Support Worker - Northfield Lodge (Mental Health Services)

Voluntary Services Aberdeen; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization is seeking a part-time Support/Care Worker in Aberdeen. You will provide essential support for individuals with mental health conditions, promoting independence through compassionate care. Training is provided and a willingness to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare is required. Competitive salary and generous benefits are included.

Benefits

Company pension

Generous annual leave

Refer a friend programme

Investment in personal development

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with individuals according to agreed standards.
• Help provide a safe and protective environment according to health and safety procedures.
• Support service users in their daily living according to their needs.
• Develop and maintain social networks for service users.
• Assist service users to develop skills for independent living.
• Participate in personal plans with service users.
• Support service users through significant life changes.
• Improve knowledge through training and development activities.

Skills

Ability to communicate well verbally

Ability to write short reports

Education

Willingness to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare

SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare

Food Hygiene certificate

Job description

VSA has an exciting opportunity to join our Northfield Lodge Service as a Support/Care Worker based in Aberdeen. This is a part‑time permanent position offering 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 offers 24‑hour support to 18 service users, each with their own room. The main aim is to promote independence through 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. Prior experience is welcome but not essential, as full on‑the‑job training will be provided. You must 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: £12.81 per hour

Location: Aberdeen

Benefits

We offer our Support/Care Workers fantastic benefits including:

• Company pension
• Generous annual leave
• Refer a friend programme – receive £225 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
• Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes

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 and this 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.
• Have awareness and work 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

If this role sounds like the one for you, click on 'Apply' today!