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Cecily Lalloo, MD of Embrace HR, independent specialist provider to the complex care sector, discusses how to properly support night workers in their roles, to protect their own wellbeing while enabling them to deliver the best possible care to those who need it.

Night work is commonplace in all aspects of healthcare, and is essential in delivering the care that is needed to people recovering from life-changing injury or in supporting them with ongoing complex needs.

And while this is an accepted and necessary way of working in care, to provide a 24-hour continuous service, the potential impact on health and safety must not be lost by employ-ers of those workers tasked with delivering care.

Employers have to ensure they comply with legislation in this area, to prevent fatigue, burnout and illness arising from employees who are not properly supported.

Risk assessments must be carried out as employers have a legal duty to assess the risks to the health and safety of employees (and risks to the health and safety of persons not in their employ-ment) to which they are exposed while they are at work. In the UK the Working Time Regulations 1998 sets out maximum working time which must be – supported by efficient management of employ-ees, to ensure night workers can achieve acceptable levels of sleep and rest, despite the disruption to their circadian rhythms, and protect their health and wellbeing.

Here, we look at some of the main issues employers need to consider.

Risks for night workers

For people who work nights, or those who work unsociable or very long shifts, these hours are at odds with the more accepted working patterns of working during the day.

Our circadian rhythm, which expects we will be awake during the day and sleep at night, can be disrupted by night work – and sleep is essential to mental and physical restoration to enable us to work effectively. It allows the body to recover from physical or cognitive ac-tivities and helps to protect against fatigue and anxiety.

However, for those working during the night, this is something that is less easy to achieve, and can lead to illness or the exacerbation of existing conditions.

Chronic fatigue resulting from night work is associated with conditions including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and cardiovascular illnesses such as hypertension and coronary heart disease. A UCL study found that working more than 11 hours places a person at a 67 per cent higher risk of developing heart disease compared with those who work a typi-cal seven or eight hour day.

Furthermore, fatigue or poor sleep can lead to a greater risk of errors or accidents, which could be of huge consequence when caring for individuals with acute needs.

Legislation supports night workers in being able to access regular medical checks, and if a night worker becomes ill and there is clear evidence to link their symptoms with night work, the employer must reassign the worker to other duties.

But in helping to reduce the chances of workers becoming ill or their wellbeing being com-promised, employers can take pre-emptive steps in protecting workforce and their wellbe-ing.

Risk assessments are a key part of that, and can ensure the workers tasked with deliver-ing care are able to properly protect those they are supporting.

Risk assessments

By properly managing risks and identifying the hazards of night work and helping to miti-gate them, workers are better supported to do their jobs and deliver the often life-saving care that is needed.

Employers must commit to addressing risks and protecting the safety, health and wellbe-ing of workers – which, as well as being best practice, can also help reduce sickness and absence, reduce staff turnover, reduce errors and accidents and increase productivity. Night works should be offered an annual night workers assessment.

A four stage process should be implemented:

1. Establish a system to manage the risks

2. Assess the risks in your workplace

3. Take action to reduce the risks

4. Review arrangements regularly.

A person must be appointed within the organisation to oversee this, and it is vital that workers are consulted and involved in any decisions about shift work.

Factors including fatigue should be prominent in a risk assessment, as well as other as-pects which we know affect healthcare workers such as workload, work activity, duration of shifts, rest breaks within and between shifts, mental and physical demands and welfare.

Risk groups among night workers – such as pregnant workers, younger and older workers, those with existing health conditions and new and temporary workers – should have their particular circumstances taken into account.

Monitor and review

Implementing the four step risk assessment process will reduce the likelihood of potential problems, but cannot always prevent them – which is why workers should be encouraged to report any problems as soon as possible

Supervisors have a role in identifying and reporting problems and if workers are concerned about their personal health, they should be encouraged to visit their GP.

Sometimes it will be necessary for the business to alter the shift schedule or make changes to the work environment. In this case, workers should be consulted in advance on the proposed changes.

While these changes may bring about improvements, they may also create problems, so monitoring any arrangements in place, to ensure they are working for everyone involved, is hugely important.

In any event, arrangements for night or shift workers should be reviewed periodically, to ensure their effectiveness.

Good practice recommendations

While carrying out robust risk assessments and implementing their findings will help the unique features of every business and every care situation, generally there are a number of approaches employers can take to support the wellbeing of their team.

