JOB DESCRIPTION

SUPPORT WORKER/PASSENGER ASSISTANT

Job Title:Support Worker/Passenger Assistant

Salary:

Location:

Hours of Work:

Accountable to:Day Care Centre Manager

Job Purpose:Under the general supervision of the Assistant Day Care CentreManager and overall management and direction of the Day Care Centre Manager, provide care and stimulation to older people with reduced mobility or dementia attending the Centre and assistance on transport.

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SPECIFIC DUTIES

Support Worker

  • attending to the personal needs of Service Users (including those in wheelchairs), particularly those who require assistance with personal care and have reduced mobility.
  • provide a person centred and holistic approach when working with Service Users and their Carers
  • enabling Service Users to mobilise within the Day Care Centre accessing all facilities
  • assisting Service Users with meal, cleaning tables, transport of meals and beverages to dining areas as required
  • assist in the running of the activity programme and person centred activities when directed, including running small groups and individual activities
  • building positive relationships with Service Users
  • effective participation and constructive input in staff meetings
  • to be part of a team and co-operate with and support other team members
  • to undertake training in related matters
  • a flexible approach to working hours is ESSENTIAL to cover for staff or volunteer absences when necessary
  • to undertake any other duties that may reasonably be considered within the scope of the post and are conducive and contribute to an effective caring service.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Passenger Assistant

  • check messages for attendance/transport arrangements and complete attendance schedule for the day with driver
  • support Service Users to and from the Day Care Centre
  • assist them in entering and vacating the minibus. It is essential that the needs of the Service Users are fully met at this time
  • ensure the safety and well being of the Service Users while they are in the minibus and alert driver to any emergency
  • carry out duties in a caring and sensitive manner suitable to the needs of older people
  • report any incident or information concerning the health or welfare of Service Users to the Manager or Assistant Manager of the Day Care Centre
  • be familiar with emergency procedures relating to transport (F3 Emergency Procedures)
  • on arrival at the Centre, arrange and supervise safe transition into the Day Care Centre and help to prepare Service Users on their return journey
  • attend briefing meetings with Manager regarding previous day’s journey and next day attendance
  • assist driver to supervise the loading of the minibus for the return journey
  • undertake Passenger Assistant training

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SUPPORT WORKER/PASSENGER ASSISTANT

Support Worker/Passenger Assistant 17.12.2014 Version 1 Registered Charity No. 290874

The following personal experience and skills are considered necessary or desirable for this post:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
understanding of the needs of older people with physical difficulties and/or mental health problems and a person centred approach
understanding the benefits of activities to individual Service Users
understanding the transport needs of older people
good communication skills and experienced team player
calm, patient reassuring manner, especially with mentally infirm service users, ability to work under pressure
pushing wheelchairs, supporting sometimes heavy clients in a manner which is safe to both service user and member of staff during personal care, sometimes moving heavy furniture toprepare for activities or reinstate the room is an intrinsic part of the role
personal care of service users requires staff to have adequate vision, be able to stand independently and use 2 hands
willing to undertake necessary training, including NVQ 2 in Care Work
willing to work extra hours to cover for staff and volunteer absences when required / DESIRABLE CRITERIA
experience of caring for older people with physical or mental health needs and an understanding of dementia
experience of enabling older people to undertake their personal care needs
experience of preparing and undertaking activities with Service Users
experience of working with volunteers
to have completed ‘Safer Manual Handling’ course within past 2-3 years
MIDAS for Escorts (or equivalent) trained. MIDAS training can be provided
NVQ2 in Care work or equivalent

All staff/volunteers working at day care/wellbeing centres in a Care role will be expected to meet the knowledge and skills requirements of the Skills for Care Common Induction Standards to a relevant level relevant to their role. These standards will be addressed through the recruitment and induction process, with relevant training identified by Age concern Hampshire

Support Worker/Passenger Assistant 17.12.2014 Version 1 Registered Charity No. 290874