Support Worker

KT11, Oxshott. Kind and empathetic Carer/Support Worker for 41-year-old female with complex healthcare needs. Up to £20.33 gross per hour. £23,000.00+ gross per annum for 24 hours per week.

Title: Carer/Support Worker
Location: Oxshott KT11
Wage/Salary: Day shifts: £18.67, Night shifts: £20.33 gross per hour. £24,336.00 gross per annum (based on the contracted 24 hours per week)
Driver Essential? Highly preferable, automatic, adapted vehicle for use on duty
Essential: Experience of supporting an adult with complex healthcare needs, controlled medication, palliative care and mental health experience and/or qualifications. Able to cope with fluctuating moods due to health conditions. This role is open to *female candidates only. Non-smoker/vaper. Fluent English.
Desirable: Someone happy to give time to sit with the client, chat, play games and work at the client’s pace.
Start Date: ASAP
Days & Hours: 24 hours per week. Saturday 9:30am to 9:30pm, and Sunday 9:30pm to Monday 9:30am. Additional hours to cover sickness, annual leave/absences, which may be required on any day of the week.
Accommodation: A carer’s bedroom and bathroom are available to use on shift
Recruiter: Sally 

About this client: Amy, 41, enjoys cross-stitch, online shopping and collecting Jellycats. Amy has complex medical conditions including Ehlers Danlos syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, Gastroparesis, non-epileptic seizures, PTSD and spinal instability. Her progressive condition affects her neurologically and it is likely she has an Acquired Brain Injury. She has fluctuating emotions that may involve uncontrolled temper, frustration, anxiety, and impatience. She has chronic and debilitating pain. Amy is mostly confined to her bed due to pain and/or exhaustion. Amy can currently transfer with just light support (no lifting). She requires support with personal care including a daily bed bath; she uses a commode.

Overview of role: You will provide 1:1 support for Amy during the day and night. During the night, Amy will require help if she has a seizure, or has another need such as requiring pain relief or having a drink replenished etc. The carer's bedroom is next to Amy's, with a buzzer to alert you. The night role is classed as an on-call night but varies each night; some nights you may be able to sleep all night, other nights, Amy will need support and/or have an extended seizure, these can last for several hours. Amy may need oxygen around 8.00am to 9.00am. She then typically sleeps until around 2:30pm, so you can catch up on your sleep if needed. At times, Amy will enjoy having a chat or playing some games with the support worker, a friend may visit or she may have an activity such as aromatherapy. In addition to Amy’s care, there are light household duties to attend to, such as her washing and ironing.

Who this job would suit: Someone who is friendly, calm, empathetic, emotionally robust, and positive. Someone who doesn’t take things personally and understands that Amy is sometimes unable to control her emotions. You’ll know when to step back and give Amy space. Due to her many allergies, no strongly perfumed products (deodorant, perfumes, etc.) can be worn, nor peanuts, onions or shellfish eaten. Clean, short nails for safety. You’ll be respectful of Amy’s Christian faith, her DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and ADRT (Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment) choices, and acknowledge that her care takes place in her parents' home, where their privacy must be respected, and sensitivity to their family/home life is crucial. You’ll have experience of dealing with controlled medication and complex care procedures, but full training for tasks such as administering injections can be provided if required. Due to Amy’s needs, you’ll be a native English speaker or fluent in English. You'll be happy to work additional hours, when available, to cover sickness, annual leave and other absences.

What’s great about this job: This is a role in which you can utilise your skills to make a difference. The consistent shift pattern offers a good work/life balance while providing flexibility for anyone looking to increase their hours.

Who is recruiting for this role? Our client is using our Shortlist Service. Snap Care will screen applications to confirm the essential criteria for the position is met. The client will then continue the recruitment process. By applying for this vacancy, you agree to us sending your CV and contact details to our client. Please see our website for more information.

*Where a specific gender is stated as essential, gender is considered to be a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 for a female or male worker to work with our client. We are unable to provide sponsorship for any of our vacancies.