Clearly every situation and business is different, and this may not be appropriate in every one; while it is not legally binding to take such steps, it can be advisable if appropriate to demonstrate the implementation of good practice.

• Plan a workload that is appropriate to the length and timing of the shift.

• Schedule a variety of tasks to be completed during the shift to allow workers some choice about the order in which they are done

• Avoid scheduling demanding, dangerous, monotonous and/or safety critical work to-wards the end of night shifts

• Avoid placing workers on permanent night shifts, and if possible,

• Offer a choice between regular and rotating shift schedules

• Where possible, arrange shift start/end times to be convenient for public transport or consider providing transport for workers on particular shifts

• Limit shifts to a maximum of 12 hours (including overtime)

• Consider if shifts of a variable length or flexible start/end times could offer a suitable compromise

• Allow workers some discretion over when they take a break where possible, but discour-age saving break time to leave work earlier

• Try to limit consecutive working days to a maximum of five to seven days and ensure there is adequate rest time between successive shifts

• Ensure supervisors and team members with responsibility for shift working arrangements are aware of the risks of night work and can recognise problems caused by this

• Provide training and information to workers, management and supervisors on the risks associated with night work and on coping strategies.

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MAIN SCOPE OF THE JOB:

We are looking for a dedicated support worker with a genuine caring profile and good sense of humour with the ability to learn and implement prescribed therapy to support our adult client who has an acquired brain injury. You will be required to work alongside our client in East Sussex in a facilitative role, enabling his integration into the community, supporting his day-to-day needs and sourcing suitable local facilities for social integration and therapy rehabilitation.

HOURS:

Working days: Monday to Sunday – shifts based on 3 days and 1 sleep in night (option for split shifts is negotiable).

Working hours: combination of day shifts and sleep in shifts totalling a maximum 48 hours per week

PAY:

£17 per hour Monday to Friday day shifts

£19 per hour Saturday and Sunday day shifts

Sleep in shift calculated as £80 plus 4 hours at the day rate (weekday/weekend)

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • To follow the care plans and risk assessments and be involved in the development of the overall support plan.
  • To work on a physiotherapy programme under the supervision and guidance of the neuro physiotherapist to implement taught strategies to increase functioning and manage memory, cognitive problems and behaviours.
  • To work on occupational therapist’s programme to increase both physical and psychological functional ability.
  • To work on Speech/communication under the supervision of a speech therapist to encourage confidence in all communications.
  • Generally, to work on an active programme of support to include a range of activities, supporting recommendations made by the treating therapists.
  • To support our client to access a range of meaningful activities both within the home and in the community.
  • To support our client and maintain role within the family.
  • Escort to therapy sessions and for outings using the family’s automatic vehicle.
  • To accompany our client and his family on holidays (by arrangement).
  • To maintain communication with the therapists, case manager, the client’s family and other support team members.
  • Participate in meetings called by the therapists, case manager or the client’s family.
  • Respect the need for confidentiality on occasions when the client or his family speak/communicate on matters of a private and personal nature.
  • Enable the client to make choices and decision wherever possible.
  • As a professional member of the staff team, support colleagues where necessary.

GENERAL:

  • To help keep the client’s room clean and tidy; complete laundry.
  • Support personal care needs, including oral hygiene, and ensure he is always well presented and cleanly dressed;
  • Provide support when eating and drinking
  • Prepare meals and drinks as required
  • Ensure that all duties are carried out to a high standard and that the welfare of the client is paramount at all times
  • To undertake any other related duties as required from time to time

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential Requirements:

  • Enhanced DBS Certificate – adult workforce and child (applied for by employer if required)
  • Experience working with clients with acquired brain injuries.
  • 3 years’ driving experience and must be 26 years of age or above for car insurance purposes
  • Able to drive automatic vehicle although training will be provided to the right applicant
  • Full clean UK drivers’ licence
  • The driver’s license must not have drink/driving endorsements
  • Good level of spoken English
  • Punctual, committed and dependable
  • A calm temperament, trustworthy, reliable with a good sense of humour
  • Ability to apply common sense
  • A strong personality to compliment the client’s needs
  • Willing to attend gym and swimming sessions
  • Satisfactory references
  • Right to work in the UK

Desirable:

  • Health and Social Care First Aid Certificate
  • Flexibility to work occasional additional hours

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Salary: £17.00-£19.00 per hour

Day range:

  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday

Shifts:

  • 12 hour shifts
  • Day shift
  • Night shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Must be able to reliably commute to TN20

Experience:

  • Acquired Brain Injury: minimum 3 years (required)
  • Driving: minimum 3 years (required)

Click here to apply for this position

Application deadline: 12/06/2023

Reference ID: SWJLS-052023

Embrace HR Aylesbury staff payment changes

As April gets closer, make sure you are up to date with the changes in minimum wage rates and other statutory payments for the tax year 2023/2024.

