Support Worker, 30 hours per week, Permanent in Macclesfield
Being a Support Worker at AFG is a hugely rewarding role and could be your first step on a long and happy career in Health & Social Care.
So, what does a Support Worker do?
We have a vision to create a world where people control their lives. Here at AFG, we pride ourselves on helping the people we support to design, develop and ‘own’ the support they receive by planning this with them; we support people to make informed choices and increase their own independence; and we support people to maintain their own health, wellbeing and living environment. These principles are really important to us.
Our Support Workers work in a variety of settings including community-based services (often supporting people in their own homes) to our Treatment & Recovery Centres.
One thing that is common across all of our services is a focus on personalised support and tailoring our services to the needs and aspirations of the people we support with a diverse range of care needs (including Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Mental Health Concerns, Complex Care, Substance Misuse issues to name a few).
We value the people that work with us…
At AFG we recognise the contribution and value that our staff make. We would not be able to provide the life changing support that we do without people like you! In return for your contribution we will support you throughout your career and we provide a wide range of employee benefits, career development (including opportunities to undertake vocational qualifications) and lifestyle support services to ensure that you too feel supported, fulfilled and valued from day one of your employment with us.
About you…
There are a few things that we look for in all of our support workers; we would need you to…
- be a good communicator (verbally and in writing)
- be patient, confident and enthusiastic about caring for others
- be able to use your own initiative
- be able to work as part of a team
- have flexibility to work a varied shift pattern to provide 24-hour support
- share our AFG values
We don’t ask for any other relevant training or a previous career in care as full training will be provided – you just need a willingness to learn and develop.
Your pay - our Support Workers receive a rate of £12.00 per hour for all worked hours. Once you are successful for a role with us, full details of your pay will be included in your written offer.
As a ‘values based’ employer, the people that work for us genuinely care about the people they support, and we are seeking likeminded people to join our AFG family. If you are passionate about caring for others and have a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support then we would love to hear from you.
More about this vacancy...
We asked the Team Leader to tell us more about this role and the amazing person that we need to work here.
Where is this vacancy based?
This vacancy is based in Macclesfield .
Who do you support?
We support 2 ladies and a gentleman at the property who all have learning disabilities.
2 have mobility issues and need staff to be able to push wheel chairs and support with hoisting (training is provided).
They need support with personal care throughout the day and washing and dressing. All people supported will need support preparing and eating meals.
Support is needed with keeping their home environment clean and tidy.
The people we support have an active social live and you will be expected to support them to access the community and go on activities of their choice, such as cinema bowling and meals out.
All 3 need support with medication again training is provided. They also need support to access primary and secondary health care, such as GP Dentist opticians, and specialist care providers, such as the epilepsy team.
Where do they live?
This is a 4 bedroom bungalow, 15 minutes from the town centre and 15 minutes from the train station. It has its own private garden.
There is a mobility vehicle available for one of the people that live there.
What would a typical shift be like?
The team all support with washing/bathing and dressing the people we support when they choose to get up. This includes supporting them to chose clothes and how they would like there hair and make-up.
They are also supported with their medication.
They are supported to chose what they would like for breakfast, ensuring that this is in line with SALT guidelines.
The people we support are then supported and encouraged to take part in keeping the home clean and tidy and are supported with there laundry.
Usually they will chose what they would like to do for the day and then it's off to do these activities.
Staff support with toileting and personal care throughout the day.
The people we support will need support to make their meals throughout the day and support eating them and cleaning up throughout the day.
Staff then follow the induvial preferred evening routines before handing over to the night shift.
What activities do the people that we support at this property like to do?
All 3 people we supported enjoy a variety of activities, such as bowling, cinema meals out and going to see musicals.
They enjoy music and discos, craft and sensory stimulating activities at home and baking etc. They also enjoy walks and picnics in the local park and trips to ice cream places.
Are there any skills or interests that a candidate could have that would be great to use to support this service?
We have 1 mobility car at present so driving is desirable skill, staff need to be able to push wheelchairs. The people supported love good food so cooking skills is essential.
What is the team here or is it lone-working?
The team are very experienced and are excellent mentors to new staff, they will make you feel welcome and settle in to the role quickly and confidentially. Each individual has 1-1 support and throughout the day and then 2 staff staying over night.
What are your shift patterns?
Day shifts are 07.15-20.15 or 08.00-21.00. Night shifts are 20.00-07.30. These are subject to change to meets the needs of the induvial, one waking night staff and one sleep in.
We hope this has given you more insight into this role and we hope to see your application soon.
Please note our Support Workers are contracted by area therefore flexibility is essential to work in other services where required.
