Female Support Worker

Overview

We are seeking an outgoing and nurturing Support Worker to support Jenny, who was born in 2012. Jenny uses a self-propelled wheelchair to mobilise and she also has a daily + active prosthesis that she can wear to assist walking and sporting activities. Jenny is supported by a Case Manager, clinical Psychologist, Physiotherapy team and Occupational therapist. Jenny's therapy sessions are held in Ringwood and Southampton.

We are seeking a Support Worker (Driver/Buddy) who is happy, caring, fun, and has a good sense of humour. Your role will be to drive Jenny to and from school as well as to her various therapy appointments and social activities, and to provide support as required. Jenny attends ice skating and swimming lessons weekly. With positive encouragement Jenny can be adventurous, and she has previously tried kayaking, climbing and inclusive cycling.

Jenny can struggle with anxiety and finds busy places overwhelming, so a calming, empathetic and reassuring support worker would be required. Jenny's parents have a split care arrangement and Jenny divides her time between them. Her father, step-mum and 2 younger siblings live in Hamble and her mother lives in North Baddesley.

Location: Hamble & North Baddesley, Southampton

Days &

Hours:

Approximately 20 hours per week as follows:
Monday to Friday - 7.30am-9.00am and 2.45pm-5.00pm. There may be occasional variation for lunches, early departures for activities (e.g., ice-skating in Gosport) and ad hoc evening/weekend hours for activities and short breaks. Bank hours are also available for this position.

Pay: £17 per hour, Weekdays; £18 per hour, Weekends and Bank Holidays

Benefits: 5.6 weeks annual leave pro rata;
Pension (subject to qualifying status);
Free DBS check;
Induction;
Relevant training opportunities (including The Care Certificate);
Regular clinical supervision/review meetings;
Ongoing support from a dedicated Case Manager and HR department.

Driver required? Essential (will need own car to get to work and will need to drive client)

Using Own Vehicle for work purposes? Yes, on duty and to attend training. Business insurance is required and mileage will be paid. Must be able to accommodate the client’s wheelchair in the boot.

Essential

Experience:

Working with children/adults with physical disabilities

Desirable: Experience working with children with anxiety/trauma and an interest in therapy and outdoor pursuits.

Safeguarding: ILS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our clients within the activities we undertake, and expects all employees/workers to share this commitment. Required checks include:

• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK
• Satisfactory references, including your last employer
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate (a conviction will not necessarily prevent employment)

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, marriage and civil partnerships and religion and belief.

Interviews: Week commencing:
Interviews will happen on a rolling basis. This advert will close when sufficient applications have been received. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application can be considered.

Start Date: ASAP (subject to satisfactory employment checks)

Notes: This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated person to develop existing skills and support this very special young lady. A truly rewarding role for someone who can communicate effectively with patience, tact, understanding, warmth and compassion.