It is not long until April, and of course for anyone involved in HR or employing people, knowing the annual change in rates for the National Living Wage and other statutory payments is vital. Below we outline some of what you need to know:

 

National Living Wage

From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) will increase from £9.50 per hour to £10.42.

 

The National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) from 1 April 2023 are:
  Current Rate £

(1.4.2022 to 31.3.2023)

Rates £

From 1.4.2023

National Living Wage 9.50 10.42
21-22 year old rate 9.18 10.18
18-20 year old rate 6.83 7.49
Aged under 18

(but above compulsory school leaving age)

4.81 5.28
Apprentice aged under 19 4.81 5.28
Apprentice aged 19 and over, but in the first year of their apprenticeship 4.81 5.28

 

 Apprentices

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

  • aged under 19
  • aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

 

Apprentices are entitled to the minimum wage for their age if they both:

  • are aged 19 or over
  • have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

 

 Statutory Pay for Parents 

From April 2023, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) after the standard six weeks of 90% of pay is £172.48 or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings, whichever is lower. Note the same rate also applies to Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay.

 

Statutory Sick Pay

From April 2023 Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will increase to £109.40 per week.  How much you need to pay an employee depends on the number of qualifying days they normally work each week and how many days they were off sick.

 

Further information can be obtained from the government website or by following this link  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-and-thresholds-for-employers-2023-to-2024

 

If you would like to discuss this subject further, please contact Cecily Lalloo at Embrace HR Limited.

T: 01296 761288 or contact us here.

If you would like to receive our newsletter, please sign up here.

Based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Embrace HR Limited provide a specialised HR service to the care sector, from recruitment through to exit.

 

 

With a significant Supreme Court judgement set to reform how part time workers’ holidays are calculated – and a Government consultation on this currently underway – employers must ensure they are on top of this fast-changing situation.

Here, we look at the current situation and how Employers should review their current policies and procedures ahead of any further changes.

Part-time workers are set to see changes in their holiday entitlement, which employers must ensure they are aware of to stay on top of their legal obligations.

Following a recent judgement from the Supreme Court, a consultation over holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular hours workers is being launched.

The Harpur Trust v Brazel case concerned the calculation of holiday pay and entitlement of a permanent part-year worker on a zero-hours contract. The judgment held that the correct interpretation of the Working Time Regulations 1998 is that holiday entitlement for part-year workers should not be pro-rated so that it is proportionate to the amount of work that they actually perform each year.

Part-year workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of statutory annual leave, calculated using a holiday entitlement reference period to determine their average weekly pay, ignoring any weeks in which they did not work.

As a result of this judgment, they are now entitled to a larger holiday entitlement than part-time workers who work the same total number of hours across the year.

Employers are urged to take part in the Government consultation, ahead of a probable overhaul of their part-time worker holiday policy – but here, we look at the current situation and how to ensure you are compliant in meeting your obligations.

Current entitlement

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR), all workers (this includes employees) are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ annual leave. For someone who works five days a week, this is 28 days. 28 days is the maximum statutory annual leave that must be given. Complications have arisen over the years in calculating this for those who work for less than five days a week, or less than 52 weeks in a year.

For part-time workers, working 52 weeks a year but less than five days, the solution is simple: their weekly days or hours worked are multiplied by 5.6 to get their yearly entitlement. For those who are not required to work for 52 weeks in the year, but are permanently employed (i.e., not on a fixed term contract), things are less clear. In the Harpur Trust v Brazel judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that part-year workers must be given 5.6 weeks annual leave, but this cannot be prorated in accordance with the number of weeks they work in a year – consultation is now underway by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Pro-rated holidays

A part-year worker is anyone who doesn’t work every week of the year, such as someone on a term-time only contract. A part-time worker is anyone who works every week of the year but on fewer days or hours than a full-time colleague. A part-time pattern might mean they work three days per week instead of five, or 4 hours per day instead of 8, but they work 52 weeks per year.

