Specialist Support Worker

To support people with profound & complex learning Disabilities and Autism to live a full and active life based on their individual plans, their wishes, and aspirations. To ensure that service users' care and support needs are met in a safe and supportive environment. This could be based in a day centre setting or in the community. To establish programmes of meaningful activities and support to develop personalised services which meet the needs of the service user. Ensure that health, safety and well-being needs are met within a range of settings and in the community.,

• To have an enhanced knowledge of learning disabilities and associated conditions.


• To uphold the dignity and respect of individual service users through positive behaviour support and encouragement including when challenging circumstances occur.


• To contribute to the development and implementation of TEACCH programmes for service users with Autism.


• Undertake monitoring observations of wellbeing or behaviour and share, record the data accurately keeping care plans updated.


• To actively work in a person-centred way by developing a professional working relationship with service users in determining how their care and support is delivered whilst they are in receipt of a service and how their wishes, aspirations and outcomes can be supported.


• To work with families, carers and other professionals involved in the care and support of individual service users whilst ensuring that record keeping is accurate.


• To deliver support with all aspects of personal care support which is based on the needs of the service user and ensures that the highest levels of dignity and respect are maintained.


• To Communicate effectively with service users using Total Communication methods appropriate to the individual. Develop a rapport with carers, parents and other individuals connected with the daily living of service users


• To administer medication in line with policy and procedures.


• Where necessary assist service users to eat and drink working within guidelines regarding dietary restrictions and specialist diets including Gastronomy peg feeding.


• To work as part of a team and develop good working relationship with colleagues including participating in team meetings, a commitment to learning and development, appraisals and supervision.


• Update individual plans and information sheets, recording any relevant information as required. This includes maintaining the stocked items needed for individuals who have higher care needs.


• Support service users with a range of domestic tasks such as vacuuming, dishwashing and keeping clean food preparation areas.


• To participate in the review process and ensure that outcomes from this are followed through and all necessary paperwork is complete.


• To undertake Key Working responsibilities for individual service users which include keeping files up to date


• To support the development of risk assessments for service users, group activities and ensure that these are understood by all involved.
  
  We are looking for Specialist Support Workers who can demonstrate compassion and empathy in their approach to supporting people, either through previous roles in social care or in other roles.
  
  Heathlands is a purpose-built centre offering day/weekend opportunities for adults with profound and complex learning disabilities and Autism. At Heathlands we are committed to providing a personalised service which supports people to achieve outcomes in developing their independent living skills towards a meaningful and active life.