Support Worker

JOB TITLE: Support Worker

DEPARTMENT: Care and Support
RESPONSIBLE TO: Care Home Manager
SALARY: £13.45 Per Hour
CONTRACTED HOURS: 40 hours per week (Full Time) / 16 Hours per week (Part Time)
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: Across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan

JOB PURPOSE

To provide compassionate, person-centred support that empowers individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs, autism, or acquired brain injuries to live with greater independence and social inclusion.

This role involves delivering high-quality care through daily living support, personal care, and meaningful engagement in community and home-based activities.

Support Workers play a vital role in promoting dignity, choice, and wellbeing, while working collaboratively with colleagues and professionals to ensure each individual’s needs and aspirations are met.

This position offers hands-on experience, comprehensive training, and opportunities for professional development within a values-driven team committed to improving the lives of vulnerable adults and children.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

● Assisting individuals where necessary with personal care needs, including washing, bathing, toileting, dressing, undressing, mobility, and transport, while promoting dignity, independence, and choice.

● Helping individuals make their own choices and supporting them to engage in meaningful activities within and outside the home, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, attending appointments, going to the gym, participating in community events, and enjoying social and leisure activities.

● Acting as an advocate by promoting individuals’ wellbeing, safety, and quality of life, ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that affect them and supporting their rights and preferences.

● Carrying out cleaning duties as part of the team and supporting individuals to participate in domestic chores, helping to maintain a clean, safe, and homely environment.

● Assisting with menu planning, shopping, and cooking for the home, while encouraging individuals to be involved in meal preparation and make healthy food choices.

● Administering medication safely and accurately following appropriate training and in line with company procedures, and monitoring for any side effects or changes in health.

● Carrying out regular health and safety checks, including fire safety, infection control, and risk assessments, to ensure a safe living and working environment.

● Following care and management guidelines, behavior support plans, and working in line with company policies, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory standards.

● Completing documentation and keeping accurate records of care, incidents, medication, and daily activities in accordance with company policy and data protection requirements.

● Supporting individuals with emotional regulation and behavior that challenges using proactive, person-centered approaches and positive behavior support strategies.

● Building trusting relationships with individuals, families, and professionals, and working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent, high-quality care.

● Supporting new staff by modelling best practice, sharing knowledge of individuals’ needs and routines, and helping to create a welcoming and inclusive team environment.

● Support individuals with day-to-day financial tasks in line with organisational policies, including recording spending, keeping receipts, and ensuring all transactions are accurately documented.

● Participating in training, supervision, and team meetings to continuously develop skills, reflect on practice, and contribute to service improvement.

● Undertaking other reasonable tasks as required which fall within the scope and grade of the job, including responding to emergencies and supporting service continuity.

GENERAL DUTIES

Health and Safety

● To fulfil the general and specific roles and responsibilities detailed in the Health and Safety Policy.

Equal Opportunities

● To ensure that all activities are operated in accordance with Equal Opportunities legislation and best practice.

Safeguarding

● Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all employees. Any concerns should be reported to Responsible individual, safeguarding lead or care home manager.

Review and Right to Vary

● This Job Description is as currently applies and will be reviewed regularly. You may be required to undertake other tasks that can be reasonably assigned to you, including development activities, which are within your capability and grade.

BENEFITS FOR WORKING AT GOFAL CYMRU CARE

● Bupa Healthcare (Private Health Care)

● Continuous Professional Development

● Career Development Opportunities

● Cycle To Work Scheme

● Referral Program

ROLE CRITERIA

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

● Minimum of 5 GCSE grades A-D or equivalent.

● Willingness to work towards a QCF Level 2/3 qualification in Health & Social Care.

● Commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable

● Hold a QCF Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.

● Training in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), safeguarding, or mental health awareness.

Method of Evaluation / Testing

● Application Form

● Interview

EXPERIENCE

Essential

● A caring and empathetic nature with a genuine interest in supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs.

● Ability to build positive relationships with individuals and teams.

Desirable

● Previous experience working in a residential or supported living setting.

● Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge or complex needs.

Method of Evaluation / Testing

● Application Form

● Interview

● References

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

● Well-developed communication and listening skills.

● Good organisational and time management skills.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

● Basic numeracy and literacy.

● Ability to follow care plans and risk assessments.

● High standard of work, accurate record keeping and attention to detail.

● Uses initiative.

● Problem-solver.

● Good computer skills, with the ability to use Word, Excel, email and the internet.

● Ability to identify, manage and prevent triggers of behaviour.

Desirable

● Understanding of person-centred care and safeguarding principles.

● Knowledge of learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions.

● Experience liaising with families, professionals, and external agencies.

● Welsh language skills - spoken and/or written.

Method of Evaluation / Testing

● Certificates

● Interview

● References

GENERAL

Essential

● Physically fit to meet demands of the post.

● Flexible to work shifts including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, sleep-ins and wake-ins.

● Prepared to attend any job related training as identified by line management.

● Willing to undertake further training.

● Friendly and approachable.

● Minimum age of 18 (or 21 for children’s services).

● Commitment to upholding dignity, respect, and equality in care.

Desirable

●Full UK driving licence and willingness to drive service vehicles.

● Ability to support individuals in community-based activities and appointments.

● Willingness to undertake additional responsibilities such as key working or mentoring new staff.

Method of Evaluation / Testing

● Application Form

● Interview

● References