Job Description
Support Worker - New Directions Support (Charitable Company)
Location - Uttoxeter or Rugeley
Hours of Work– Various hours and days available
Salary -£12.60 ph.
Responsible to: Operations Manager and Chief Officer
NDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status
JOB DESCRIPTION
Objective of the Charity: For the public benefit, the relief of those in need by reason of disability by the provision of day activities for adults, in particular the provision of activities relating to education, leisure and work-preparation
The main purpose of the Support Workers role will be to support service users under the guidance of senior staff within the day opportunities service for adults with a learning disability and/or Autism, both at set venues and within the wider community. New Directions Support offer a wide range of meaningful sessions including but not exclusive to, Drama, craft, independent living skills, art, technology, cooking and being active.
The postholder will fulfil the responsibilities of their role and to develop their own potential, whilst working with the wider community to promote a positive image of individuals with a learning disability. Also promoting self advocacy, independence and choice for all individuals attending the service.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Main key Duties
1. To help individuals with learning disabilities and/or Autism achieve their personal goals by supporting them to participate in a variety of activities
2. To develop good working relationships with other staff, service users, carers and professionals
3. To support individuals with learning disabilities during activity sessions and to implement programmes of activities as required
4. Under the instruction of the session lead, support individuals to be independent and promote self advocacy.
5. To take a hands on approach in all activities and on occasion to lead sessions if asked to by senior staff.
6. To record set outcomes as instructed by the senior staff
7. To complete any required records following policies on confidentiality and data protection.
8. To support individuals with personal care requirements if required.
9. To adhere to policies on health and safety, safeguarding and other internal policies as required
10. To transport service users to and from community venues as required (for which appropriate expenses will be paid) and to have a vehicle available with appropriate insurance and mot.
11. To use their own car to transport service users to the venues (suitably taxed and insured)
12. To assist and support service users to have a say in their service and to support their choices.
13. To ensure safeguarding issues are dealt with in line with the safeguarding policy at all times
Financial Responsibilities
1. To adhere to all financial regulations.
Staff Supervisions
1. To attend formal supervision with the Line Manager or Chief officer and commit to any further training relevant to the identified role.
Health and Safety
1. To ensure all health and safety policies are adhered to.
2. To ensure risk assessments are read, signed and adhered to
General
1. To attend staff meetings when overtime will be claimed
2. To carry out all other duties associated within the role of the Support worker, as identified by the senior team.
3. To agree to work at either 3 sites at Stafford, Rugeley & Uttoxeter if staffing pressures to cover holidays and sickness occurs.
DAY OPPORTUNITIES Support Worker – PERSON SPECIFICATION: September 2025
Experience
Proven experience of working in health and social care services in the private, voluntary, not for profit or statutory sector.
Desirable
Proven experience implementing group activities to meet individual outcomes, Ideally working with adults with a learning disability.
Desirable
Proven experience of working to organisational policy and procedure
Essential
Qualifications and Competences
Educated to a good general standard in English and Maths equivalent To GCSE grade C
Essential
A good working knowledge of basic IT systems including Word and Powerpoint.
Essential
Knowledge – Service Specific
A good working knowledge of the local learning disability sector and the role of modern day-opportunities services within it
Desirable
A good working knowledge and understanding of learning disability
good-practice
Desirable
Quality
Working within the framework of quality assurance systems
Essential
Application of best practice in gaining feedback from carers, service users.
Essential
Interpersonal Skills
A proven ability to work as part of an effective team and foster excellent relationships with colleagues across services
Essential
Understanding the importance of supporting individuals with their needs and outcomes
Essential
Excellent communication skills
Essential
Health and Safety
A good working knowledge of health and safety procedure and practices, including the ability to follow risk assessments
Essential
Other
An ethical stance that promotes achieving outcomes, fun, friendship and support that enables people with learning disabilities to live a less marginalised and more independent life that enables them to take their place as full citizens within Staffordshire
Essential
Skills in Makaton
Desirable
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £12.60 per hour
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* Must have a full drivers licence and use of a car with business use insurance.
Work Location: In person