Relief Support Worker

Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes
England
2020-10-29T08:44:12Z

Manager Email:

Introduction

Milton Keynes is a rapidly expanding, vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and play. How better to contribute to that continued success than through a unique and rewarding career with Milton Keynes Council. So if you’re looking for an excellent benefits package and the chance to make a difference, make a move to Milton Keynes Council. With modern working practices where flexibility is commonplace and performance is measured on outcomes and results, alongside a generous holiday entitlement, you can experience a fulfilling job and great work-life balance.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Mental Health & Autism Social Care Team as a Relief Community Support Worker. The positions being offered are zero-hour contract. However, the current demand in the service will mean that there will be opportunity to work up to full time hours if desired. The team opening hours are between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. As a support worker in our service you will be working with people who have mental health difficulties and/or Autism in the community on a short term 4-8-week support plan. This will include practical support to help people live independently, promoting their strengths, and helping them achieve their desired outcomes. The role is challenging and will require individuals to use their own initiative, work with risk, and enter properties and work with people with issues such as substance misuse, homelessness, hoarding, domestic violence and self-neglect. Some homes will be in an unsanitary state and will require Support Workers to help with arranging pest control and deep cleaning services. The role will be both to support clients already in the community and those leaving both the general hospital and psychiatric hospital, preparing clients to reintegrate back into the community. The Support Worker plans will be created by the assessing Social Workers who supervise and provide advice and guidance to the Support Workers competing the work. The role will involve visiting clients in their homes and in the community across Milton Keynes and so a driving licence and use of a car is essential. Refences and full DBS check required. Contact Laura Harding for more information – Please note we will shortlist and hold interviews upon receipt of applications, so we recommend applying straight away. The advert may close sooner subject to the level of interest.

Key Duties

To visit clients in their home and provide practical support, following a short term care plan
To work to a strengths based model with clients, promoting their independence and quality of life
To support people with accessing work, education, community resources and groups
To work with other partnership agencies including Housing, the Police, Safeguarding, Probation, Children’s Services, Drug & Alcohol and Secondary Mental Health Services in supporting clients to meet there needs and in complex cases involving risk.
To support individuals who have had a period in either psychiatric or general hospital by helping to prepare their home for discharge and offering support with their transition back into the community.
To work as part of a busy, fast paced frontline service as a team player
To help individuals to improve their home environment working with issues such as hoarding

Experience, Qualifications and any Mandatory Requirements

Driving license and use of a car is essential
Basic literacy skills in line with council’s of Plain English standards. Qualification and experience in social care desirable
Knowledge of related legislation and guidance
Experience and passion for working within mental health

Skills Required

Relationship building skills
Understanding the purpose and need for confidentiality
Flexibility in working practice – time management and approach to service users
Valuing others – seeing the positive aspects of others’ opinions and ideas. Sharing own experience and valuing others’ experiences
Awareness of marginalised members of the community and the need to support people in staying safe
Ability to understand working plans and procedures and able to work in line with these
Understanding of the need for reliability and dependability and it’s impact on the service

Departmental Benefits of this role

Social hours – 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday only.

Find out more