Support Practitioner

Support Practitioner Derwen College, Gobowen - annual salary up to £17,500 depending on qualifications and contracted hours

Derwen College is an Ofsted “Outstanding” college. We support students with learning difficulties and disabilities to live the life they want and to be as independent as they can be. We work hard to develop the skills needed for employment and independent living - our aim is to recruit the best possible staff to deliver this first class experience to our students.

We are a Disability Confident employer and we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable applicants.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Support Practitioner to join our team. You will play a key role in enabling our students to transform their lives by helping them to attain their aspirations - promoting independence, developing life & personal care skills, during college life and in the wider community

The key role responsibilities of the Support Practitioner:

• Deliver person centred care putting the student at the heart of everything and helping them when needed to make their lives easier and improve their quality of life
• Take an active role in supporting students to develop their personal care and daily life skills at college and in the wider community in accordance with the agreed  Education Heath Care Plan (EHCP) or equivalent outcomes
• Active involvement, contribution and participation in team delivery and development of Independence provision for students to empower students to develop their quality of life
• Support students to attend external appointments accessing a variety of different transport methods
• Administration of student medication and support of student self-administration of medication in line with college policy and procedures
• Maintain accurate written and computerised documentation as defined by the Health & Social Care Act 2008 ensuring care plans and all associated student documentation and information is current and up to date in line with College audits and CQC requirements
• Take on the role of keyworker  for identified students, attend and contribute to student review meetings and Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) where appropriate
• Provide pastoral support to students, liaison with families, careers, support network and key support services across college to ensure relevant, effective communication
• Work flexibly across the college campus supporting students to access the residential and curriculum provision, providing one to one support where appropriate
• Timely and effective use of varying communication methods to contribute to student well-being, information dissemination and to develop partnership working within the organisation
• To work across all areas of the College supporting residencies as student needs dictate

Person Specification:

• A caring, compassionate and empathic nature
• Excellent organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with individuals/staff at all levels
• Competent in MS Office
• Subject specific qualifications would be an advantage. Mandatory undertaking of this following successful appointment to the post
• Knowledge of CQC framework and external quality standards

We can offer the right candidate a well-resourced and modern working environment, situated in a beautiful rural setting.  We have a fantastic array of employee benefits including on-site shopping and leisure facilities, final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, recognition schemes, flexible working arrangements and extensive continual professional development opportunities.

The successful candidates will be expected to have a flexible approach to their hours of work and will be required to work a combination of days, nights and every other weekend - rota issued monthly in advance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and adults at risk and expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.