The companion/community support worker will assist a 32-year-old man with an acquired brain injury to develop his independent living skills and social life beyond the home environment.
You will be required to facilitate, support, plan, prompt and join the man in social situations, in a discreet manner and in various environments.
The role will focus on increasing his quality of life by:
* Providing companionship and conversation
* Accompanying the man on outings (social or motorsport events)
* Light household tasks (ironing, baking, light cleaning)
* Engaging in activities together (visiting places, games, hobbies)
* Offering emotional support and reducing isolation
This role is ideally a job share with a couple of people. You will be required to cover planned absences and where possible provide any emergency cover needed, a flexible approach to your availability is necessary. On average the role will entail a minimum of 6-8 hours of work per week.
Essential experience/criteria:
Own car, clean driving license and business car insurance are essential.
Ideally you will need to demonstrate that you have had some experience of working with a person who has an acquired brain injury. Essentially, we are looking for someone able to promote independence and act as a companion not a carer.
Preferably you need to demonstrate:
* An ability to provide high standards of support with a professional approach
* A willingness to learn about brain injury specific to the client
* Excellent communication skills
* A lively personality, a good sense of humour and enthusiasm with a good work ethic
* Ability to build a reliable, honest and trustworthy professional relationship with the client
Previous applicants need not apply.
Rates of Pay: £ hour
Hours: Tuesday and Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm both days (flexibly extending to 6pm on occasion) (6-8hrs) There may be some weekend hours April to October (motor sport season), but these would be negotiated and agreed well in advance.
The man sustained a severe brain injury 9 years ago in a work accident. He has made a remarkable recovery over the last few years and is reasonably well physically. Cognitively he functions at quite a 'high level' and is therefore able to make his own choices, decisions and is clear about his likes and dislikes.
His main difficulties are quite subtle and include a mix of mild cognitive, memory and executive problems. This means he has some trouble with brain functions such as remembering, planning, organising, problem-solving and judgement, these are the main areas of support required. He has a good level of insight into his problems and is working hard to manage them effectively.
He is currently supported by an occupational therapist and psychologist who will guide the companion/community support worker to support the development of his independent living skills.
The man is a keen follower of motor sports and may want you to attend motor sport events and car shows with him during the motor sport season, April – October and usually at weekends. He plays the guitar and enjoys listening to various styles of music. He would also like to try new activities and sports. In the past he was a keen videographer in the motor sport field.
You will be provided with an induction and training appropriate to the position. You will also receive regular supervision sessions to help develop your expertise with the man and maintain high standards of practice.
He shielded during the COVID-19 pandemic and is therefore in the vulnerable high-risk category due to his reduced natural immunity. We will therefore need some assurances surrounding the management of risk relating to basic hygiene/infection control, prior to employment.
Health and immunity considerations:
Excellent hand hygiene is expected at all times.
We would want to understand your current risk of potential exposure to COVID-19, 'flu and other viral conditions.
If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity at Kudu Health Ltd
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £15.00-£18.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 6 per week
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* On-site parking
Experience:
* working with someone with an acquired brain injury: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person