Job Description

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\xe2\x80\xa6

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\xe2\x80\xa6

There are a few things that we look for in all of our support workers; we would need you to\xe2\x80\xa6

• 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 \xc2\xa311.00 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 Haslingden.

Who do you support?
We support 4 gentlemen with learning disabilities. They each have a weekly activity planner and access regular activities during the day. Two of the gentlemen have autism and require specific support that is outlined in their plan. One of the gentlemen requires 2-1 hands on support for certain health appointments, specific training is required for this. Each gentleman receives 1-1 support at certain times during the week to complete activities. They are encouraged to be independent and enjoy completing daily household tasks. Personal care each day is required for all of the gentlemen and they are supported to be independent during these times. Each of the gents have a vehicle and enjoy going out on drives out to places of interest, a current driving license is desirable for the role.

Where do they live?
The property is a large 4 bedroomed bungalow with an additional guest room for sleep over staff situated on an estate at the top of a steep hill. The property is situated on a bus route, however there is a steep 15 minute walk to the property. There is a driveway to the front that houses 4 cars. To the rear is a patio area and a tiered garden.

What would a typical shift be like?
A handover is completed at the start of each shift. After this the gents are supported to prepare a breakfast of their choice and encouraged to tidy up their pots by putting them in the dishwasher. After breakfast they are supported in all aspects of personal care. They will then carry out assigned daily chores with prompts. After this the gents go out on 1-1 or shared activities. In the afternoon the gents help prepare the table for tea and all sit together when having their tea. They will then help with the clearing out and will be supported with evening personal care. In the evenings they enjoy listening to music or watching tv in their own rooms or the living room. Support staff can use this time to complete electronic daily diaries and any health notes. The families of the gents play a big part in their lives and they are supported to have regular contact with them, either in person, by phone or by video chat. The gents all require support with their health needs and are supported to all health appointments, and the administration of medication. Although sleep in shifts are required this post requires day shifts only including weekends and bank holidays.

What activities do the people that we support at this property like to do?
All of the gents supported have similar interests including music and tv. They also enjoy going for drives out to places of interest and having their lunch. One of the gents likes to go outdoors walking, he also enjoys music videos and comedy\'s on UK Gold. One of the gents enjoys art and crafts and has some of his artwork on display in the property. He is encouraged to eat healthy and enjoys going to the local slimming club where he has made lots of friends. They each have specific 1-1 activities to lunch clubs, art groups and dance sessions.

Are there any skills or interests that a candidate could have that would be great to use to support this service?
A driver is desirable as each person has their own vehicle. The person should have good communication skill\'s and be confident liaising with families and professionals. On occasion there may be times where behaviour that could be considered as challenging may occur, therefore the person should be confident in handling a situation whilst remaining calm and reassuring. Good planning and organising skill\'s are needed in order that the gents make the most of their 1-1 and shared hours.

What is the team here or is it lone-working?
You will be working as part of an experienced and well established team who know the people we support well. There will be times when you are working on a 1-1 basis both in the community and in the house after initial training has been completed. The position does not require sleeps, however there may be times when you are asked to cover a sleep shift due to service need.

What are your shift patterns?
The shifts for this position are 9am - 15.00 covering a period of 4 days a week on a four week rota system.

We hope it 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.

Alternative Futures Group