Make a difference every day.

Support Worker Job Description

Independent Lifestyles provides specialist support for adults with a range of complex needs, including autism, learning disabilities, acquired brain injury, mental health needs, physical disabilities and behaviours that may challenge.

We are looking for Support Workers who are caring, reliable and committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives. Our services are based across Sussex and Kent, supporting people to live as independently, safely and confidently as possible in their own homes and communities.

Job Title

Support Worker

Responsible to

Service Manager

Overall Purpose of the Role

The purpose of the Support Worker role is to provide high-quality, person-centred support to adults with learning disabilities, autism and/or other complex needs.

Support Workers help people to achieve their goals, build confidence, develop independence and live fulfilling lives. This includes supporting people with daily routines, personal care, health needs, community access, relationships, activities and life skills.

The role involves working as part of a team and following each person’s support plan, risk assessments, communication needs and agreed ways of working. Support must always be delivered with dignity, respect, kindness and professionalism.

Support Workers are expected to work in line with Independent Lifestyles’ policies and procedures, CQC requirements, safeguarding responsibilities, health and safety requirements, and all relevant legislation and guidance.

Assessment and Recruitment Process

After submitting an application, shortlisted candidates may be invited to take part in our recruitment and assessment process.

This may include a formal interview and, where appropriate, an opportunity for us to observe how you interact in a care and support setting.

Where possible, we involve the people we support in the recruitment process. We believe people should have a voice in decisions about who supports them, and this involvement helps promote choice, confidence and ownership over their care and support.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory recruitment checks, including references, right to work checks and an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to safer recruitment and equal opportunities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting People:

As a Support Worker, your duties may include:

• providing person-centred support in line with each person’s support plan
• supporting people with personal care, where required
• supporting people with medication, health appointments and wellbeing needs
• helping people with daily living tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and household routines
• supporting people to access education, work, volunteering, leisure and community activities
• encouraging independence, confidence, choice and decision-making
• supporting people to maintain relationships with family, friends and professionals
• helping people to manage money, where this is part of their agreed support
• supporting people to develop social skills, communication and daily living skills
• promoting positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and quality of life
• ensuring people are protected from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation
• maintaining accurate records, including daily notes and other required documentation
• supporting people in line with any agreed behaviour support plans, risk assessments or best-interest decisions

Working as Part of the Service

Support Workers are expected to:

• work positively as part of a team
• maintain good working relationships with colleagues, managers, families and professionals
• work shifts on a rota basis, which may include evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-in duties and/or waking nights
• attend induction, training, supervision and team meetings as required
• follow Independent Lifestyles’ policies, procedures and agreed ways of working
• maintain confidentiality at all times
• report any concerns, incidents, maintenance issues or safeguarding matters promptly
• act as a keyworker where required
• help maintain a clean, safe, homely and well-presented environment
• represent Independent Lifestyles professionally and positively

Equality, Dignity and Respect

Support Workers must:

• treat every person with dignity, respect and kindness
• promote choice, inclusion and independence
• value each person as an individual
• work in a way that respects equality, diversity and human rights
• challenge discrimination, poor practice or unsafe care appropriately

Health, Safety and Safeguarding

Support Workers must:

• follow all health and safety policies and procedures
• work safely to protect themselves, colleagues and the people they support
• understand and follow safeguarding procedures
• report concerns promptly and appropriately
• follow infection prevention, medication, moving and handling, fire safety and risk management procedures
• use agreed physical interventions only where absolutely necessary, properly authorised, trained for, and in line with an agreed behaviour support plan

Other Duties

Support Workers may also be required to:

• undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role
• support people with social, leisure or physical activities
• travel to different locations where required
• work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
• maintain high standards of professionalism and practice at all times