Senior Support Worker- The Burrows, Droitwich

Autism west midlands is a leading charity in the West Midlands for people on the autism spectrum. We use our expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, by providing personalised support.

Where will you be working?

You will be working at our purpose-built supported living service ‘The Burrows’ based in Droitwich Spa.
The Burrows is Autism West Midlands newest supported living service opening in 2019.  The Burrows supports 8 autistic males to live independently within their own self-contained apartments.

The service is home to 8 males aged between the ages of 20-27 who enjoy meaningful activities and accessing the community. The Burrows benefits from individuals garden access from each self-contained flat, an activity room- in which the residents can take part in activities such as indoor archery, crafting activities and even parties. The Burrows also has a sensory room and a quiet room where residents can go to chillout.

Key aspects of the Senior support worker role:

•       To follow individual support plans to ensure a person-centred approach

•       Provide and facilitate meaningful activities that are led by the individual’s choice, likes and aspirations.

•       Provide consistent and proactive support to people when behaviours of concern are presented in line with the ethos and training provided by AWM.

•       Fully understand the safeguarding policy and procedure, understanding the signs of any potential abuse and report any concerns to the Manager promptly, including any concerns with regards to colleagues.

•       Maintain accurate records of progress towards the achievement of agreed goals for the individuals you support.

•       Respect that the individuals you support do not live in your workplace but that you provide support in their home.

•        Supervise, support and develop Support Workers across the service
•         Manage low level conflict situations and guide employees in an appropriate manner

•         Support the Management Team in maintaining the rota

•         Fulfill the shift leader role whilst on duty and ensure Support Workers are enabling and supporting individuals to make choices and are providing a sensitive and caring approach.

•         Take part in team meetings and ensure that any issues are addressed and actioned in a timely manner, involving Support Workers all in decisions that affect them and the service

•         Ensure handover procedures are followed across the service and that all paperwork is completed to the correct standards

•         Provide regular supervision and appraisals for direct reports

•         Take an active role in the recruitment, and induction process

•         Liaise with peers in other services to ensure consistency in practice

•         Create, monitor and review support plans and behaviour management guidelines on a regular basis

•         Carry out required risk assessments

•         Participate in the timely re-ordering and review of medication across the service

•         Complete quality audits as required for medication, finances and health and safety.

•         To contribute to an on call system on a rota basis, covering a range of services in a specified area.

What we are looking for from you as a Senior support worker:

As a Senior support worker it is essential that you have a person-centred approach so that you have an understanding of individuals and their ambitions and hobbies; these could include activities such as shopping, horse riding, cycling, swimming, college courses and drama groups. This role provides the opportunity to play a part in a person’s life experiences and share moments of achievements.

The successful candidate will feel passionate about working with individuals who have behavioural support needs and demonstrate a positive regard for the individuals you are working with.

You must be a dedicated and motivated individual with a passion for making a difference and have a can-do attitude.

It is essential that you are a reliable and committed individual as it’s important that individuals you support receive consistent and quality support.

You must be able to work on a rota basis which includes alternative weekends.

Experience is not essential but would be an advantage as you will be working a par of a team and a comprehensive induction will be provided as well as ongoing continuous professional development.

In return we can offer you:

• A competitive salary of £19,880.58
• £1000 service payment (£500 after 6 months and £500 after 12 months)
• A supportive management team
• £100 shopping voucher after 3-month probation
• Up to 33 days annual leave
• Monthly rota in advance
• Free DBS check paid for by Autism West Midlands
• Free Bupa Healthcare cash back scheme
• Employee assistance scheme providing support to you and your family
• Specialist autism training you are paid to attend and travel to
• All staff are provided with a Life assurance
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Refer a friend scheme – £200 for each referral!

This is a truly unique role which enables you to develop your management and leadership skills as well as positively impact the lives of adults with autism by delivering person centred support. Your main responsibility will be leading the support shifts and ensuring staff are working in a person centred way.