Female Support Worker, Colchester

We are seeking a female support worker to work with ‘Katie’ in her own home, supporting her with a wide range of activities. Applicants must love animals (especially horses), be happy to go swimming, be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes and have excellent communication skills. Experience in a similar role and of working with individuals with disabilities required.

This post is open to female staff only as it involves personal care (Occupational Requirement Equality Act 2010 schedule 9 Part 1).

SHIFTS and HOURS

0800 hrs to 1630 hrs, two days per week (17hours between Monday and Saturday).

We welcome applicants for relief / bank staff.

PAY and BENEFITS

Monday to Friday – £17.00ph
Weekend hours – £18.00ph
5. 6 weeks annual leave per annum (pro-rata)
Pay to attend supervision and training
Mileage rates
Access to Ben Holden Ltd employee assistance programme
Access to Ben Holden Ltd discount scheme
Employer will support employees secure funding for diplomas in Health and Social Care Level 2, 3 or 4.

ABOUT KATIE

Katie is 27 years old and lives in her own home with her parents and pet cat. Katie has an acquired brain injury which she received at or near the time of her birth. As a result, Katie has Cerebral Palsy which affects all four of her limbs, her trunk and neck. Katie also has a moderate learning disability and communication difficulties.

MAIN ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES of the ROLE

To support Katie with all areas of personal care and hygiene when at her groups or during respite.
To support Katie with all aspects of mobilising and transfers as per her bespoke support plans.
To support with meal planning, food and drink preparations, and eating and drinking as per her bespoke food and drinking plan.
Encouraging Katie to be as independent as possible but being hands on to offer support and guidance.
To drive Katie to daily activities and support her throughout the day. This will involve swimming, hydrotherapy, being next to and close to horses, feeding and handling farm animals and reptiles, and taking a supportive role in drama and other activities Katie wants to complete.
To support Katie to complete her therapy as per her bespoke therapy plans.
To follow all care and support and therapy plans and feedback to the Case Manager any changes or updates that are needed.
To support Katie to identify and plan activities that she may enjoy.
To work in collaboration with Katie’s parents and communicate effectively with them.
To facilitate and follow risk management plans and inform the Case Manager of any concerns or changes required.
To support Katie to problem-solve when situations are stressful or unfamiliar.
To communicate effectively and positively with Katie’s parents.
To complete all necessary recordings and daily notes.
To support Katie’s parents with respite and be available to support Katie when the cover is required.
To complete all required training and attend team meetings and supervisions when arranged.
To follow all policy and procedures and agreed team policies.

CLOSING DATE

10th May, we may re-open the advert if we have no suitable applicants after this date.

Previous applicants need not apply, please read the job description for full details before applying.

BHL is committed to the protection of individuals from avoidable harm and abuse. All successful applicants will undergo an Enhanced DBS (with barred list) check (at the expense of the employer).

Download the full job description below

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What do our clients & referrers say?

When Jo started supporting me it was also the start of the Covid Pandemic. She took the time to explain physical anatomy which helped me understand the immediate and longer term impact of my injuries. We set attainable goals for me to rebuild all aspects of my life.

With professional understanding of procedures and expectations she liaised with my legal representative for insurance funding and others, securing the further support I needed, for example; intensive physio, counseling, driving confidence lessons, further surgery, occupational health equipment, a PA to support me and relieve the pressure on my family. I would always be happy to recommend Jo as a Case manager to others.

Before I was supported by Jo Forrest at Ben Holden Ltd, I was struggling with EVERYTHING caused by the RTA. I was incapacitated in a hospital bed in my dining room worried about the traumatic impact on my husband and family, not just following the accident, but the reality of my lack of independence, my ongoing care and my own physical rehabilitation.

Please pass on my thanks to all at Ben Holden for their help and patience with me over the past few years. Things are so much better for me now compared to when I came to you and you have all played a part in that, no matter how small, and I greatly appreciate it. Credit where it’s due in my eyes, and everyone at Ben Holden have been kind, courteous but perhaps more importantly understanding of my difficulties if/when I’ve been confused or remiss in remembering an invoice or some such. It is much appreciated.

Christa came to visit me numerous times in the Royal Free Hospital. Having assessed my needs, she organised repair of my wheelchair, hospital bed on my return home. Organised private physiotherapy and stay in care home. Once home, she came with me to private therapist in Harley Street.

Very kind, understanding and caring.

Before I started working with Ben I was struggling with the everyday tasks e.g. getting myself dressed, walking any distance, lifting, getting in and out of bed, bending. Within six months, Ben and his team enabled me to do all these things and return to work gradually, which resulted in me being able to do my pre-injury job.

My life began to significantly change. Ben treated me with the upmost dignity and respect. He coordinated a team of professionals experienced in working with neurological disorders, especially with people who had experienced an accidental severe traumatic brain injury or through illness. I felt confident that Ben would and did manage to select professionals who he somehow knew would manage my challenging eccentric behaviour and complex needs.

It was very reassuring to know that Ben was always at the end of the phone. He was there when I needed him most. He always responded quickly and kept everybody involved well-informed of what was happening with Progress Reports.

I could trust Ben and felt reassured by his knowledge and patience. He has a great and appropriate sense of humour. I would highly recommend Ben to others who would surely benefit from his expertise.

Ben was very helpful and promptly organised a good local physiotherapist for me. There I was given exercises specific to my problem, along with acupuncture and massage. This was invaluable, as nothing had been offered to id my recovery by my local hospital. In addition, Ben organised a six-month gym membership at my local leisure centre.

I always found Ben easy to talk to and he regularly called to check on my progress. I would not hesitate to recommend Ben Holden td, who gave me a very friendly and professional service.

My experience working with Ben was excellent. I felt very at ease, relaxed and confident with him. If I had any queries or needed extra support, he was always on the end of the telephone. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

I highly recommend Ben Holden, for his professionalism, friendliness and for the individual support I got. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben and his team for all their work getting me where I am today, leading a normal life again, and being able to put my accident behind me.

Before Ben Holden started working with me on my injuries, I was struggling daily and unable to progress with my rehabilitation back into normal life. Since Ben Holden Ltd took on my case I have been able to focus on getting my life back together following my accident.

Working with Ben made me feel confident and in control again, his relaxed and easy style made me feel I could talk to him freely about my concerns. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Ben Holden Ltd to anyone facing the prospect of life following a life changing accident.