Trainee Support Practitioner | Care Choices (Care at Home)

Job title: Trainee Support Practitioner | Care Choices (Care at Home)

Responsible to Lead Practitioner

Hours of work: various hours available including part-time/full-time/flexible hours. We offer permanent contracts/guaranteed hours and generous annual leave entitlement.

Salary: SCP £18,657

Main Responsibilities

Participate in the provision of a high standard of person-centred care and support for service users in a range of accommodation settings, including their own homes.

Requirements

Job Activities

• To understand the physical, emotional, cultural and social needs of the service users, including a wide range of needs, illnesses, disabilities and criminal justice involvement.
• Working to a person-centred and enabling approach.
• To observe and promote the service user’s choice, independence, dignity, privacy, fulfilment and other rights.
• To create and maintain good professional relationships with service users, their family and friends and other stakeholders
• To actively support other Support Practitioners
• To undertake the tasks detailed in the service user’s care and support plan using trauma-informed practices.
• To encourage the independence and motivation of the service user and foster improved levels of self-sufficiency
• To provide input into the care and support plans alongside the service user.
• To assist service users with their medication at the agreed level of support and as detailed in their care plan.
• To provide light general household domestic duties, including housework and laundry, as detailed in the care plan or instructed by Management
• To use manual handling equipment safely and correctly
• To take responsibility for the safe handling of property and equipment belonging to the service user
• To maintain good communication and develop effective working relationships with service users, families and multi-disciplinary teams
• To provide companionship to the service user, actively talking and listening to them about their interests and seeking social inclusion
• To support the service user to maintain contact with their family and social circle
• To assist the service user appropriately to manage their personal affairs and with efficient budgeting
• To ensure as safe as possible the living environment for the service user, whilst respecting the service user’s choice and rights

Systems

• Maintenance of records – Utilisation of PASS System/App to record all information in relation to Service User Management.
• The day-to-day operation of service (budgeting, appointments), meeting attendance
• Office 365 and IT Platforms.

Quality Standards

• Working to the appropriate Care Inspectorate standards
• Working to the appropriate Scottish Social Services Council standards
• Working to the appropriate Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator standards
• Working to the appropriate Aberdeen Cyrenians standards and working in partnership with the commissioner.
• Working to the appropriate Environmental Health standards

General Terms of Reference

In carrying out the above activities, the Care Choices Trainee Support Practitioner will:

• Work on their own and as part of teams, both within Aberdeen Cyrenians and with partnership organisations
• Maximise their own performance and contribution
• Ensure they comply with internal and external regulations, procedures and other requirements pertaining to the service
• Maintain the good reputation of the organisation
• Keep abreast of developments and legislation relevant to the service’s range of activities
• Seek to improve their knowledge and skills by both formal and informal means
• Carry out other relevant work commensurate with the post as required.

Essential

• Willingness to work towards N/SVQ2 in Adult Care and ability to attain this within five years
• Literacy and numeracy at a level to maintain all the appropriate paperwork, write support plans and give budgeting advice
• Able to use basic computer applications like Office 365 and smart phone apps
• Able to work unsociable hours
• Able to respect the aims and values of our work including a commitment to work with those with the most challenging needs to ensure that they have every opportunity to avoid further exclusion
• Owns and is proficient in a smartphone and willing to use for work purposes. (Note: we are able to provide support to purchase an appropriate device through payroll deduction if required, subject to a cost recovery agreement).

Desirable

• An understanding of social justice issues such as homelessness, substance misuse
• An understanding of social issues such as homelessness, mental health, criminal justice and substance misuse
• An understanding of legislation/practice pertaining to the work
• Previous experience in a social care environment in a voluntary or paid capacity
• Experience of working or volutneering with disadvantaged people
• Driving License and own vehicle/use of vehicle.