Job Details

Job introduction

Do you have some experience of working with children with learning disabilities?

Are you looking for a rewarding, varied role where each day can offer a fresh challenge?

Are you passionate about making a real difference to someone’s life?

If so then we would like to hear from you.

Interview date: 11/10/2021

For an informal discussion, please contact Vikki Witham - (Practice Manager) on 01273 295530 or Karen Rusbridge (Practice Manager) on 01273 295530 .

About us

At Drove Road we provide a mixture of short breaks and full-time placements for up to eight children and young people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour between the ages of 8 and 18.  Our dedicated team of staff works hard to create a positive, safe, stimulating and homely environment in which each young person’s specific needs are met and they are supported to develop and learn new skills while having fun. Particular emphasis is given to those skills that promote independence.

Our recent Ofsted inspection rated the overall service as “Good” and remarked that

“Staff enable the young people to develop and make positive progress”

The report also made specific reference to the staff who “provide the young people with clear and consistent boundaries which assist them to develop improved coping skills, and reduce levels of challenging behaviours. A committed and enthusiastic staff team responds effectively to the young people’s diverse and complex needs. Staff are supporting one young person to explore their sexuality and gender in a safe and non-judgemental environment.”

About the role

About the role

You will join a large team of committed staff in supporting the young people living or staying at Drove Road, many of whom have Autism with associated challenging behaviour and complex needs. You will help them to participate in all aspects of daily life and to develop their skills so that they can maintain as much independence as possible. The work will involve:

• supporting with intimate personal care where required
• ensuring individuals’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs are met and optimising opportunities for play, leisure and learning pursuits
• undertaking a range of domestic tasks including cleaning, shopping, providing freshly prepared meals etc.
• planning, organising and participating in a range of stimulating activities both at Drove Road and within the wider community e.g. swimming, walking, bus and train journeys, parties, visits to the cinema, bowling, shopping, etc.
• assisting with the administration of medication
• using various communication tools to help residents express themselves
• maintaining records
• creating and maintaining relationships with family members, carers and friends
• keeping yourself and others safe during times of challenging behaviour

About you

You will need to have:

• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (or equivalent qualification) or be willing to obtain this qualification which is now an apprenticeship within 2 years of starting the job
• some understanding of childcare or child development
• good written, number and organisational skills
• the ability to work on your own initiative and think quickly in a difficult situation
• the ability to work as part of a team
• the ability to meet the physical, emotional and mental demands of the job e.g. be able to use restrictive interventions when necessary

You will also need to be able to work a four-week rolling rota as follows:

Early shifts: 7.00 am to 2.30 pm (until 11.00 am in term time)

Late shifts: 2.00 pm to 9.30 or 10.00 pm.

In addition you will be required to work 2 weekends a month and do “sleep-in” duty at least once a month.

N.B. if your availability does not fit this criteria we would still be interested in hearing from you as we may have other roles available. Please call or email for more details.

Working for us

We can offer you:

• a generous salary
• time and a half for working at weekends, double time for working on a bank holiday and time and a third for working at night (between 8pm and 6am)
• additional payment for “sleep-in” duty
• the opportunity to volunteer to work extra shifts
• a career average pension scheme
• generous holiday up to 25 days a year
• regular supervision meetings and fortnightly team meetings plus
• a fantastic range of other staff benefits - you can get discounts with high street retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Argos and Boots as well as cinemas, local attractions and holiday companies via our external benefits provider

We highly recommend you read the ‘Maximise your Chances’ below before you apply for this job. It is important you are able to show how you meet the Person Specification when applying. Not following this guidance is likely to reduce your chances of success.

Additional information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only.

Work Permits: This role does not meet the requirement for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Points-based Immigration System. Successful candidates will need to evidence that they have the Right to Work in the UK.

Company information

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community but particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans as these groups are currently under-represented in our Directorate workforce.

Files

• Applicant Cover Letter Dec 20
• Our Values and Behaviours
• Maximise your chance - Statement Guidance
• Job Description and Person Specification