We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join our expanding team at Canterbury Oast Trust as a Support Worker. We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities. If this is you and you are an enthusiastic, motivated, considerate and patient person please get in touch.This Support Worker role is located at Holly and Ivy Cottages, Highlands Farm, Woodchurch.

CANTERBURY OAST TRUST

Canterbury Oast Trust provides high quality care and support for adults with learning disabilities across Kent and East Sussex. We provide long-term accommodation and care in small family style homes. We support people to live the lives they choose through independence, dignity, choice and achievement.

As a Support Worker you will be in a team of 11 at Holly and Ivy Cottages. Holly cottage is home to 5 adults. Ivy cottage is home to 4 adults. Adults have a range of health needs and learning disabilities.

THE ROLE

As a Support Worker you will assist our service users in every aspect of their daily lives. Through a person-centred approach you will enable them to feel valued, reach their potential and nurture their aspirations.

Support Worker responsibilities:

o Supporting users in all aspects of their daily lives, including personal care
o Administering daily medications
o Attending medical appointments with service users
o Accompanying users to appointments, activities and shops
o Ensuring a consistency of care for all users at all times
o To ensure all requisite records are accurately maintained
o Supporting the design, implementation and updating of individual user care plans
o Driving house vehicles


This full time Support Worker role will based on:

o 162.5 hours per month
o Working variable shifts allocated on a monthly rota (including weekends and sleep-ins)


Prior knowledge or experience would be beneficial but is not essential. Comprehensive training will be provided.

ABOUT YOU

As a Support Worker you will ideally have:

Skills:

o A good standard of written (incl. handwritten) and spoken English - for effective communication, maintaining accurate plans, up to date record keeping and reading medication
o A good standard of numeracy (incl. calculations, measurements) - for counting medication, measuring weights and supporting service users with personal budgeting and using money
o A good standard of computer skills - for updating digital handover notes, care plans, risk assessments, emails and recording of necessary paperwork for service users
o A good level of Employability skills - for prioritising workloads and adapting to changing demands


Knowledge and Qualifications:

o An appreciation of the needs of people with learning disabilities plus autism and sensory impairments
o Knowledge of health conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes would be preferable but not essential as comprehensive training is available
o Care Certificate full training provided and a willingness to undertake Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
o 21 or over and held a full driving licence (manual) for at least one year. You may be required to take service users to appointments and/or activities using a house pool car


Personal qualities:

o Patient and calm under pressure
o To be considerate, supportive and be able to demonstrate compassion and empathy
o To be able to risk assess and respond appropriately
o Flexibility and the ability to adapt
o Self-motivated, enthusiastic and professional
o Work well within a team environment


BENEFITS

o Competitive salary plus allowances (Sleep-In £40.00; Awake Night £24.46 and Weekend Shifts £0.70 per hour). Pro rata for part time hours
o 22 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays; Additional annual leave for 3,4 and 5 years continuous service
o Paid DBS check
o Contributory pension scheme
o Healthcare Cash Plan on completion of 6 month probationary period
o Excellent training and development opportunities
o Free Parking
o Free entry to Rare Breeds Centre - 2 adults and 2 children.


ELIGIBILITY

All appointments are subject to:

o proof of eligibility to work in the UK
o an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service
o two satisfactory references (one of which must be from your current or most recent employer)
o full manual driving licence, be over 21 and must have been held for at least one year


APPLY

If you believe you have the right values for our organisation of:

o dependability
o respect and recognition
o professionalism and quality
o integrity and honesty
o equality and fairness
o resilience


and you meet the Support Worker requirements then we would love to hear from you.

Initial interviews will be held via zoom. If you are successful after the initial interview you will be invited for a second interview. These will be held in a socially distanced environment at Holly and Ivy Cottages.