Support Worker in Keston, BR2. A wonderful full-time opportunity to support a sociable 14-year-old young lady cerebral palsy who loves everything around beauty and pampering! £20.00 gross per hour. £36,720.00+ gross per annum.
- Nearest Station: Orpington
- Salary/Wage: £18.00 (weekdays), £20.00 (weekends) gross per hour
- Driving Requirements: A driver is required to drive an automatic Wheelchair Adapted Vehicle (WAV)
- Essential: Childcare experience, clear spoken English, a genuine passion for supporting children/young people with additional needs. This role is open to *female candidates only.
- Desirable: Disability experience, Level 2 Certificate in Social Care. PEG-feeding and able to use a hoist confidently (or a willingness to undertake training).
- Start Date: ASAP
- Days & Hours: Average of 170 hours per month on a rota basis agreed in advance with the team. See below for more information of rotas/shifts. Overtime hours also available.
- Recruiter Contact: Sally Britton sally@snapcare.co.uk
(We are also recruiting for a weekend support worker for this client)
About the Client/Child Helen, 14, is a sociable, smiley young lady who enjoys going to the cinema, long country walks, Barbie, Disney, arts and crafts (with her two cheeky, younger brothers!), swimming/hydrotherapy, watching TV, baking – and anything to do with beauty, she loves a pamper! Helen has cerebral palsy, developmental delay and requires adult support for all her care needs. She is a wheelchair user; the house is fully adapted to meet her needs, including hoists. Helen is fed via a PEG, with a fully blended diet. Her epilepsy is well managed with medication, but she can experience seizures of varying strength/length. Helen can experience panic attacks when she needs reassurance and comfort. Helen can let people know her choices, likes and dislikes, through eye-pointing, facial expressions and vocalising/babbling.
The Role at a Glance The role involves supporting Helen with all aspects of her healthcare and daily living, including personal care. During term time, you will assist with the school run, either driving the adapted vehicle or accompanying her in the back of the car. Outside school hours—after school, at weekends, and during school holidays—you will help implement therapies, support Helen to enjoy a range of activities, and ensure time spent together is engaging and fun. Support is provided on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis, working alongside another team member or a parent. There may be occasions where you supervise Helen’s brothers, aged 11 and 6, if her parents need to focus on Helen. The family would also like the support worker to accompany them on short family holidays in the UK or abroad. The role averages 39.23 hours per week and includes two weekend days per month. The rota is planned in advance with all members of ‘Team Helen’ and follows set patterns: during term time, shifts run from 7:00am to 10:00am and then 2:30pm to 7:00pm; during school holidays, hours alternate weekly between full days of 10:00am to 5:00/6:00pm or split shifts of 7:00am to 10:00am and 2:30pm to 7:00pm; weekend shifts run from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Please see a sample rota here.
This Job Would Suit This role will suit a reliable, nurturing and sociable *female support worker who can integrate comfortably into family life. You’ll enjoy spending quality time with Helen, including taking part in fun activities and regular pamper sessions. Previous disability experience is preferred; however, with high-quality, client-focused training provided, the role is equally suited to someone with a childcare background who is enthusiastic about supporting a child with a disability.
You will appreciate the importance of confidentiality and maintaining privacy within the family home. To support Helen’s communication, clear spoken English is essential.
Why You’ll Love This Role You will be welcomed into a warm, friendly household and have the opportunity to support a delightful young lady. Comprehensive training is provided, including medication administration, moving and handling, first aid and PEG feeding.
Recruitment Process This vacancy is being managed through Snap Care’s Shortlist Service. We will review all applications and verify the essential criteria are met before passing suitable CVs and contact details to our client/case manager, who will continue the recruitment process directly. By applying, you consent to your details being shared with our client.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.
If a specific gender is required, this is a genuine occupational requirement under paragraph 1, schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.