It is important to understand the difference between a part-year worker and a part time worker as the holiday calculation is different for each. Annual leave can be pro-rated for a part-time worker. This is anyone who works 52 weeks per year but on less days/hours than a full-time colleague. For example, someone who works three days per week instead of five. This person would be entitled to 16.8 days’ annual leave instead of 28 days (5.6 x 3 = 16.8 days). Annual leave can also be pro-rated for fixed-term contracts, where there is a clearly agreed date for when the employment will end.

For example, if an employee is contracted to work for three months only to cover a busy period (e.g., summer holidays), their holiday entitlement will be 1.4 weeks. This is worked out by dividing 5.6 by 12 months then multiplying by three months (5.6/12 x 3 = 1.4wks). Finally, annual leave can be pro-rated for new starters and for leavers (e.g., someone who starts and/or leaves during an annual leave year), so that the entitlement is only based on full months worked under the contract. However, the Supreme Court judgement was clear that the amount of leave for part-year workers under a permanent contract must not be pro-rated to be proportional to that of a full-time worker. Therefore, zero-hours, variable hours, casual, agency and term-time staff should all get 5.6 weeks’ leave per year. What will the current Government consultation reveal?

Calculating leave entitlement and holiday pay

All employees are entitled to 5.6 weeks paid annual leave. As such, there should be no need to do any further calculations to work out accrual or entitlement (unless for part-time or fixed-term staff). The percentage method (where 12.07 per cent of the hours worked / pay received is used to determine holiday entitlement and pay) should not be used for any holiday calculations.

You must have measures in place to keep track of what entitlement has been used so far in the holiday year (in the same way you might do for full-year staff) and ensure everyone takes their full 5.6 weeks’ leave. Holiday pay should be paid at the normal rate of pay. Where weekly pay varies (for example, for workers on a zero-hours contract), you should calculate holiday pay based on an employee’s average weekly earnings over the previous 52 paid weeks. The reference period must only be weeks for which the worker was actually paid.

It must not include weeks where they were not paid as they did not work. It should also not include any weeks where “normal” pay was not received, for example, because they were on sick leave and they received sick pay.

You can go back for a maximum of two years (104 weeks) to obtain the relevant 52 weeks’ pay data.

In the event that the employer does not have 52 weeks data from the previous 104 weeks, then the reference period becomes the number of weeks’ worth of data available.

Example calculation – Average weekly pay

Add earnings from previous 52 working weeks / 52 = average weekly pay Pay for holiday period = average weekly pay x no. weeks’ holiday For example, if an employee’s average weekly pay is £100 and they want to take 2 weeks’ holiday: £100 x 2 = £200 holiday pay. This calculation should be re-done at the beginning of every holiday period.

Rolled up holiday pay

Government guidance states that holiday pay should be given at the time when annual leave is taken and that an employer cannot include an amount for holiday pay in the hourly rate. It also states that if a current contract still includes rolled-up pay, it has to be re-negotiated. In the past, employers could try to use rolled up holiday pay by being transparent with employees and ensuring they are given time off. But, employees could still raise a claim if they think they had been prevented from taking their annual leave.

However, since rolled up holiday pay typically uses the 12.07 per cent method to calculate accrual, the Supreme Court’s judgment that this should not be used adds extra risk. As such, it is best to reach alternative agreements with affected staff and ensure they are given 5.6 weeks’ annual leave with the pay for this leave given at the time the holiday is taken.

Holiday calculations – resolving errors and new approaches

Payment in lieu

Payment in lieu of statutory minimum entitlement (5.6 weeks) is not allowed unless employment is terminated. You must let employees take the full 5.6 weeks leave within the current holiday year and pay for leave at the time it is taken.

Backpay for previous years

If you have been calculating pay incorrectly (e.g., by using the 12.07 per cent method rather than taking a 52-week average), it is possible that you may owe employees compensation for underpayment of holiday pay. You can proactively take steps to provide the employee with backpay. Some employers may try to take the “wait and see approach” and let employees raise this, but this might not be possible for unionised environments since the union will likely be in contact to campaign on behalf of the employees they represent to get backdated pay. It is important to remember that not taking action could significantly increase the risk of unlawful deduction from wages claims being raised by employees.

