• This post is a Residential Support Worker (Casual), working as a part of a team of in-house staff providing support at Orient Street Short Breaks (respite) adults with learning disabilities and autism (and associated physical disabilities).

• 5 beds for Adults (Registered with the Care Quality Commission).

• To provide a person centred, safe, caring, engaging and stimulating environment. In a service which is committed to providing a bespoke service that promotes the wellbeing and rights of everyone it supports. Supporting people to develop their skills and independence, to make friends and have a positive and enjoyable stay.

• We also provide support to people who need emergency placements or who are experiencing crises in their lives and individuals for a reablement and support to enter new service provision.

• To support the service to deliver a high standard of support, which is evidenced based, and outcome focused for both the people we support and their families, facilitating maximum independence, dignity, choice, and control, through person centred planning and support.

• To ensure that all work undertaken is in line with best practice, regulatory standards, the services and Southwark’s values and policies and procedures.

• To ensure that a person-centred approach is adopted to meet the identified needs of the individual in accordance with individual support plans.

• To provide personal care such as supporting people to wash, bathe, dress, with eating and attending to toileting needs in an empowering and respectful way and to undertake manual handling duties as required in accordance with individual care plans.

• To assist, when required, with domestic duties including cleaning, preparation of meals, kitchen duties and general home management.

• To work in accordance with the medication policy under direction of senior staff on shift in accordance with Southwark’s policy in relation to the safe storage, handling and recording of medicines and treatments.

• To comply with all health and safety and recording requirements as per service needs and as directed by senior staff. To be responsible for the safety and well-being of the clients when on duty.

• To maintain and update records including risk assessments, daily logs and records in an accurate and timely manner (paper and electronic) to ensure people we support wellbeing and ensure clear handover and communication with colleagues and managers.

• To undertake outreach work as required. This may include visits to schools and homes.

• To attend meetings, supervisions, training courses and follow-up refresher courses as required.

• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post and grade.

• Knowledge and understanding of people with learning disabilities, autism and behaviours of concern.

• Knowledge of legislation and statutory guidance in relation to adults, safeguarding practice, mental capacity and deprivation of liberty legislation and best practice.

• Knowledge of on call procedures and regulatory requirements for reporting and escalating issues or concerns.

• Awareness of health and safety issues within a residential environment.

• Demonstrate a general understanding of and commitment to the Councils Equality and Diversity Policy.

• Knowledge of issues involved in the care and control of medication.

• An understanding of the principles of Person-centred working and how they would be implemented in a respite setting.

• Experience of working with adults with learning difficulties within a residential environment, including experience of providing personal care and working with people who have behaviours of concern.

• Experience of successful working in an integrated manner, including team working and partnership to achieve positive outcomes for adults.

• Knowledge and experience around setting targets/ goals and measuring achievements and promoting a wide range of activities for all client groups.

• To have assisted in the implementation of a programme of activities designed to help the person they support to learn a new skill or develop an already acquired interest or activity.

• Knowledge of issues involved in the care and control of medication.

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Ability to organise and prioritise own and other’s work responding to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in writing, verbally and through reports. This includes the ability to produce and read quality care plans and complete daily records.

• Computer literacy skills at a level to maintain case records within information management systems.

• Ability to work in a person-centred way and fulfil the role of key worker, to advocate on behalf of residents and promote their independence.

• Commitment and ability to work in accordance with the organisations policies and procedures.

• Shift times are typically 07:00 – 15:00, 15:00 – 22:00, 21:3 - 7:30 but this can be subject to change.

• The post holder may be required to work outside of normal working hours in accordance with service needs.