understanding their communication needs and adapting communication to each individual, e.g. sounds, tones, body language
• To offer unconditional positive regard to individuals, to respect right to privacy and to ensure that their dignity is maintained at all times
• Becoming both a role model and companion to the individual and uncovering shared interests, such as hobbies and outings
• Assist in planning and pursuing agreed strategies to support and alleviate behaviour that presents challenge
• Supporting and monitoring their healthcare needs, including administering medication, where applicable
• Supporting individuals to pursue hobbies, interests, leisure activities and new skills, enabling them to integrate within the local community
• Helping individuals with budgeting and paying bills
• Handle petty cash on their behalf according to company procedures
• Accompanying individuals to appointments and meetings with other agencies and healthcare professionals
• Working with families to help them to support individuals in the most effective way possible
• Liaising with other support workers, social workers and relevant members of the health care profession
• To assist in ensuring the environment is safe and responsive to individual needs
• To keep appropriate records on all matters including untoward or unusual behaviour
• To protect confidentiality of personal information and ensure the information is only disclosed to those who have a right and need to know
• To provide verbal and written reports
• Participate in always promoting a team approach including supporting colleagues when required and assisting in the induction of new staff
• Undertake other ad-hoc duties relating to the role
• Maintain a clean safe environment for individuals, staff, and visitors
• Assist with mobility, transferring using hoists and moving and handling equipment
• Promote independence and life skills with the individuals we support
• Assist and support individuals with meeting personal hygiene needs
• Assist with meals and drinks