Support Worker

Role Purpose

The role of each staff member within Supported Living Services is to support people with learning disabilities, autism and associated complex needs to live fulfilled, meaningful and ordinary lives in their own homes and communities.

Support Workers will provide safe, high‑quality, person‑centred support in line with individual support plans, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approaches and risk assessments, promoting independence, dignity, choice, rights and social inclusion.

All practice must align with RQIA Domiciliary Care Regulations and Minimum Standards, Northern Ireland legislation, and a rights‑based, holistic model of care, recognising that individuals are tenants or householders with control over their own lives.

Main Responsibilities

Person‑Centred Support and Independence

• Provide support in line with individual support plans, assessed needs and personal goals.

• Promote independence, life skills and confidence, encouraging individuals to do as much as possible for themselves.

• Support daily living tasks such as meal preparation, household management, budgeting and personal routines.

• Facilitate informed choice and decision‑making, taking account of capacity and consent at all times.

Personal Care and Wellbeing

1. Support individuals with personal care where required, including personal hygiene and toileting, in a manner that upholds dignity, privacy, consent and respect.

2. Support individuals to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing.

3. Promote healthy lifestyles, routines and self‑care skills.

Health Support and Medication

1. Support individuals to access healthcare appointments and services as required.

2. Support medication administration only when trained, competent and authorised, in line with medication policies and individual risk assessments.

3. Observe and report changes in health, behaviour or presentation promptly to senior staff.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Work in accordance with individual PBS plans, using proactive and preventative strategies.

• Support individuals in ways that reduce behaviours of concern and improve quality of life.

• Maintain a culture of least‑restrictive practice, recognising behaviour as communication.

• Contribute to the review of PBS strategies through observation, recording and feedback.

Community Inclusion and Meaningful Activity

1. Support individuals to engage in meaningful activities within their community, based on their interests and aspirations.

2. Support access to education, employment, volunteering, leisure and social opportunities where appropriate.

3. Enable individuals to maintain social, cultural and religious connections of their choosing.

4. Support planning and participation in holidays, short breaks and community events where required.

Safeguarding and Risk Awareness

1. Promote and maintain safeguarding at all times in line with adult safeguarding procedures and organisational policy.

2. Recognise signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation and act promptly.

3. Balance risk and independence through positive risk‑taking and risk management plans.

4. Maintain professional boundaries at all times**.**

Communication and Partnership Working

1. Work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and external professionals.

2. Communicate effectively with colleagues and managers about support needs, risks and changes.

3. Record and report contact with families, carers and professionals appropriately.

Record Keeping and Accountability

1. Maintain accurate, timely and person‑centred records including daily notes, support plans and PBS documentation.

2. Ensure documentation reflects outcomes, choices and experiences, not just tasks completed.

3. Maintain confidentiality in line with Data Protection and GDPR requirements.

Environment and Domestic Support

1. Support individuals to maintain their own homes safely, including cleaning, laundry and food preparation where required.

2. Promote involvement and skill‑building rather than doing tasks for individuals.

3. Follow health and safety and infection prevention procedures in people’s homes.

Professional Practice and Flexibility

1. Work flexibly to meet the needs of individuals, including varied shift patterns where required.

2. Act professionally at all times when working in people’s own homes.

3. Carry out additional reasonable duties as required by the service

Training and Development

1. Participate fully in supervision, appraisal and performance management processes.

2. Attend mandatory and role‑specific training in line with RQIA requirements.

3. Maintain competence in safeguarding, PBS, medication, record keeping and infection control.

4. Take responsibility for continued professional development.

General

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties to meet the needs of the service.

The organisation reserves the right to amend this job description in line with service developments and regulatory requirements.

• Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role