Role Overview
Job Title: Support Worker
Reporting To: Erin Oakman (Case Manager)
Location: Welling
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours / Working Pattern:
7-9:45am Monday - Friday during term time (39 weeks of the year).
12-4pm on Tuesdays during the school holidays (13 weeks of the year).
Salary / Pay: £19.30 starting, increase to £19.80 after probation
About NeuroHealth
NeuroHealth Case Management Services provides case management for adults and children with life-changing injuries, including brain injury, spinal cord injury and complex conditions. We work in partnership with clients, families, Financial Deputies and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate high-quality, person-centred support that promotes independence, rehabilitation and quality of life. Our work is underpinned by our core values:
- We are Committed – Focusing, at all times, on the needs and wishes of our clients.
- We have Integrity – Our client’s best interests are at the centre of all we do, based on robust clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
- We deliver Quality – We work to the highest standards and do not settle for anything less.
- We are Ambitious – Determined to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, always striving to improve the service we provide.
About the Role
We are looking for a caring, reliable and motivated Support Worker to join a dedicated support team providing person-centred support to a child with Cerebral Palsy.
The client is mobile for short distances and uses a Kaye walker or wheelchair for long distance mobility. She verbally communicates but suffered with dysarthria (struggles to articulate words clearly). The client lives at home with her Mum and younger sister.
This role will involve supporting the client to get up in the morning, wash, dress, have breakfast, and take medication. It will also involve taking the client to school in wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) alone then returning the WAV to home address. You’ll be working closely with the Case Manager, family, and wider multidisciplinary team.
During the school holidays, this role will involve supporting the client with community activities such as, cinema trips, shopping, children’s activities, attendance at clubs, and entertaining the client at home while ensuring support is delivered safely, respectfully and in line with NeuroHealth’s values.
Working Pattern and Role Conditions
7-9:45am Monday - Friday during term time (39 weeks of the year).
12-4pm on Tuesdays during the school holidays (13 weeks of the year).
Work will primarily be based at the client’s home, with regular visits to school and community-based activities within the local area.
About the Client
Client age range: Child
Injury / condition: Cerebral Palsy
Mobility / physical support: The client is mobile for short distances and uses a Kaye walker or wheelchair for long distance mobility.
Care package / support arrangement: 1:1 support within the family home, during transportation, and during community activities.
Hobbies / interests: Swimming, cinema, arts and crafts.
Communication / emotional support: The client verbally communicates but suffered with dysarthria (struggles to articulate words clearly).
Setting: Work will primarily be based at the client’s home, with regular visits to school and community-based activities within the local area.
Key Responsibilities / What you will be doing
- You will be responsible for getting the client ready for her school day and into school on time during term time.
- You will support the client one day a week in the school holidays to entertain and occupy.
- You will be responsible for supporting the client with personal care as necessary. She is mainly independent but may need assistance with toileting and cleaning.
- You will support the client with mobility and use of wheelchair and Kaye walker.
- You will be responsible for medication administration as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Experience of supporting children with their personal care needs.
- An understanding of cerebral palsy and/or brain injury.
- Current full clean UK driving licence.
- Able to drive a WAV confidently (The vehicle is a Ford Tourneo custom. It's a 9-seater MPV with wheelchair access).
- Being able to manage and style thick curly hair.
Desirable:
- Previous experience as a Support Worker or working with children with disabilities in other relevant setting.
- Excellent spoken and written English communication skills are essential to support the child's communication, learning, daily activities, and interaction with family, professionals, and the wider community.
- The successful candidate should be able to support and engage a physically active child in a range of play, recreational, educational, and community-based activities, while promoting safety, participation, and wellbeing.
- Able to provide positive, consistent support and encouragement.
- Paediatric first aid.
Recruitment-Specific Requirements:
This role includes the provision of personal and intimate care to a female child. As such, and in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this post is open to female applicants only as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.
Important Information for Candidates
- DBS: An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before appointment is required.
- Right to work: Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK. Right to work checks will be completed as part of the recruitment process.
- Driving / travel: Current full clean UK driving licence required as well as the ability to drive a WAV confidently.
- Occupational requirement: This role includes the provision of personal and intimate care to a female child. As such, and in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this post is open to female applicants only as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.
- Client and family involvement: Where appropriate, the client and/or their family may be involved in the interview process to help ensure the successful candidate is suitable for the role, support arrangement and working environment. Any involvement will be managed fairly and in line with the requirements of the role.
- Meeting the client: As part of the recruitment process, the preferred candidate will be invited to meet the client before starting. This may take place during the interview process or as a separate meet and greet depending on availability.
- Interview arrangements: Interviews will take place in person. The interview format and location will be confirmed with candidates in advance and arranged with regard to confidentiality, dignity and safety.
- Language requirements: Excellent spoken and written English communication skills are essential to support the child's communication, learning, daily activities, and interaction with family, professionals, and the wider community.
Safeguarding & Compliance
NeuroHealth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its clients. All appointments are subject to safe recruitment checks, which include references, enhanced DBS clearance and verification of the candidate’s legal right to work in the UK.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
NeuroHealth is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and make recruitment decisions fairly, based on merit, skills and experience.
How to Apply
To apply, you will need to upload your CV and answer the screening questions honestly and in full.
The closing date for applications is 21st of August. Screening calls and interviews will take place after the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received, so early application is encouraged.
Pay: From £19.30 per hour
Application question(s):
- This role is open to female applicants only as a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. Do you meet this requirement?
- Do you have experience supporting children with personal care needs?
- Do you have experience caring for and styling thick, curly hair?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
