Buddy Support Worker

Buddy/Support Worker

Location: Rochford

Salary: £15 - £16 per hour

Hours: 24 hours per week (to include evenings and Saturday)

Are you looking for a new role which will be fulfilling and fundamental in enabling a young adult Client to develop his confidence and independence while supporting him to access his many interests and hobbies?  If so, our client has the perfect role for you.

The Client

The client is an active 24 year old young man who lives in the family home with his mum and two sisters. He suffered a brain injury at birth which has resulted in cerebral palsy affecting both his gross and fine motor skills as well as causing significant fatigue at times.  As a result, the client requires support and assistance with certain activities and when accessing the local community.

One of the clients’ particular challenges is in engaging with others in social situations due to low confidence, especially in unfamiliar surroundings or with people he doesn’t know.  That said, he aspires to enjoy the same social situations and environments as other people of his age and is keen to develop his independence away from his close family unit.

Hobbies & Interests:

The client has many interests including archery, gaming, dog walking and reading.  He attends weekly judo and self-defence classes and is currently considering learning to drive.  He also has a passion for travel with a growing interest in campaign and bushcraft skills.

The Role

They are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Buddy/Support Worker to work on a one-to one basis with the client to help him develop his confidence and independence away from his immediate family. This role will suit a fit and energetic individual who will actively engage with the client, joining in with his interests and activities. 

You should be able to support the client in home-based activities which will include helping him to his days, money management and cooking.  Outside of the home, you will be required to physically support Kieron to enable him to access and participate in all of his sport and leisure activities. 

Skills and Qualifications

• You should have experience of working with individuals with brain injury and understand how to work within the confines of the challenges this presents.
• The successful applicant would ideally have some experience of working cohesively with a team of therapists, implementing the specialist programmes they have developed for Kieron.
• The successful candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• It is desirable but not essential that you will hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have your own vehicle to transport the client to his various activities and on outings which will include evening and weekend activities, day trips, short breaks and holidays. 
• It is essential that you are able to offer flexibility around your hours of work to allow for the client’s expanding schedule.
• You should have an understanding of the need to maintain professional boundaries and privacy within a private family home.
• You will need to provide trustworthy and reliable support to the client, working with him as he develops his confidence, helping him to make informed and safe choices.

Available Hours

They are looking for a Buddy/Support Worker to work 24 hours per week, as follows:

• Monday & Thursday: 18:00 – 22:00
• Saturday:  09:00 – 15:00 

The additional 10 hours will be worked flexibly in line with the Client’s needs and agreed with a minimum of two weeks advance notice.

Rates of Pay

• Monday to Friday: £15.00 per hour
• Saturday & Sunday: £16.00 per hour
• Bank Holidays: 1.5 times usual weekday hourly rate

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, then please do not hesitate to apply.