When calculating what backpay is due, you will need to assess what was paid using the 12.07 per cent method and what should have been paid by taking a 52-week average; the compensation for underpayment of holiday pay will be the difference between these two figures. Where an employee or union request that backpay is given for previously underpaid holiday, it is likely you will have to do so, otherwise you are at significant risk of receiving an unlawful deduction from wages claim. Usually, an unlawful deductions claim must be paid within three months of the last deduction, or in this case, within three months of the last holiday pay payment.

But, given the scope of the situation, tribunals might allow employees to bring a claim within three months of the end of the holiday year in which holiday pay was calculated incorrectly.

The tribunals claims backlog is significant at present. Additionally, there are the risks of disrupting employee relations, thus reducing productivity, engagement and satisfaction, as well as action from trade unions.

Consequences of failing to give sufficient holiday

Not providing the full 5.6 weeks entitlement will be in breach of the law and is not recommended.

In this situation, there is a significant risk of tribunal claims, industrial action, employee grievances and resignations. There could also be wider implications for the organisation’s reputation with the general public.

Alternatives to part-year contracts

Term-time, variable-hours and zero-hours contracts, like any other type of contract, have their pros and cons. It is useful to consider why you are introducing a part-year contract in the first place. Is it because you only need someone to cover busy periods, like summer or Christmas, or term time? If so, a fixed-term contract or annualised contract may be a more effective alternative. If you want to continue having staff available year-round, and only call on them as and when needed, zero-hours and variable-hours agreements may be beneficial but consider all the terms involved. As such, it is worth understanding each of the different types of contracts and considering which is most appropriate for your workers.


If you would like to discuss this subject further, please contact Cecily Lalloo at Embrace HR Limited.

T: 01296 761288 or contact us here. If you would like to receive our newsletter, please sign up here.

Based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Embrace HR Limited provide a specialised HR service to the care sector, and small businesses, from recruitment through to exit.

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Team Leader – Support Worker – East Sussex – TN20

48 hour weekly contract, with the option to work additional shifts

£19.00 – £23.00 per hour

Embrace HR are working on behalf of their client to find a Team Leader.

Our client is a lovely gentleman with an acquired brain injury, who lives with his wife and eleven-year-old daughter. The family are very close and enjoys spending time together.

Our client enjoys woodwork, arts and crafts, social outings, and watching movies at the cinema. He has a great sense of humour, and enjoys interacting with his support team.

To thrive in this role, you will have a good sense of humour, an excellent work ethic, and the ability to maximise someone’s potential and enhance their quality of life within their home environment.

You will possess good organisational and communication skills, empathy, flexibility and enthusiasm, with the ability to use your initiative and creativity. You will be confident, reliable and caring. Undertaking domestic tasks, such as cleaning and tidying at the end of the shift, is vital.

Your duties will include co-ordinating the team by organising the rota, supervising staff, monitoring the quality of care provided and liaising with the multidisciplinary team. You will provide care for our client within the family home and during trips out into the community.  You will work towards a client-centred approach to improve and promote our client’s quality of life by following the agreed therapy and care plans.

Additional paid for administration work is required outside of your shifts, which is coordinated by the case manager (uup to 10 hours per month paid for at the weekday hourly rate).

You will work a 24 hour shift on Sunday (day shift is 8am-8pm and sleep in 8pm to 8am), Tuesday day shift and Thursday day shift. All shifts are 12 hours; 8am-8pm and 8pm-8am.

Are you the right person for us?

  • You must hold a full, clean driving licence and be an experienced driver
  • You must have the skills and experience gained from working with people with disabilities
  • It would be best if you had a calm, warm and friendly disposition with a good sense of humour
  • Although regular shifts will be agreed, the employer holds the right to change shifts at any time to suit our client’s needs; therefore flexibility is vital
  • Good computer skills

Your role will include, but not be limited to

  • Managing the support team, organising rotas, supervision and monitoring performance,

ensuring that the highest quality of care is provided

Identifying areas for training [this is a new bullet point]

  • Liaising with the family and multidisciplinary team and facilitating good communication across the teams
  • Providing support and care for our client in partnership with his family. Specific tasks include: providing assistance with all levels of personal care, skin care and mouth care, administering medications, cooking diabetic friendly meals, and driving the client to community outings and appointments
  • Supporting our client with his communication needs and methods that he uses
  • Ensuring all staff undertake tasks and activities in line with the care plan and the appropriate

process and procedure

  • Supporting our client in maximising his independence in all activities of daily living
  • Monitoring the client’s health and report any changes in condition to the case

manager

  • The daily care records to be completed online in a timely manner
  • You will need to have the flexibility to accompany our client and his family on holiday

 

 

 

Click here to apply for this position

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Female* Support Worker | Ware, Hertfordshire | Full Time Position

£13.00 – £15.00 per hour dependent on the shift worked and your experience

Embrace HR are working on behalf of their client to find an enthusiastic and committed Support Worker to join a small care team, who can be flexible in their availability of shifts worked.

