---

Job description

The support worker will work as a member of the team, working daily to provide emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual support and guidance to the children and young people. This support will be provided in a warm and caring environment created by the staff team and management. .

Responsibilities

• Have shared responsibility for the day to day care and supervision of children and young people who live in the home which may include key worker responsibility for one or more young person aged 6-12 years old.
• Ensure that appropriate records are maintained particularly those detailing observations and/or assessment of each child and young person, in accordance with agreed policy and procedures.
• Engage with the psychologist and other professionals in ensuring the relevant therapeutic measures are implemented daily.
• Develop working relationships with other agencies to support the needs of the young people living in residential care eg education, youth justice.
• Participate in assessment, planning, implementing and reviewing the care plan of each child and young person in the facility.
• To develop appropriate relationships that will promote the growth and development of the young people with the aim of encouraging emotional maturity and socially acceptable behaviour.
• To establish a range of appropriate contacts within the local neighbourhood that will facilitate the involvement of the children and young people in outside activities.
• To accompany the young people, when necessary, to places of worship, holidays, outings and other occasions.
• To contribute to the daily life of the home through engaging with the children and young people in activities such as housework, maintenance of clothing, cooking and personal care.
• Participate in staff meetings, consultations, group discussions and formal supervision as required.
• Commitment to flexible working hours as the job will include evening, sleeping-in and weekend shifts.
• To participate in and contribute to staff training programmes when appropriate.
• To participate where appropriate in independence training and after care programmes for young persons leaving care.
• To participate in the development of group work or other alternative approaches of working with children and young persons.
• To participate in developing preventative family work programmes as required.
• To be aware of and implement legislative and statutory requirements eg the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Order (NI) 1979 as it pertains to this post and comply with the Trusts Safety Policies.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Minimum level 4 Qualification in any of the below areas: Social Work, Youth and Community Work, Occupational Therapy, Teaching, Nursing, Childcare and Health & Social Care.
• Hold a current driving license valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. (where disability prohibits driving, this criterion will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.
• 1 years experience of working with children young people. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to maintain accurate documentation. Ability to work in partnership with staff within and outside the programme of care.
• Effective planning and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise workload. Knowledge of statutory responsibilities to children looked after.