Children's Community Support Worker

Are you passionate about caring for children and making a meaningful difference to families across Somerset? We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Children's Community Health Care Assistant to join our Children's Home Care Team.

In this role, you will care for children with unpredictable and complex medical needs who require up to 24 hour support within a community setting. Many of the children we support rely on medical technologies such as ventilators, suction machines and feeding pumps. You will provide one to one care, working under the supervision of a junior or senior sister, and following written procedures after completing full training and competency assessments.

We proudly provide a 24hour, 365day service, supporting children and families across Somerset. As part of this role, daily travel across the county should be expected, based on the needs of the child and service.

Provide high quality onetoone care for children with complex and sometimes technology dependent health needs (e.g. ventilators, suction, gastrostomy or NG feeding)

Work in the child's home, school or community setting, adapting to changing environments and child/family needs.

Follow individual care plans, guidance and written procedures following appropriate training and competency signoff.

Support with airway management, suctioning, oxygen administration, seizure protocols and ventilator checks.

Assist with mobility, personal care, positioning and safe manual handling.

Observe the child's wellbeing throughout the shift and promptly report changes to parents or senior team members.

Administer medication and enteral feeds as directed, following relevant policies

Escort children to community settings or appointments as required.

Maintain accurate and confidential written records in line with Trust policy.

Communicate effectively with the child, family, Children's Home Care Team, and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Work flexibly to meet service demands, including occasional cover for emergency situations

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card
, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce
, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty
, and breathtaking coastlines
, with vibrant cities like Bristol
, Bath
, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London
.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities
, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Clinical Care & Support

Provide safe, compassionate care for children with complex medical needs in their home or community settings.

Carry out procedures such as suctioning, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, ventilator checks, tube feeding and seizure management (following training and written protocols).

Support mobility, positioning and use of equipment such as hoists, slings and sleep systems.

Monitor the child's breathing, comfort and overall wellbeing, escalating concerns as needed.

Care for children who rely on ventilators, suction machines, feeding pumps or other essential equipment.

Follow individual care plans, completing safety checks and reporting any variances promptly.

Take appropriate action in emergencies, including resuscitation, once trained.

Communication & Teamwork

Build positive, supportive relationships with children, families and carers.

Communicate effectively with the Children's Home Care Team and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Attend team meetings, supervision and required training to maintain safe, up to date practice.

Record Keeping & Governance

Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with Trust standards.

Report incidents or near misses in accordance with hospital policy.

Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, infection control and health & safety procedures.

Travel & Working Arrangements

Travel across Somerset as required to provide care in homes, schools or community settings.

Work flexibly to support a 24 hour service, including occasional emergency cover.

• 5 GCSE's or equivalent
• NVQ 3

• Previous experience of working with/caring for children
• Experience of…