Support Worker

Do you feel passionately about supporting people in your community who are experiencing poor mental health?

Would you like to work within an organisation whose employees consistently report feeling valued and supported?

No previous support worker experience necessary, as full training is provided.

**What does the role involve?**

This role is integral to what we do, and will see you working as part of a dedicated team at one of our CQC Registered Residential Homes.

Our homes provide a safe and nurturing environment to people who have, or are recovering from mental health issues.

You **will not** be required to provide any ‘personal care’ to our residents.

Instead, this role involves working with and supporting individuals with the aim of maximising their independence, integrating them into the community, and helping them to achieve a higher quality of life.

Core functions:

- Assisting in the planning, implementation and evaluation of residents’ individual support programmes.
- Undertaking or assisting in the preparation of meals, shopping, cleaning, and laundry according to the needs of individuals.
- Developing and participating in recreational activities within and outside the house.
- Developing relationships with residents on a professional basis by providing them with practical, emotional, and social support.
- Developing and maintaining good relations with residents’ relatives, friends and others involved in their lives and their care.
- Assessing, advising and supporting residents in their dealings with outside agencies.

**Who Do We Need?**

Our homes in Southborough and central Tunbridge Wells are both looking to add to their teams, on a permanent basis, with a caring and compassionate individual..

The role is full time, working 37.5 hours per week, and as our homes provide support 24/7, you **must** be able to work some out-of-hours shifts, including weekends and nights (our nights are sleeping-in shifts). We would consider part time applicants, as long as you are able to commit to a minimum of 22.5 hours per week (3 shifts), and at least one out-of-hours shift.

A positive attitude towards people who experience mental health difficulties, and a willingness to work with them in a residential setting is essential.

You must be an excellent communicator who is comfortable using I.T.

A driving licence is not essential at our home in Southborough, but it is at our home in central Tunbridge Wells, where company vehicles are used to transport residents to appointments and activities.

Some training or experience relating to the support of mental health and/or a level 2 qualification in social care would be an advantage. If you don’t have these, then a willingness and ability to complete the necessary training is all we need.

Finally, you must be a supportive team player, with the confidence to share ideas and work in a creative way, enabling and encouraging those in your care to make their own decisions about their own lives.

**What Are the Rewards?**
- We offer 28 days paid annual leave for the first year of employment (including bank holidays). This increases annually by 1 day, up to a maximum of 33 days. (Both figures are pro rata’d for part time employees)
- We offer a company pension scheme from month three, with increasing employer contributions after the first year of service.
- Our comprehensive benefits package, includes health insurance (for you and qualifying family members), discounts on certain purchases and company sick pay (following successful completion of probation).
- We actively support and encourage our employees’ development, with a variety of in-house and externally provided training options.
- Free on-site parking.

**Who are Crossways Community?**

We are a growing Tunbridge Wells based Christian charity, with a passion to see better mental health in our community.

Crossways has a proven track record in providing residential care and support for adults with acute mental health issues, giving residents valuable life skills and work experience, and promoting awareness of mental health issues within schools, churches and the local community.

We provide moral and practical support to those in our care, helping individuals to access the services they need, as well as facilitating activities with the aim of recognising potential, encouraging independence, and promoting self-worth.

Our community projects include a successful café, “The Kitchen Table” in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, “Reboot” our mental health awareness programmes and the recently launched “Flourish Gardening Project” in Rusthall.

**Our vision is of communities where people with poor mental health are not alone, but receive the care, respect and support they need.**

**If you like the sound of who we are, and feel you have what we need, we would love to hear from you**
- Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with Governmen