Support Worker, Personal Assistant, Buddy in Walsall – CP/Walsall/01

Job Description

Support Worker / PA/Buddy

Hours up to 37.5 hours per week predominantly before and after school shifts during term time, with some weekends and overnights at Scout Camp, with additional day time hours during school holidays. Full and part time opportunities available. Hours and shifts will be discussed further at interview stages. Please state your availability and required hours within your CV or application form.

There may be potential for holiday support which would involve accompanying the client and family on holidays up to one week.

POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide a flexible support service to a 14 year old boy with Cerebal Palsy living in the Aldridge, Walsall area as part of a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team. Acting in an enabling capacity, the role will be to help organise, motivate, remind and support the client. In particular accessing local leisure, education and vocational services.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Personal care including manual handling and use of hoists.

To work within a multi-disciplinary team to carry out tasks identified in the individual treatment programme of rehabilitation.

To assist the individual in activities of daily living as directed by the Occupational Therapist.

To assist the individual in their exercise programme as directed by the Physiotherapist.

To work with Speech and Language Therapy in relation to eating and drinking and communication using a communication aid.

To work with the individual to reinforce and develop socially acceptable behaviour, the development of friendships, interests and hobbies and the use of community facilities and independent travel, along with enabling the client to develop independent living skills.

Provide consistent and appropriate emotional support with the aim of facilitating an increase in client’s self esteem and independence.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

Commitment to assisting people with disabilities to improve their quality of life

Ability to build good relationships

Ability to be proactive and show a high degree of initiative

Good communication skills and able to listen and show empathy

A good motivator and organiser, with a positive and humorous personality

Someone who is adaptable and flexible in their working methods

A recognition of issues involved in team work

Car driver essential

DESIRABLE ELEMENTS:

Previous experience of working with clients with cerebral palsy or other disability

Knowledge of cerebral palsy and physical disability

Experience working within education

NVQ II in care or equivalent

Interest in cooking, music, swimming, computers, scouting, skiing, and climbing

We would be particularly interested in applications from male applicants, however anyone having the essential experience will be considered.

Rate of pay £10 per hour.

For more information please call 01246 520038 or please click to apply online.