Support Worker- Laughton Croft

The Support Worker plays a vital role in providing person-centred support to residents living within a mental health residential care home. The post holder will assist residents in maintaining and developing their independence, promoting recovery, wellbeing, dignity, and social inclusion. Support Workers are responsible for delivering high-quality care and support in accordance with individual care plans, risk assessments, organisational policies, and regulatory requirements.

The role requires a compassionate, professional, and proactive approach to supporting residents with their daily living needs while promoting choice, empowerment, and positive outcomes.

Location: Laughton Croft Residential Home (DN21 3JF)

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support and Care

• Provide person-centred support tailored to the individual needs, goals, preferences, and abilities of residents.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including personal care where required, maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect at all times.
• Support residents to develop and maintain independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping, and managing appointments.
• Encourage and support residents to participate in social, recreational, educational, and community activities.
• Promote recovery-focused practice and support residents to achieve personal goals and maximise independence.
• Build positive, professional, and therapeutic relationships with residents.
• Provide emotional support and reassurance when required.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Support residents in managing their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Observe, monitor, and report changes in residents' physical health, mental health, behaviour, or wellbeing.
• Work in partnership with healthcare professionals and other agencies involved in residents' care.
• Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, personal wellbeing, and social engagement.
• Support residents in maintaining positive routines and structure within their daily lives.

Medication Support

• Assist with medication administration and management in accordance with organisational policies, training, and competency assessments.
• Maintain accurate medication records and report any concerns promptly.
• Ensure medication is stored and handled safely and securely.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

• Promote the safety and welfare of residents at all times.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Follow individual risk assessments and contribute to risk management plans.
• Support residents to make informed choices while balancing independence and safety.
• Report accidents, incidents, concerns, and near misses promptly and accurately.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate, clear, and timely records of support provided.
• Complete daily notes, incident reports, medication records, and other documentation as required.
• Contribute to care planning, reviews, and resident assessments.
• Ensure all records are completed in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements.

Health, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

• Adhere to all Health and Safety, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), safeguarding, and organisational policies.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive living environment.
• Follow infection control procedures and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Participate in emergency procedures, including fire safety and evacuation processes.

Team Working

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, management, healthcare professionals, families, and external agencies.
• Attend handovers, team meetings, supervision sessions, and training.
• Contribute positively to the development of a supportive and professional team culture.
• Provide support and guidance to new team members where appropriate.

Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Genuine interest in supporting individuals with mental health needs.
• Ability to promote dignity, independence, and person-centred care.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good observation, record-keeping, and organisational skills.
• Flexible and reliable approach to work.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting resident wellbeing.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in a mental health, residential care, healthcare, or social care setting.
• NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards).
• Experience supporting adults with mental health conditions, complex needs, or challenging behaviours.
• Medication administration training and experience.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches.

Core Values and Behaviours

• Treat all residents with dignity, respect, compassion, and kindness.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and individual choice.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Encourage independence and empower residents to achieve their goals.
• Work collaboratively and positively with colleagues and external professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect residents' rights at all times.

Compliance Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Completion of mandatory training, including Safeguarding, Mental Health Awareness, Medication Administration, Infection Prevention and Control, Health and Safety, Fire Safety, First Aid (where required), and Manual Handling.
• Adherence to all organisational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Willingness to undertake ongoing training and professional development.

Benefits

• Mileage paid over 5 miles (up to 50 miles per day)
• Company pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Meals provided during shifts
• 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support
• Monthly staff bonus scheme
• Refer-a-friend bonus of up to £250
• Free onsite parking
• A friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities to grow
• Please note: Applicants must currently live in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• £12.88 per hour (days) £13.70 per hour (nights) Full time and part time roles available