Our client is a young adult with cerebral palsy resulting in a need for care and support for everyday activities. She lives at home with her family and requires support with her personal care, food preparation and feeding, as well as the preparation and administering of medication.

You will work flexibly to support her and her family to manage aspects of her daily life, both at home and in the community, to enhance her quality of life, and at all times to ensure her physical, psychological and social well-being.

Caregivers are also asked to support our client in accessing the community around her so she can live a fulfilled and varied life including attending local day activities such as gardening, music and art clubs, going to festivals, concerts and to the theatre, socialising with family and friends, taking her dog for a walk, shopping and attending social events such as the cinema or the pub as well as attending hospital and physio appointments.

You will be expected to work flexible day shifts, evening and weekends. At present, there is no need for night care every night during the week, although there may be a need to provide support overnight when accompanying our client on holiday, at weekends and when either parent is away from home. The need for night care is reviewed on a regular basis and caregivers are expected to be available for night shifts when required.

You will learn how our client communicates via her symbol book, eye gaze technology and eye pointing. You will build a good rapport at an age-appropriate level with her to build a meaningful, close and positive working relationship built on trust and respect that ultimately leads to a two-way friendship.

Are you the right person for us?

  • Preferred experience in care and support of people with a disability however training will be provided for the right person
  • Computer literate and able to be contactable by email
  • Experience working in the community
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A great sense of humour
  • Flexibility in approach to care
  • Ability to act on own initiative
  • Ability to maintain clear concise written records
  • Clean driving licence

Your role will include, but not be limited to

  • Assist our client in all her day-to-day tasks including helping with her personal care
  • Assist in the bathroom by administering suppositories to aid toileting, cleaning and

applying ointment to her coccyx to maintain the integrity of her skin and changing

incontinence pads

  • The giving of milk feeds, fluids and the preparing of and the administering of medication throughout the day via her Mic-Key button and the maintenance of her Mic-Key button site plus the occasional use of her suction machine if required
  • Via a ceiling or manual hoist you will manoeuvre her in and out of her wheelchair whenever required
  • Support our client in accessing the community around her so she can live a fulfilled and varied life including attending local day activities such as gardening, music and art clubs, going to festivals, concerts and to the theatre, socialising with family and friends, taking her dog for a walk, shopping and attending social events such as the cinema or the pub as well as attending hospital and physio appointments
  • Assist her where necessary when she is communicating with people who are unknown to her and who are not experienced with AAC
  • Fulfil domestic duties as required
  • You will be asked to drive or share driving, depending on a clean driving licence and age

Schedule and shifts available:

Day time:

09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday

10:00 – 16:00 Saturdays

12 noon – 20:00 Sundays

Evenings:

16:00 – 20:00 Weekdays

16:00 – midnight Friday/Saturday

This is a village location without direct public transport links. Car driver essential.

Satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK will also be required.

This position requires a disclosure request from the DBS (Adult Workforce). A conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being employed.

*The Employer claims exemption under the Equality Act 2010

If you are ready to start your career with our client, then CLICK HERE TO APPLY, quoting Job Ref SYP

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We are recruiting for our client who has cerebral palsy and complex care needs – born in 2009. He confidently drives his wheelchair independently and proficiently. He enjoys an active lifestyle socialising, adapted sport, swimming, the theatre and just being out and about. He uses electronic communication, and gesture with signs. A support worker is required to assist with all activities of daily living, including personal care and to provide him with social and leisure opportunities in the Gloucester area.

