Support Worker - Northfield Lodge (Mental Health Services)

VSA is a well-respected local social care charity, helping support the people of Aberdeen for over 150 years.

Our mission is to provide the best of care to enable the best of lives; supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential.

VSA provides vital support and services to people of all ages. At VSA we support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing through a range of residential and outreach support services.

Working in social care is a hugely rewarding career, and you can help change the lives of vulnerable children and adults. At VSA, we are looking for motivated and compassionate individuals to join our team.

VSA has an exciting opportunity available to join our Northfield Lodge Service as a Support/Care Worker based in Aberdeen. This will be a part-time permanent position, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary and benefits.

Northfield Lodge is a two-storey property set in its own grounds in the Northfield area of the city, providing long-term residential placements for individuals with ongoing and enduring mental health problems. The service provides 24-hour support to 18 service users, and each has their own room. The main aim of the service is to promote independence, which is achieved by providing person-centred support based on each individual’s needs and requirements.

In this rewarding role, you will provide a professional, caring, and effective service to our service users. Any prior experience would be welcome but is not essential as full on-the-job training will be provided. You must, however, be willing to undertake an SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare (or equivalent) if you do not already hold one.

Salary & Benefits:

Hours: 28 hours per week

Rota: 4-week rolling rota, with an average of one sleep-in per week and an equal mix of early & late shifts. You will also be expected to work alternate weekends.

Salary: £12.20 per hour

Location: Aberdeen

We offer our Support/Care Workers fantastic benefits including:

• Company pension
• Employee assistance programme
• Generous annual leave
• Refer a friend programme - Receive £200 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
• Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes
• Access to our employee discount scheme

Service Information:

Northfield Lodge provides long-term residential placements and 24-hour support for adults with ongoing and enduring mental health conditions. The main aim of the service is to promote independence, which is achieved by providing recovery-focused support based on each individual’s needs and requirements.

Purpose of Job:

To contribute to the provision of quality services to meet the needs of service users, according to agreed VSA standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

• Communicating effectively with individuals according to agreed standards and procedures, accessing and updating records in keeping with guidelines.
• Helping to provide a safe and protective environment by complying with health, safety, and security procedures, including medication, and reporting accidents/incidents when appropriate.
• Supporting service users in their daily living, according to their recognised and agreed needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practices which promote well-being, choice, and treating people with dignity and respect.
• Assisting service users in developing and maintaining social networks and relationships.
• Assisting and encouraging service users to develop skills and knowledge to live as independently as possible, if appropriate, with reference to the risk assessment process.
• Participating in the development, implementation, and review of personal plans with service users.
• Supporting service users appropriately when they experience a significant life change or loss.
• Developing one’s knowledge and practice continuously through participation in training and development activities.
• Carrying out any other tasks from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the postholder’s capabilities.
• Having awareness and working within internal control systems in your area to facilitate improvement in the quality of service provided.

Qualifications/Training/Education:

Essential:

Willingness and ability to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare within 3 years of appointment or as determined by VSA.

Desirable:

SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare

Food Hygiene certificate

Experience:

Experience of working in a busy environment

Key Skills/Aptitudes:

Ability to communicate well verbally with individuals.

Ability to write short reports.

Personal Qualities:

Approachable

Ethical

Non-judgemental