Support Worker

Avant-Garde Services Ltd is looking for compassionate, reliable and dedicated Support Workers to join our team and provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to adults within their own homes and supported living environments.

As a Support Worker, you will play an important role in helping the people we support to live as independently and safely as possible. You will provide practical and emotional support based on each individual's needs, preferences, abilities and personal goals.

You may support people with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, dementia, mental health needs, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

The successful candidate will be caring, patient and respectful, with a genuine desire to make a positive difference to people's lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Person-Centred Support
• Provide compassionate, respectful and person-centred care and support.
• Support individuals to maintain their dignity, privacy, independence and choice.
• Follow individual care plans, risk assessments and support plans.
• Encourage individuals to make their own choices and participate in decisions about their care and daily lives.
• Support people to achieve their personal goals and maintain their independence.
• Develop positive and professional relationships with the people we support.

Personal Care

• Where required and in accordance with individual care plans:
• Support with washing, bathing, dressing and personal hygiene.
• Assist with toileting and continence care.
• Support with eating and drinking.
• Assist with mobility and transfers in accordance with assessed needs and training.
• Provide appropriate support with daily routines.
• Maintain dignity and respect at all times when providing personal care.

Daily Living & Independence

• Support individuals with household tasks and maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Assist with shopping, meal preparation and other daily activities.
• Encourage people to develop and maintain practical life skills.
• Support individuals to access their local community.
• Accompany people to appointments, activities, social events and other outings where required.
• Encourage participation in meaningful activities based on individual interests and preferences.

Emotional & Social Support

• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Listen to individuals and respond sensitively to their needs and concerns.
• Encourage social interaction and community participation.
• Help reduce social isolation and promote wellbeing.
• Support individuals to maintain relationships with family, friends and their wider community.

Medication & Health Support

• Support individuals with medication in accordance with their care plan, training and company procedures.
• Accurately record medication administration and report any concerns or discrepancies immediately.
• Monitor individuals for changes in health or wellbeing.
• Report changes in physical or mental health to the appropriate person.
• Liaise with healthcare professionals when required and directed by the management team.

Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of the people we support.
• Recognise and report safeguarding concerns in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow individual risk assessments and organisational health and safety procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, injuries and other concerns promptly.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Protect the confidentiality and personal information of service users.

Record Keeping & Communication

• Maintain accurate and timely care records, daily notes and other required documentation.
• Record relevant changes in individuals' needs, behaviour, health or circumstances.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the management team.
• Attend team meetings, supervision and training sessions as required.
• Ensure important information is communicated during handovers.
• Use electronic care systems and other IT systems where required.

Essential Skills & Experience

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• A genuine passion for supporting people and improving their quality of life.
• A caring, patient and respectful approach.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• The ability to build trusting and professional relationships.
• Reliability, punctuality and a strong work ethic.
• The ability to follow care plans, policies and procedures.
• Good observation and reporting skills.
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• A commitment to safeguarding and maintaining people's dignity and rights.
• A willingness to learn and undertake relevant training.

Experience & Qualifications

Previous experience in health or social care is desirable but not essential for the right candidate, depending on the role and service requirements.

We welcome applications from people with experience in:

• Domiciliary care
• Supported living
• Learning disabilities
• Dementia care
• Mental health support
• Physical disability support
• Community support
• Residential care
• Personal care

Relevant qualifications such as NVQ/QCF Level 2 or Level 3 in Health & Social Care are desirable.

Full training and induction will be provided where appropriate.

What We Offer

• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Opportunities to gain relevant care qualifications and develop your career.
• Regular supervision and support from experienced managers.
• Opportunities for progression within the organisation.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Flexible working opportunities, subject to service requirements.
• The opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and support them to achieve their personal goals.

The Person

The ideal Support Worker will be:

• Compassionate – treating everyone with kindness, dignity and respect.
• Reliable – understanding the importance of consistency and continuity of care.
• Patient – taking the time to understand individual needs and preferences.
• Respectful – recognising people's rights, choices, culture and individuality.
• Observant – able to recognise changes in wellbeing and raise concerns appropriately.
• Professional – maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Flexible – able to respond positively to changing needs and service requirements.
• Team-focused – communicating effectively and working collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals.

Safeguarding

All Support Workers are expected to understand their safeguarding responsibilities and report any concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.

The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, employment references and verification of qualifications and employment history.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Avant-Garde Services Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and value the different experiences, skills and perspectives that our employees bring to our organisation.

If you are caring, motivated and passionate about supporting people to live fulfilling and independent lives, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: £25,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person