Job Title: Support Worker - Complex Communication Needs
Location: Spital Tongs, Newcastle
Salary: £12.72 per hour, rising to £15.01 per hour after completion of BSL qualification
Hours:
Full-time: 37 hours per week - three 12-hour shifts (e.g. 8am-8pm, 9am-9pm, or 10am-10pm)
Part-time: Minimum of 21 hours per week
Rota: Shifts include 2 weekends per month; rota is set 2-3 months in advance
Contract Type: Permanent
About the Role:
We are looking for compassionate, committed Support Workers to join a person-centred team supporting two young men (aged 23) with profound deafness, non-verbal communication, and learning disabilities. Both are moving into a new independent supported living provision this summer after finishing college.
As a Support Worker, you'll enable and empower them to lead fulfilling lives through practical and emotional support, communication assistance, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide 1:1 and 2:1 support within a supported living environment
Communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), VOCA devices, symbol boards, and visual aids
Assist with personal care, medication administration, and health appointments
Support independent living skills (cooking, cleaning, managing daily routines)
Encourage social participation and community inclusion, including trips to:
Swimming, trampolining, coffee shops, comic conventions, gaming, and deaf club
Promote confidence, autonomy, and a sense of belonging
Maintain detailed records and contribute to care planning
About You:
Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex communication needs
BSL skills preferred (or willingness to learn through training provided)
Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships
Confident using assistive communication tools or eager to learn
Positive, patient, and empathetic approach
Flexible and reliable, with ability to work shifts including weekends
Benefits and Enhancements:
20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles)
Contributory Pension Scheme (contributions matched up to 5%)
Induction and ongoing specialist training (including BSL if needed)
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Cycle to Work Scheme
Access to a rewards scheme offering discounts on shopping and leisure
Occupational health, physio, and counselling services for wellbeing
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