Support Worker

What will you be doing?Do you have a passion for supporting people with learning disabilities to live fulfilling lives and enjoy meaningful experiences?Meadowside provides overnight short breaks for people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities / Autism and complex health needs. We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and motivated Support Worker to join our dedicated team and help create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for the people we support.About the RoleAs a Support Worker, you will work as part of a small, supportive team to ensure people enjoy stimulating activities, positive experiences and high-quality care during their stay at Meadowside.You will:Support people with their individual needs and routines.Promote independence, choice and wellbeing.Provide reassurance, comfort and emotional support.Assist with personal care and daily living activities.Support people to access meaningful activities and learning opportunities.Help to maintain a safe and nurturing environment.Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for the people we support.With support, guidance and ongoing training, you will develop the skills and confidence needed to provide excellent care to people with a range of learning disabilities and complex health needs.Working PatternPermanent staff onlyThis role follows a fixed four-week rota pattern and will include:EveningsAlternate weekendsSome bank holidaysFlexibility will occasionally be required to meet service needs.Typical shifts are:Early shift: 7.00am to 3.00pmLate shift: 2.30pm to 10.00pmWake night: 9.30pm to 7.30amAbout YouWe are looking for someone who:Has experience of supporting people with learning disabilities.Has an understanding of safeguarding and adult protection.Can work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team.Demonstrates compassion, patience and professionalism.Takes responsibility for their own actions and performance.Shares our commitment to improving outcomes for people.You will hold a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent), or be willing to achieve this within two years of employment.If you do not already hold the Care Certificate, you will be expected to complete this as part of your induction and development.Training and DevelopmentAt Meadowside, we are committed to helping our staff succeed. You will receive:Comprehensive induction and mandatory training.Specialist learning disability and health-related training.Regular supervision and support.Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career within Kent County Council.Why Join Kent County Council?We value our staff and offer a wide range of benefits to support your wellbeing and career development, including:Generous local government pension scheme.Occupational health services.Confidential counselling and support services.Coaching and mediation support.Learning and development opportunities.Access to staff support networks.Kent Rewards employee benefits scheme.Kent Rewards includes:Childcare tax-saving schemes.Cycle2Work scheme.Discounts on Adult Education courses.Discounts and vouchers from over 1,200 national and local retailers.Financial wellbeing support.Additional InformationInterviews will be conducted using the Choosing with Care assessment process.This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.Applicants who have been unsuccessful when applying for an Adult Short Breaks Support Worker role within the last six months need not apply.Find Out MoreTo see some of the fantastic work undertaken by our Adult Short Breaks teams, visit our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/adultshortbreaks/Join us at Meadowside and help make every short break a positive, enjoyable and memorable experience.About youTony Philpott - Registered Manager - tony.philpott@kent.gov.ukAlexa Lowden - Service Coordinator - Alexandra.Lowden@kent.gov.ukTel: 01304 363 445About usWork that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.