We're particularly interested in hearing from people with a passion for horticulture who could help develop and deliver gardening and growing activities. We also welcome applications from individuals with other skills, hobbies, or talents that could enhance our activity programme and create new opportunities for the people we support.
Hours: Monday to Friday
Job Purpose:
To provide high-quality day opportunities care and support to adults with learning disabilities by facilitating and delivering a range of social, recreational, and practical activities. The role promotes independence, personal development, and community engagement in both day opportunities and outreach settings. The Activity Support Worker will work collaboratively with customers, families, and colleagues to ensure that each individual's needs, preferences, and aspirations are met with dignity, respect, and professionalism.
Duties:
Service Delivery
1. Plan and deliver a range of engaging sessions that are tailored to the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each customer. Activities should complement the Organisation’s facilities and make use of local community resources to promote social inclusion and wellbeing.
2. Provide high-quality practical support to adults with a variety of support needs, including those requiring one-to-one assistance. This support may be delivered on an individual or group basis and should actively promote independence, confidence, and skill development.
3. Maintain an approachable, respectful, and person-centred manner at all times, ensuring each service user is treated with dignity and sensitivity, particularly when supporting personal care or mobility needs.
4. Contribute ideas for new, creative, and meaningful activities that enhance physical and mental wellbeing, and encourage service users to explore new interests and experiences.
5. Administer medication in line with the Organisation’s medication policy and ensure Medication Administration Records are completed accurately. Provide personal care as required, and assist with mobility, use of personal equipment, and first aid duties where necessary.
6. Be vigilant and responsive to customer welfare, promptly reporting any safeguarding concerns or wellbeing issues to the Team Manager.
7. Act as a Key Worker for designated service users, contributing to their individual support planning and participating in regular review sessions as part of the daily routine.
8. Support the transport of customers to and from the centre when required, ensuring their comfort, safety, and dignity during journeys.
9. Proactively encourage and support all customers, including those with high support needs or communication difficulties. to fully participate in activities, adapting resources and approaches as needed to ensure accessibility and engagement.
10. Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of service user development by maintaining accurate records and observations, and by feeding back to the team on progress toward personal goals.
11. Work in partnership with other professionals (e.g., social workers, therapists, health professionals) to support the delivery of integrated, person-centred care.
12. Be attentive to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of service users, offering reassurance, active listening, and emotional support as part of everyday interactions.
Support / Communication
1. Communicate clearly and professionally with service users, their families and friends, volunteers, and staff members, ensuring all interactions are respectful and person-centred. Provide one-to-one support as directed, promoting skill development in line with each individual’s support plan and in collaboration with families and external professionals.
2. Contribute to a safe and supportive environment by adhering to all health and safety procedures. Follow risk assessment protocols, respond appropriately to incidents, and complete all necessary accident and incident reports accurately and promptly.
3. Ensure compliance with The Apuldram Centre’s regulatory and quality frameworks by following established policies and procedures. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records that reflect each service user’s progress, support needs, and care arrangements.
4. Supervise service users during break periods, ensuring their wellbeing, safety, and positive engagement with others.
5. Carry out first aid duties as required, responding effectively and calmly in emergency situations to support service user health and safety.
Personal Accountability
1. Work professionally and collaboratively as part of the staff team, contributing to a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement. Offer and receive constructive feedback to support team development and effective service delivery. Participate actively in staff meetings and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
2. Stay informed and compliant with all relevant legislation, organisational policies, procedures, and professional codes of conduct, ensuring your practice reflects current standards.
3. Undertake ad-hoc tasks and projects as assigned by management, demonstrating flexibility and a solution-focused approach.
4. Attend all mandatory and relevant training sessions as directed. Take personal responsibility for ongoing learning, skills development, and reflective practice to enhance professional effectiveness.
5. Demonstrate a flexible approach to working hours and duties to meet the changing needs of the service and support service users effectively.
6. Carry out any other reasonable duties within the scope of the role to ensure the safe, effective, and smooth operation of the service.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Good general standard of education, including numeracy, literacy, and IT skills (GCSE Grade C or equivalent).
Recognised vocational qualification in health & social care.
Previous experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, supporting adults with learning disabilities, including providing personal care/support (paid or unpaid).
Recognised qualification in working with adults with a learning disability.
Understanding of the Mental Capacity Act.
First Aid training
Good communication and interpersonal skills with friendly and engaging personality. Strong written communication skills
MIDAs training
Commitment to learning, training and professional development.
Medication training
Full driving licence, business motor insurance and access to a vehicle to use for work purposes
Experience working with individuals requiring 1:1 support or intensive personal care.
Ability to work flexibly.
Key Competencies Required for the Role:
· Effective communication and motivation skills, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
· Flexible and creative approach to supporting people with learning disabilities, including providing personal care.
· Maintains confidentiality and ensures accurate record-keeping.
Pay: £26,624.00-£28,683.20 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you currently have a legal right to work in the UK?
- We are particularly interested in candidates with horticulture or gardening skills, but we also welcome other talents and interests. Please tell us about any skills, hobbies, or talents you could bring to the role to develop activities for the people we support.
- Please confirm if you are seeking full time or part time work. If part time, please state the number of hours.
Work Location: In person
