We are looking for a kind, compassionate and reliable person to join our existing team of five, providing dedicated one-to-one support to a 30-year-old young man with complex needs.
He is a wheelchair user and lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, diabetes and limited vision he is also non verbal.
Support is provided in his family home, helping him enjoy everyday life, maintain his wellbeing and take part in the activities he loves.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who genuinely enjoys caring for others and wants to make a positive difference.
The position
• Contract: Average of 30 hours per week.
• Shifts: Mixed of mainly weekend days and nights but fiendishly to cover other shifts.
• Rota: Four-week rotating shift pattern, with some flexibility required as shifts may vary slightly.
• Additional hours: Opportunities to cover sickness and annual leave.
• Working pattern: Care is provided 365 days a year.
• Pay: £15 per hour (£23.50 per hour on bank holidays).
• Driving: Essential – a full driving licence is required.
Previous experience in care, particularly with complex needs and non-verbal individuals, is desirable. However, we would also consider applicants without previous experience, as full training and ongoing support will be provided to the right person.
Main responsibilities
The role involves providing personal and practical support, including:
• Supporting all personal care needs, maintaining dignity and independence.
• Administering medication, including epilepsy medication and insulin.
• Supporting and safely carrying out his PEG feeding regime, alongside oral feeding.
• Carrying out daily physiotherapy and sensory activities.
• Supporting him to attend his activities, including hydrotherapy, carriage riding and trips out.
• Working independently on a one-to-one basis for most shifts, with occasional double-up support.
• Completing daily care records, medication administration sheets and other paperwork.
• Carrying out household duties, including cleaning, laundry and washing.
• Ensuring his safety and wellbeing at all times.
• Providing companionship, interaction and plenty of kindness throughout the day and night.
Communication and Understanding
He is non-verbal, so being able to communicate without spoken words is an essential part of this role.
We are looking for someone who is patient, observant and genuinely interested in getting to know him as an individual and understanding his unique ways of communicating.
This includes:
* Learning to recognise and understand his facial expressions, body language, gestures, sounds and behaviours.
* Being able to recognise when he is happy, uncomfortable, distressed or trying to communicate a need.
* Taking the time to build a trusting relationship and develop an understanding of his individual communication methods.
* Finding ways to involve him in everyday decisions and activities, ensuring he feels listened to, valued and included.
* Being attentive to changes in his usual behaviour or presentation, recognising that these may be his way of communicating that something is wrong.
* Never making assumptions about what he wants or needs, but taking the time to understand him and give him choices wherever possible.
Previous experience supporting someone who is non-verbal would be beneficial, but a willingness to learn, patience and a genuine interest in understanding his individual needs are just as important.