Support Workers

Typical duties

• Assist our client to live as independently as possible within their own home ensuring all aspects of domestic life and activities of daily living are managed effectively with as much participation from our client as possible.
• Contribute to the assessment, implementation and evaluation of support for the client alongside the MDT and the case manager.
• Keep clear, contemporaneous records of care and send these electronically after each shift to the case manager.
• Work collaboratively with other team members ensuring you communicate information from one shift to another through use of care record sheets found on staff laptop and through use of communication book.
• Provide support and care in partnership with client and family.  Specific tasks include assisting client with all standing transfers using the molift transfer equipment and all aspects of personal care.
• Attendance at supervision meetings with case manager and other team members is expected as a minimum 4 times per year.
• Attend team meetings and supervision and training with MDT members as required.
• To observe and report any changes in the client’s condition to the family or case manager whilst taking appropriate immediate action for example arranging a GP appointment if client unwell.
• To work using a mature approach considering the client’s age and ensure they are given choices where possible in relation to choice of activity, while maintaining an appropriate supportive relationship.
• To maintain a family centred approach at all times, remaining aware of the social and psychological needs of the client and family unit.
• Plan any outings in accordance with protocol and in consideration of issues such as disabled access.
• Develop work in line with the Case Manager and MDT to assist in developing the client’s independence skills in line with the goals as agreed and monitored during supervision.

Personal Care

• Assist client to mobilise safely inside and outside of the home, including accompanying to public toilets where required, while respecting client’s dignity and privacy.
• Physically assisting the client to manage all aspects of personal care tasks including bathing, washing and dressing in the mornings as directed by client, including the fitting of splints as per care plan guidelines.
• Prompt client with taking medication and supervise its administration every morning/evening ensuring this is recorded in the care record as per medication administration care plans.

Support and Rehabilitation

• Supporting the client on a daily basis with planned and structured activities using the timetable and employing approved motivational techniques to encourage our client to participate in planned activities as per guidance from therapists.
• Drive the client in wheelchair adapted vehicle (WAV) to voluntary placement, outings and appointments.
• Attend and assist with personal training, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy sessions and programmes, as advised by the relevant therapists.
• Inform the case manager, therapist and family of the itinerary of planned outings ensuring you follow the management plans relating to safety and emergency procedures whilst out in the community.
• Support client to participates in meal preparation as required.
• Take the lead in managing all aspects of household maintenance under guidance of client’s family/case manager.

Specialist Equipment & Manual Handling

• Be familiar with the operation and function of all specialist equipment used by the client including molift transfer equipment, powered wheelchairs and standing frames / walkers.
• Ensure you are familiar with the process of loading and securely fastening wheelchair into client’s vehicle.
• Be familiar with assisted transfers where relevant and required, and that these are conducted in line with the manual handling training, risk assessment, care plan.
• Follow guidance of wheelchair specialist with regard to positioning and use of wheelchair.
• You have responsibility for reporting any faults or problems with equipment to the case manager and client’s family.

Cleaning

• Responsibility for washing / ironing of the client’s clothes.
• Tidying and cleaning of property as per cleaning schedule.
• Ensuring that the clients specialist equipment is cleaned on a weekly basis or more regularly if required.

Holidays

• Responsibility to accompany client on holiday as required and in negotiation with other team members and case manager.
• Follow specific risk management plans relevant to any planned holiday trip here or abroad.

Ad Hoc

• Summon immediate help for any emergency and take the appropriate action to contain it.
• Facilitate the client’s independence where appropriate and within the boundaries of safety.
• Work at all times in a way that minimises risks to health and safety for both support worker and client.
• Deliver high quality care and reflect on own work, sharing information and experience with MDT and case manager.
• Contribute to the planning of activities in liaison with client’s family, making suggestions based on own knowledge and experience.
• Act within the parameters of the role, while using own initiative where required.
• Communicate effectively and professionally when using the telephone or when talking directly to client, family, or others involved in care and welfare.
• Maintain appropriate, contemporaneous and accurate record of work.
• Contribute and ensure effective work scheduling by demonstrating an adaptable approach to client’s care and routine.