Female Carer Support Worker/ Key worker

Female Carer and Key Worker

Home respite and future supported living

Recruitment areas: Dunstable and Houghton Regis
Current client location: Dunstable
Pay and contract type: To be confirmed
Hours: Variable respite hours initially, with a future flexible supported-living rota
Employer: Connections Healthcare Ltd
Visa sponsorship: Not available for this role

About the role

Connections Healthcare is recruiting an experienced, caring and reliable female carer/key worker from Dunstable or Houghton Regis to support a 19-year-old young woman. She currently lives in Dunstable and may later move to supported living in either Dunstable or Houghton Regis. We are therefore recruiting in both areas. Initially, support will take place in her family home and in the community, giving her family regular respite. The aim is to build a trusting relationship and help her enjoy a fulfilling life, meaningful activities and community involvement.

She is non-verbal and requires full assistance with daily living, including personal care, continence care, meals and accessing the community. Support must be patient, respectful and responsive to her individual communication, choices, routines and pace.

Hours and transition to supported living

Initial respite will be provided for a few hours each week, according to the family’s needs. Individual sessions may be shorter, around five to six hours, or occasionally up to eight hours in a day. Exact days, frequency and hours will be agreed with the family and management.

Once a suitable home is secured, the service is expected to move to supported living with support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The carers providing respite are expected to form part of the ongoing team, providing continuity through this transition.

Applicants must be willing to work a flexible rota, including longer and different shifts as the service develops. The 24-hour service will be covered by a staff rota providing daytime support and sleeping nights. Candidates must be willing to work weekends and bank holidays and provide cover for staff sickness and emergencies. The move date and future individual hours are not yet confirmed.

Personal care and everyday support

Provide sensitive assistance with bathing, showering, dressing, toileting, pad changes and continence care, protecting privacy and dignity. Prepare and cook meals and provide the eating and drinking support set out in her care plan. Help with domestic tasks, laundry and maintaining a clean, comfortable home.

Follow the individual care plan and risk assessments, and encourage participation and choice wherever possible. Notice and report changes in wellbeing, appetite, comfort or presentation promptly.

Communication and community life

Allow sufficient time for her to process information and respond. Use clear language, reassurance and her agreed communication methods, recognising non-verbal expressions and supporting any attempts to communicate without pressure to speak.

Plan and support regular community outings, visits and activities based on her interests, wishes and care plan. This may include several outings during a day where appropriate to her needs and energy levels. Support her to enjoy experiences and relationships beyond the home.

Drive her safely to activities and appointments using your reliable vehicle, following agreed transport arrangements and risk assessments. Work closely with her family, colleagues and management, sharing information to provide consistent care.

Key worker responsibilities

Build a consistent and trusting relationship, help maintain routines and contribute to planning and reviewing her support. Assist with a gradual transition to supported living when accommodation becomes available.

Keep clear, accurate and timely daily records and handovers. Report safeguarding concerns, incidents and changes promptly. Follow company policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, mental capacity, consent, equality, dignity and respect, and work within your training and competence.

Essential requirements

At least three years of experience in care, with the ability to provide full personal and continence care. A calm, patient, compassionate approach and reliable attendance are essential.

A full UK driving licence and access to your own reliable car. Appropriate business-use insurance for the role must be in place before transporting the person supported; applicants willing to arrange this cover are welcome.

Strong spoken and written English sufficient for clear communication, understanding care plans, accurate records and reporting concerns. Ability to cook, undertake domestic tasks and support community activities.

Willingness and flexibility to work the initial respite pattern and the future supported-living rota, including daytime support, sleeping nights, weekends, bank holidays, sickness cover and emergency cover. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship from Connections Healthcare.

A satisfactory DBS check appropriate to the role is required. Applicants with a relevant DBS certificate and Update Service registration are welcome, as are applicants willing to undertake the required DBS check. Checks will be verified through the recruitment process.

Desirable qualifications and experience

NVQ Level 3, or an equivalent relevant qualification, in Adult Care, Health and Social Care, or Children and Young People’s care. Experience supporting young adults with substantial daily living needs and people who communicate non-verbally is particularly desirable.

Female carer requirement

Female applicants only, due to the intimate personal care involved and the young woman’s privacy and dignity.

Applications

To express interest, email [email protected] or call 01438893370. Please provide details of your care experience, qualifications, driving and vehicle arrangements, DBS status and availability.

Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company car
• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person