HOURS:

Weekend days: 8am – 5pm or 9am – 7pm (up to 6 hours per 4-week period)

School holiday days:  9am – 6pm (up to 4 hours per week)

RATES OF PAY: 

£12 – £13.50 per hour dependant on experience

Sleeping night on occasional basis NMW/NLW

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • As a support worker, you will assist with our client’s physical and personal needs, including personal hygiene, teeth cleaning, bathing, and dressing/undressing. Assisting him to eat and drink – including the use of his PEG which is generally only used for water and medication
  • To promote our clients learning and independence both in his home and community
  • To provide support to enable him to access and participate in social and leisure activities. This may be through providing physical assistance, verbal encouragement and/or instruction, using moving and handling equipment etc.
  • To be proactive in relation to supporting our client’s communication and in making his wishes understood
  • In liaison with therapists, the support worker will assist integrating therapeutic activities into our client’s day
  • Work cooperatively with our client’s parents, the senior support worker, therapists and the case manager, to offer him the best opportunity to fulfil his potential.
  • Use your own initiative when implementing advice or recommendations from therapists
  • Provide domestic assistance when needed to ensure that our client maintains a healthy, clean and safe environment, including the cleaning of his equipment
  • Support our client and his parents with all aspects of care, both within the family home and in the wider community of the Gloucester area

Click here to apply for this position,quoting Job Ref CK

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
  • A Moving and Handling Management Plan designed to reduce the risk of handling injuries may require you to bend, kneel, squat or lunge to ensure good posture during handling tasks
  • Aptitude and desire to work with children and young people
  • Reliable, trustworthy, a clear communicator and have a good sense of humour
  • Have a proactive encouraging approach to include developing an appropriate range of activities
  • Willing to participate in a variety of outdoor activities and be water confident
  • Basic understanding of the principles of rehabilitation
  • Demonstrate the ability to carry out/the ability and willingness to learn new skills, to include the use of a standing transfer aid, hoist, PEG management and carrying out therapy programmes
  • Able to maintain effective working relationships
  • Responsibility for personal conduct and an ability to work alone, unsupervised and on own initiative when necessary. Well organised and an ability to remain calm and cope in difficult or emergency situations.
  • Good written skills and the ability to keep adequate written records of care given and own hours worked
  • Able to practice as a competent support worker and provide evidence to demonstrate this. Able to demonstrate a good understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and to respect our client and their family’s need for privacy.
  • Confident about working in client’s own home and sensitive to the needs and wishes of his parents
  • Full clean driving license and able/confident to drive the clients large, adapted vehicle for work purposes
  • Flexibility to help with our client’s sibling and general running of the household as and when the need arises
  • Be happy to work within a home where there is a family dog
Desirable
  • Experience of complex care, working with children/adults with special needs (this is preferred but enthusiasm, patience and willingness to learn is essential)
  • Qualifications in caring for children/young people with severe disabilities and complex needs
  • Experience of carrying out therapy programmes
  • Previous experience of hoisting and using specialist equipment for people with a disability
  • Basic knowledge of therapies, such as hydrotherapy, Bobath and sensory integration
  • Experience of carrying out physiotherapy and/or multi-sensory programmes
  • Experience using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and other specialist IT technology
  • Able to work flexible hours according to the needs of our client
COVID-19 considerations:
  • Initial telephone screening interviews
  • Vaccinations are preferable
  • Government guidelines relating to COVID-19 apply

Satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK will also be required. This position requires a disclosure request from the DBS. A conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being employed.

Click here to apply for this position, quoting Job Ref CK

 

 

 

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Support Worker required in the Croydon, CR3 area

Permanent, part-time – £15-16 per hour

Our client

We are looking for a number of Support Workers who can be flexible in the availability of shifts worked.

Our client is a 16-year-old boy who has Bilateral Cerebral Palsy and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). He lives at home with his mother, twin brother and younger sister and requires 2:1 support with his personal care needs, food preparation and feeding, social integration with his peers, community care and rehabilitation, and participating in tasks of daily living as much as he possibly can.

Full support is needed to undertake all activities of daily living. He requires a high level of care both during the day and night.

Our client enjoys the company of happy, lively people with outgoing personalities. He enjoys spending time with his siblings, has a fantastic sense of humour and loves joining in all activity’s integral to family life.  Ongoing training and support will be given.

Are you the right person for us?

