Permanent Relief Support Worker - Canterbury

Role Responsibility

Canterbury Adult short break service (Whitstable Road) offers overnight short breaks for up to four people with learning disabilities and complex medical health needs from the age of 16 years upwards.   

We are seeking a number of Permanent Relief Support Workers to join our team to provide a nurturing and safe environment which will promote the emotional and physical well-being of people. Individuals should be flexible in their approach, be able to work collaboratively and share our commitment to improving outcomes for people.

You will work alongside a small team to ensure the smooth running of the shift where people are provided with stimulating and meaningful learning experiences and activities. With on shift guidance and support, you will help to supervise and respond to each person to ensure their safety whilst providing them with the comfort, stimulation and reassurance to make each visit an enjoyable stay.

The role will involve working on a rota pattern, that will include evenings, alternate weekends and some bank holidays. There are no regular shifts, this role is to provide cover and at times will be short notice bookings.

You will need to hold a Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) or be willing to work towards achieving this within two years of employment.  You will also be expected to complete your Care Certificate if you do not already hold this.

You will have experience of supporting people with learning disabilities and possess knowledge of safeguarding and adult protection. You must be able to take personal and professional responsibility for your actions and performance. In return, you will be provided with an ongoing programme of specialist training and be provided with regular supervision to enable you to confidently progress in your career.

Interviews will be conducted under the ‘Choosing with Care’ assessment process.

In line with government legislation, all colleagues who work in a Care Quality Commissioned registered care home or will need to attend such a setting as a fundamental part of their role must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This role has been deemed in scope of this legislation and therefore to be considered for the role you must confirm on application you are fully vaccinated, or that you are exempt. Evidence of vaccination or exemption will be required as part of the pre-employment checks Kent County Council will undertake on you.

Rewards of working for Kent County Council

We value our staff as individuals and aim to help you to achieve your full potential. As part of the employment deal, we offer a competitive range of benefits and flexible employment conditions to ensure staff make the most of their time working at Kent County Council.

As an organisation we provide professional occupational health, counselling (Support Line), coaching and mediation services to help you stay physically, emotionally and mentally well. We also have staff groups that provide you with support and development opportunities for members of our diverse workforce.

Learning and development is an area Kent County Council is keen to provide, we want you to be the best you can be. That means investing in your development, so you have the right skills and mind set needed to do an excellent job.   

Other rewards open to you at Kent County Council include the Kent Rewards scheme and provides:

• tax saving schemes for Childcare
• cycle2Work scheme
• discounts at Kent County Council Adult Education classes

• discounted high street reloadable cards and vouchers including discount from over 1,200 national and local retailers
• pensions and financial support

This post involves working closely with children and adults and is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.

Contact Details

For further information regarding this role, please contact:

Trudi Cadman, Management team, Whitstable Road -

Trudi.cadman@kent.gov.uk  01227 454020 

Kelly Field, Adult short break service manager -

Kellyanne.field@kent.gov.uk  03000 415026

About the Company

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and faiths, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.