Support Worker

Job description

Job description

Whilst every effort has been made to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the post, it should be remembered that a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings therefore may have been used; in which case all usual associated routines are naturally included in this job description.

Staff should not refuse to undertake duties not specified below but should record additional duties they feel need specific recognition. These will then be considered during supervision and again during annual appraisal.

Job Summary

Suppor workrs required in the following areas, Prestwick, Ayr, Troon and Maybole.

The Suppot Worker role is one of the most important roles within our company and is one of the most rewarding. This role helps the service users to live in the community for as long as possible by providing the care and support required to individuals and families.

As a Support Worker you will be expected to provide a cultural and ethnic sensitive service which is integral to the provision of home care.

This position comes with the potential of further career development as well as interesting and satisfying professional challenges.

Job Responsibilities

To have individual responsibility in accordance with the practices, procedures and policies of Balmoral Health and Social Care, for the personal needs of service users.

To work towards an assessed and planned package of support, care or maintenance package. Enabling service users and their carers to exercise control over their own lives by maximizing their independence.
- To perform basic personal care tasks as outlined in the service user’s care plan. Provide personal care in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner for all service users, (this may include assisting service users to go to bed, total body washing, in line with procedures, assisting with toileting, dressing and feeding).
- To alert Care Coordinator or Field Supervisor of any changes in the service user’s condition or circumstances.
- To create and maintain good communication with service users including those who may have some degree of communication difficulties.
- To make and maintain effective working relationships with service users.
- To develop good communication links with the usual carer or family member in the service user’s home.
- Undertake essential domestic duties to assist service users to care for their homes, (e.g. cleaning, laundry, ironing etc.), whilst encouraging them to retain maximum independence by creating a supportive homely atmosphere.
- To prepare and cook culturally appropriate meals as outlined in the care plan.
- To help with purchasing of provisions to provide an adequate, balanced and stimulating diet where necessary.
- Make referrals to your Care Coordinator or Field Supervisor for equipment or services needed by service users, (e.g. incontinence supplies).
- Ensure that medication is prompted, or assistance is provided as necessary (dependent on level of training received by the Support Worker).
- Willing to work every second weekend, evenings and nights if requested to do so by the management.
- To adhere to all of Balmoral Health and Social Care company policies and procedures.

In general it is the duty of the post holder to undertake all care work with the sensitivity required to provide services in a way, which will preserve the dignity, privacy, choice, independence, fulfilment and rights of the service user and his/her usual care worker/members of family.

**Responsibility for People**
- Support Workers have no direct responsibility for staff.
- Support Workers should aim to ensure a safe as possible living environment for service users whilst respecting service user’s choice and rights.
- Support Workers should ensure the service user is not put at risk as a result of home care activities.
- Support Workers may have to work alongside other care staff with respect and professionalism. No form of discrimination will be tolerated against another care worker, service user or any other person encountered during your work. Any form of discrimination may result in disciplinary action.

**Responsibility for Resources**

Support Workers are responsible for the safe handling of property and equipment belonging to the service user.

Equipment
- Protective clothing, gloves, aprons, masks and uniforms are provided by Balmoral Health and Social Care.
- These are supplied by the service user or Balmoral Health and Social Care in accordance with Balmorals Policies and Procedures.

**Special instructions**
- To undertake the duties of the job in accordance with relevant legislative requirements, including health & safety.
- To respect always the confidential nature of the company’s work.
- To undertake training as required.
- To maintain an awareness of current instructions issued orally or in writing.

Job Skills, Qualifications & Education Requirements

Required
- Abi