  • Confident about working in client’s own home and sensitive to the needs and wishes of the parents.
  • Happy to learn new things, (training will be given)
  • Patient and tolerant
  • Proactive with an encouraging approach
  • Responsible and able to work under own initiative.
  • Cheerful, caring with a positive attitude
  • Reliable, trustworthy and a good communicator
  • Confident with moving and handling
  • Hold a clean UK drivers’ license
  • Flexible – to cover other care staff shifts to ensure the smooth running of the care team

Experience

Experience in caring for children/young people with cerebral palsy is an advantage; administration of medication, follow through on therapy, keep accurate records. Enthusiasm, patience, common sense and a willingness to learn are key aspects of the role as well as the ability to work alone.

Shifts available

Flexibility to work shifts with a mix of afternoons, nights & seasonal cover is required. There are a variety of shifts available, hours to be mutually agreed (between 20-30 hours per week). If you are available for any of the shifts mentioned below, we’d love to talk with you.

Desired shifts

Term time

Monday-Friday 4pm – 8pm (10pm)

Weekends 8am – 8pm

Overnight – ad-hoc

Nice to have – shift cover for two hours each morning to help get ready for school

School holidays

Monday-Sunday 8am – 8pm

Overnight – ad-hoc

Salary

£15 – £16 per hour – Weekdays

£18 – £19 per hour – Weekends & nights

 

If you are interested in this role, please click here to apply, quoting Job Ref AMO

This role would suit an Occupational Therapist trainee

 

We actively encourage male applicants to apply for this role*

*Please note the employer claims exemption under the Equality Act 2010

COVID-19 considerations

  • Initial telephone screening interviews
  • Vaccinations are preferable
  • Government guidelines relating to COVID-19 apply

Satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK will also be required.

This position requires a disclosure request from the DBS. A conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being employed.

Click here to apply for this position, quoting Job Ref AMO

 

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A super boy needs a super Support Worker

We have a rewarding opportunity for a committed Support Worker to join a small care team providing support on alternate weekends and also covering holidays and sickness absence (weekdays) after school and into the early evenings during term time.

Weekend hours are Saturday from 8am – 1pm (or potentially the whole day) and Sundays flexible hours dependant on family commitments, to be worked on alternate weekends.

Our client is a friendly, bright, motivated and sociable 12-year-old boy who enjoys playing games, sports and attending clubs and activities in the local area. He attends secondary school, at times needs help with homework, including scribing and organisation skills. A multi-disciplinary team is involved, and part of the role will be assisting with therapy, such as going to the gym and social activities.

He has a keen sense of humour and enjoys the company of his friends and family. He has cerebral palsy with good functional abilities and is independent with most activities of daily living, and he communicates well.

Click here to apply for this position

You will need to be able to provide a high quality of support, you should:

  • be physically fit to support our client’s mobility and to enable him to participate in his various activities such as football, swimming etc.
  • be a clear communicator, with well-defined instructions
  • enjoy supporting others and be considerate, good-natured with a genuine interest in his holistic development
  • have a willingness to be involved in all aspects of his life, including play and communication
  • happy with all elements of personal care bottom wiping. Assisting with washing hair etc and encouraging him with personal care, helping with teeth brushing.  Cleaning up accidents etc.
  • be able to give him space when he wants to hang out with friends and respect his privacy.
  • be able to play sports with him, carry school bags and transfer a wheelchair from his vehicle.
  • most importantly, you will support the whole family to enhance their quality of life
  • have a driving licence and vehicle with business car insurance required. The family have a van, which you may be required to drive on occasion.
  • have experience of working with the relevant age group
  • be happy to carry out basic housework, cleaning, laundry, washing up, assisting with basic cooking and content to help him cook too.
  • have a willingness to learn

May suit a trainee nurse or OT/Physio or personal trainer.

Part-time hours

Minimum of 8am to 12pm on Saturdays with flexibility to stay longer if required depending on the family’s schedule.

Sundays with flexibility depending on the family’s schedule.

Salary

£15.00 – £17.00 per hour dependent on the shift worked and your experience.

If you are interested in this role, please click here to apply.

Benefits

  • On-site parking

Schedule

  • Weekends Saturday & Sunday
  • Potential for weekday shifts
  • Overtime

Experience

  • Care Workers: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification

  • Drivers Licence, and a car (required)
  • DBS, Child Workforce (required)

Work remotely?

  • No

COVID-19 considerations

  • Initial telephone screening interviews
  • Vaccinations are preferable
  • Government guidelines relating to COVID-19 apply

Satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK will also be required. This position requires a disclosure request from the DBS. A conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being employed.

Ref: 2023.03/lorl

Click here to apply for this position