Complex Care Support Worker / Carer – Tracheostomy Experience Required
Location: Farnham, Surrey
Shift pattern: 12-hour shifts, 9:00am–9:00pm and 9:00pm–9:00am
Driving requirement: Essential — carers must be able to drive and reliably travel to the family home.
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and highly competent Complex Care Support Worker to provide one-to-one care for an individual with significant and complex healthcare needs in their own home in Farnham.
The successful candidate will have substantial practical experience supporting clients with tracheostomies, including cuffed tracheostomies, and will be confident managing enteral feeding equipment and emergency procedures. This is a hands-on role requiring excellent clinical awareness, calm decision-making and a respectful, person-centred approach.
Clinical Background
The individual has the following diagnoses and care requirements:
- Severe Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Tracheostomy in place due to tracheomalacia
- Cuffed tracheostomy care and airway management
- Long-term JEJ and PEG/PG access for feeding, medication administration and gastric venting
- History of previous laparotomies
Main Responsibilities
- Deliver safe, dignified and person-centred care within the family home.
- Provide routine tracheostomy care, including care of a cuffed tracheostomy, suctioning, stoma care, humidification and monitoring of respiratory status.
- Recognise signs of airway compromise, respiratory distress, infection, secretion changes or tracheostomy-related complications, and respond appropriately.
- Be competent in emergency tracheostomy procedures, including following emergency care plans and using relevant equipment.
- Support enteral feeding via JEJ and PEG/PG, including administration of prescribed feeds, fluids and medication in line with training and care plans.
- Carry out PEG/PG venting as required and monitor for signs of tube displacement, blockage, leakage, abdominal discomfort or intolerance.
- Provide epilepsy support, including recognising seizure activity, following the prescribed seizure management plan and administering rescue medication where trained and authorised.
- Monitor the individual’s general wellbeing and accurately record all care, observations, medication, feeds, interventions and concerns.
- Assist with personal care, positioning, moving and handling, continence care, skin integrity and daily routines as required.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised care environment, including appropriate infection prevention and control procedures.
- Communicate effectively with family members, nurses, therapists, care coordinators and other healthcare professionals.
- Attend training, competency assessments, supervision and team handovers as required.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Previous experience working in complex care, preferably within a home-care setting.
- Extensive, current practical experience caring for individuals with tracheostomies.
- Demonstrable experience with cuffed tracheostomies, suctioning, emergency tracheostomy procedures and respiratory monitoring.
- Experience supporting individuals with JEJ feeding and PEG/PG care, including feeds, medication administration and venting.
- Experience supporting people with epilepsy and following seizure management plans.
- Confidence in recognising clinical deterioration and escalating concerns promptly and appropriately.
- Strong written documentation and communication skills.
- A calm, reliable and professional approach, particularly during emergencies.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Enhanced DBS check, or willingness to obtain one.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Relevant care qualifications, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
- Experience supporting adults or children with Severe Cerebral Palsy.
- Experience with clients who have had abdominal surgery or laparotomies.
- Current practical competencies in tracheostomy care, enteral feeding and rescue medication administration.
- Experience using hoists, specialist seating, positioning equipment and other moving-and-handling aids.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who is patient, observant, dependable and respectful of privacy and family life. You must be able to work independently while following detailed care plans, clinical protocols and delegated healthcare tasks. A positive attitude, excellent attention to detail and a genuine commitment to high-quality care are essential.
All care will be delivered in accordance with the individual’s care plan, risk assessments, clinical training, delegated healthcare guidance and family preferences.
Pay: £16.00-£20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
