Learning Disabilities Support Worker

**_Are you someone who wants to make a difference in children’s lives? Are you passionate and committed for breaking down barriers for those with learning disabilities? Then we have the job for you._**

**Who are we looking for?**

Amegreen are looking for people who want to make a difference to the lives of children who reside in our homes to join our ever-growing team and continue the outstanding care we aspire to. Our specialist home for children with learning disabilities will be opening in September. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who want to help empower and support our children to become independent, and able to share their voice with their communities.

Ideally, we are looking for experienced support workers to work in our home with children aged between 5 years and 16 years. However, if this sounds like the job for you but you have not worked within residential care or learning disability before, don't worry. We will support and train you to gain the experience needed to become a qualified care worker in children’s residential care for learning disabilities.

We are looking for someone who is confident, adaptable, resilient, self-aware and attuned. Someone who enjoys being with children and can provide an enriched and thriving environment. You will be able to provide a safe, secure and containing space where children can feel comfortable to express themselves.

You will be creative in developing ways which help the young people communicate, and have their voices heard, as so many vulnerable young people do not have this basic need met. This may mean taking extra training courses such as Makaton, or PECS (picture exchange communication system).

Our children may have a range of learning disabilities and will need diligent care and support to safeguard them and give them the tools to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Some of the learning disabilities we work with are Autism, ADHD, FASD, global development delay, speech and language disorders, reduced mobility.

Experience of working with children is desirable however, if this is new to you, training and development opportunities are available to support your professional development. Experience of working with behaviour management is also desirable however we will train you in the use of our therapeutic parenting model PACE to assist you in developing your behaviour management skills.

Diploma Level 3 qualification would be an advantage although a fantastic training package is available alongside opportunities for professional growth and supervision.

The role is working a 40-hour working week, including weekends and Bank Holidays to include sleep in shifts each week.

**_The shift patterns are: _**
- 7.00am - 3.00pm_
- 2.00pm - 10.00pm_
- 7.00am - 10.00pm_

**What does the job entail?**
- _To act as a positive role model for the Children within Amegreen Children’s Services, offering care and support based on structure, consistency and nurturing as part of day-to-day living._
- _To ensure the safety of each Child at all times._
- _To be intuitive to Children needs; be it physical or emotional._
- To help the children to communicate their needs effectively._
- To support the children to be as independent as their learning disability allows._
- _To be alert to any indication of stress or abuse; and monitoring, recording and reporting accordingly._
- _To encourage, advise and promote good personal hygiene for all Children._
- To provide personal care for children who may need additional support with this._
- To help the children feel a sense of belonging in their community and advocate for them when faced with discrimination._
- _To care for and provide for our children’s daily needs, i.e. washing, cooking, ironing, shopping and bathing (if appropriate)_
- _To supervise and engage in a wide range of activities with Children, escorting to and from given activities by either car or public transport_
- _To be able to listen to, guide and advise children sensitively, offering comfort at times of stress or sadness, and sharing their joy when right to do so._
- _To carry out any administrative duties and record information with accuracy: _
- _Plus any other duties which are found to be appropriate/needed within the lives of children in our care and at times be involved in the provision of an after care service._

*A full job description will be provided

**About Us**

Amegreen Children’s Services is an established and respected provider of residential children’s homes having been established in 1987. Our independent children’s homes are rated as Good by Ofsted and provide therapeutic care to children between the ages of 5 and 18 who are unable to live with their families.

Amegreen Children’s Services work incredibly hard to ensure that our young people have the care they need. We are proud of our values and how our teams strive to live by these everyday.

We are located in West Berkshire within easy access of Reading,