Care Support Worker – Active Living
FOREST OF DEAN CROSSROADS CARING FOR CARERS
Crossroads Gloucestershire
Full-time
Listed today
JOB DESCRIPTION / PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Care Support Worker – Active Living Date Created: August 2021 Reports To: Date Reviewed: Lead Support Worker (AL Day Centre) / AL Team Leader September 2024 The job description sets out the scope of the role at Crossroads Gloucestershire, together with the main duties of the post. It does not include or define all tasks which the post holder may be expected to carry out. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post or the level of responsibility. As part of the annual appraisal, outcome-based targets will be developed in conjunction with the post holder to supplement this job description. The job description will be subject to regular review and Crossroads Gloucestershire reserves the right to amend or add to the accountabilities listed. Job Purpose: • To provide support to carers and people with care needs, including emotional support • To support members of our community to live independently in their own homes and access their local community. • To provide companionship. • To provide respite breaks for unpaid carers. • To deliver therapeutic activities in a day centre setting or the client’s home. Duties of the Postholder: • To plan and deliver a bespoke Active Living service, using the care plan as guidance. • To develop and nurture a companionship to meet the individual client’s needs • To provide support with organised group activities for people with care needs • To support the person with care needs with activities outside their home, for example; community activities, shopping or attending medical appointments. • To support unpaid carers with respite breaks. • To assist with mobility, including the use of wheelchairs and hoists. • To assist with a therapeutic programme designed by a medical professional • To provide emotional support, companionship and a safe environment for those in need of supervision and help. • To carry out basic first aid and summon emergency services when necessary. • To report any concerns of abuse / welfare / safety of any adult or child whilst at work to a line manager or nominated person. • To undertake specialised tasks, as agreed and after appropriate training, for example; the administration of medication by specialised techniques, toenail care and assistance with oxygen therapy. • To prepare meals and drinks and help with eating / drinking. • To support the person with care needs with their medication. • To help clean the home, for example; washing up, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry. • To look after pets. • To implement, operate and maintain safe systems of work in accordance with Crossroads Gloucestershire’s policies, procedures and guidance, training and associated risk assessments. • To report to your manager any situations or issues for concern relating to significant foreseeable risks, incidents (including near misses) and / or accidents which give cause for concern in relation to safe systems of work (affecting your own health and safety or that of others affected by your work activities). • To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. • To work at all times within the values, philosophy and policies of Crossroads Gloucestershire. • To comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and with Crossroads Gloucestershire policy, paying particular attention to the reporting of dangerous situations. • To ensure that all mandatory training remains in date and to undertake all other required training in a timely manner. • To respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs, ensuring that Equal Opportunity principles are applied at all times. • To comply with the Code of Conduct and Behaviour Framework at all times. • To undertake any other duties that may be considered commensurate with the level of the post and that are set out in the care plan. This may include providing domicilary care services from time to time, with the following additional duties: o Assisting with personal hygiene, for example helping the person with care needs to have a bath or shower, to go to the toilet or to care for their skin and hair. o Assisting with dressing / undressing and personal appearance. Person Specification Essential Desirable Communication Communication • Experience of using alternative methods of communication • Ability to speak on behalf of others and to a range of internal and external professionals (colleagues, community nurses, doctors) • Ability to develop good working relationships with carers and people with care needs, whilst maintaining appropriate personal boundaries • Ability to learn new methods of communicating • Good written skills and the ability to make accurate records Knowledge, qualifications and experience Knowledge, qualifications and experience • Have a broad understanding of care • Previous experience of working in a skills required for the role care or support role • Understanding of the needs of carers • Possess a Care Certificate • Understanding of the needs of carers • Possess Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or NVQ Level 2 / or equivalent in Health and Social Care) • Knowledge of the local area Skills and abilities Skills and abilities • Ability to work individually and as part of • Ability to teach / coach in basic care related skills • To have an interest in arts and crafts and other activities that promote an active lifestyle a team • Ability to carry out care related tasks • Ability to support a person with their intimate personal care, with dignity and respect • Basic ability to use a computer / smart phone, to keep records and find information • Good observational skills • Ability to work to consistent high standards • Well-developed organisational skills • Ability to accurately manage and record basic financial information • Ability to make decisions and follow procedures Values • Able to demonstrate a commitment to the organisational values • Understanding of the principles of respect and dignity Personal Attributes Personal Attributes • Caring • Honest • Trustworthy • Loyal • Reliable • Innovative • Forward thinking Other Other • A valid driving licence, the use of own vehicle, MOT, road tax and business car insurance Comments: This role requires a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Staff must be able to work in the area covered in a time and cost-effective manner and drivers will only be permitted to carry service users if they have held a driving license for at least one year and have no more than six points on their license. As this role is subject to an enhanced DBS, applicants must be willing to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers.