Support Worker

**Council**:Social Witness

**Hours**: Post 1: 17 hours; Post 2: 20 hours per week

**Responsible to**: Project Manager

**Job Overview**:
**About Willowbrook**:
Willowbrook is a supported housing scheme accommodating nine tenants with learning disabilities across different residential units. Additionally, Topley Terrace provides housing for three adults with physical disabilities. Our goal is to provide person-centred support, fostering independence and a fulfilling quality of life for all tenants.

**About The Role**

**Key Responsibilities**:
**SUPPORT FOR TENANTS**

1. To ensure tenants receive appropriate assessment, training and support to develop skills and attitudes, in achieving the outcomes of their Personal Centred Plans.

2. To support each tenant, where required, in all aspects of home life and participation in the community and to work with other staff to implement programmes that will enable each client to become more independent.

3. To support tenants with personal care, as appropriate, ie. bathing, washing, feeding, medication needs and access to relevant health care. (Meeting these needs may involve manual or aid assisted lifting of tenants).

4. To support tenants in maintaining and developing a variety of relationships.

5. To support tenants in cooking, cleaning, gardening, laundry, ironing and household tasks to an appropriate standard.

6. To support tenants in a range of leisure activities and services according to individual choice.

7. To be a key worker to tenants according to their needs and wishes.

8. To provide spiritual support to tenants according to their needs and wishes, including enabling participation in congregational life and assisting with personal devotions.

9. To be sensitive to the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of each tenant and respond appropriately to meet these needs.

10. To carry out daily living tasks on behalf of tenants, when they are unable to do so for themselves.

11. To be an effective advocate for each tenant and encourage self-advocacy where possible.

12. In the absence of Senior Staff, to be the responsible person on duty, complying with Willow Brook policies and procedures to ensure the well-being of tenants.

13. To work within PCI/Council for Social Witness policies and procedures and relevant legislation.

14. To develop and promote good working relationships with staff, tenants, professional bodies and other service users.

15. To work such hours as necessary, which may include sleep-in duties, working during week-ends and/or Bank Holidays.

16. To promote and maintain effective communication with professional bodies/parents/guardians and the local community.

**ADMINISTRATION**

1. To keep accurate records of significant events in the lives of tenants and to prepare written reports when required.

2. To maintain appropriate confidentiality in respect of information relating to tenants, in accordance with Willow Brook policies and procedures.

3. To identify and report any maintenance and/or security issues linked to the building and equipment.

**TRAINING**

1. To attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.

2. To maintain a personal awareness of new methods and developments appropriate to the needs of the tenants and staff.

**ANY OTHER DUTIES**

To undertake any other relevant duties which may be required of the post.

**Required Criteria**
- Knowledge of learning disability and principles of care
- Experience of working in a caring environment directly with an adult client group
- Committed to working with the client group
- Must be willing to behave in a manner which respects the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- Ability to provide spiritual support for tenants as required
- Available for unsocial working hours (including sleep-in duties/week-end working) if required

**Desired Criteria**
- QCF/NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care.
- Knowledge of the range and complexity of lifestyle needs of people with learning disability in a supported living environment
- Knowledge of the current philosophy and best practice in the provision of support structures for people with learning disability

**Skills Needed**

**About The Company**

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is one of the largest Christian denominations in Ireland, with over 500 congregations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, PCI is committed to spreading the Gospel, serving communities, and supporting mission work both locally and globally. The Church plays an active role in education, social care, and advocacy, reflecting its core values of faith, compassion, and service. Through worship, discipleship, and outreach, PCI seeks to make a meaningful impact on society while fostering a strong, supportive Christian community. Governed by a system of elders, the Church values biblical teaching, leadership, and engagement with contemporary issues. Additionally, PC