Support Worker

Overview of role: Zack requires a Professional Support Worker to assist him through the night, and on alternate weekends (day shifts). Throughout the day and night Zack has epileptic seizures that present in various ways and needs constant monitoring. Night shifts involve monitoring Zack for seizures and encouraging him to have a good night's sleep and relax. A few light household tasks are also kept for night shifts. There is use of a kitchen and living room with a monitor/camera, tea and coffee making facilities. Weekend shifts are a fantastic opportunity to support Zack out and about in the community, partaking in one of the many exciting activities that he loves to do. Typically (unless Zack is not feeling 100% or the weather is very bad), it's out for a day of fun and adventure. Zack will need support with his morning routine, personal care, dressing and feeding, and if heading out for the day, his Support Worker will get his packed lunch ready. Zack's Support Worker will need
to be proactive in planning day trips based around his interests and expanding these interests by finding new things to do too. Zack's home has great public transport links, and his Support Worker will need to be confident to plan routes, being mindful of wheelchair accessibility and step free access. Then, it's back home for dinner, relaxing and playing with Zack until the end of your shift. When Zack and his family relocate, he will require support to manage his self-contained flat, including assistance with all the regular household responsibilities that come with it.

Who this job would suit: This position will suit a confident, experienced, and enthusiastic Support Worker, who has great complex care skills and excellent experience supporting a child or adult with behaviours that may challenge. Someone who is proactive at finding new activities to do, and who likes to be active and busy. Someone who is a confident swimmer is a must as this is one of Zacks's favourite activities.

Essential: Experience working with behaviours that may challenge, and working with children, teenagers, or adults, with learning and physical disabilities. Non-Smoker/Vaper. Confident swimmer. Experience working waking nights.
Desirable: A love of the outdoors and activities such as theme parks, water parks and funfairs. Experience supporting someone with Epilepsy.
Start Date: ASAP.
Days & Hours: Two waking nights each week on Tuesday and Wednesday: 7.00pm - 7.00am, plus two alternate weekend day shifts per month, either Saturday or Sunday: 9.00am to 7.30pm. (occasional 7.30am start - paid extra) Bank shifts available to cover staff sickness and annual leave.
Family/Client Pets: One dog - Cavapoo.
Recruiter: Natasha

About this client/child: Zack (17) is an active teenager, who lives at home with his Mum, Dad, and his younger sister. He loves spending time outdoors and days out to theme parks, water parks, and the zoo. He enjoys being in open spaces where he can run around. When Zack is at home, he likes to have iPad time, play with his many toys, and spend time in his adapted living area, which is equipped to meet his needs. Zack has Epilepsy due to Dravet Syndrome, learning disabilities, is on the Autistic Spectrum, and has limited spontaneous communication. Zack can also present with behaviours that may challenge. He has food orally and a PEG in place for liquids and medication. He can walk short distances and uses a wheelchair for longer walks.