Recruitment

Introduction to Prospective Employees

The purpose of this ‘introduction’ is to give you more information on the people you will be supporting and what is expected of you in this respect. Once you have absorbed this information about what is expected of you it is vital that you consider whether this is the type of work you want to do. We don’t want to waste your time by offering you a position that isn’t what you expected – similarly, we don’t want you to apply for the job unless you are sure you really want to do this work!


The Tenants

Many of our Tenants have profound multiple learning and physical disabilities. Although your role is to encourage them to be as independent as possible, in practice you will have to give them regular, and sometimes intensive, day-to-day support. This includes helping them to get up in the morning; assisting with personal care tasks such as assistance with any continence issues of the bowels and the bladder, bathing and dressing; assisting them to prepare and eat their meals; and where appropriate assisting them with their medication. You will, of course, be given thorough training to help you to do these tasks to a high standard, but unless you have a genuine desire to work with disabled people the intimate nature of this work may not suit you. Be honest with yourself and think about the duties described above – are you the sort of person that gets a sense of satisfaction from supporting someone else, and are you a person who doesn’t mind doing the ‘basic care’ parts of the job?

You also have to be physically fit as the work does involve providing physical assistance to some Tenants, such as assisting them to transfer (e.g. from bed to chair; from wheelchair to bath/shower etc) by using specialist hoists and other equipment; supporting them to access the wider community in their wheelchairs; supporting them into and out of their vehicles; supporting them to go shopping, carrying the groceries etc.

However, many of the community based activities relate to the Tenants’ leisure and social pursuits, so you will spend time supporting them to go out and enjoy themselves. This may involve, for example, going to the cinema, pub, park or chosen place of worship; going out for a meal; or visiting friends or family.  


The Hours

Clearly this is not a ‘9 to 5’ job. The Tenants need support 24 hours a day and you have to accept that you will be required to work at various hours and on any day of the week (including Bank Holidays). The services do work to planned rotas, so most of the time you will know well in advance when you are on shift. However, the Tenants’ needs always take priority and there will be times when you are required to change your shifts or work additional shifts – you must accept this as a routine part of being a Community Support Worker. 

You must be aware that there are daytime and night shifts to be covered, and from time to time you may be required to vary your working hours between nights and days. In some services we appoint staff to specifically work night shifts and in the main the staff in these services will work either nights or days. However, you should not assume that you will not be asked to vary your work pattern between days and nights. 

Sleep-in night shifts are available in some services. Staff are contractually obliged to work sleep-in shifts, but these shifts are always in addition to your normal contracted hours and therefore you will receive extra payment for these shifts. 


Administrative Tasks

We have to keep accurate and complete records of all the activities and events that take place in the Tenants’ lives. Each Tenant has a Person-Centred Care and Support Plan which must be kept up to date by the support workers. There are also other documents that have to be completed on a regular basis. This means that you have to have a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy skills in order to be able to fulfill all aspects of the role. You must tell us if you have dyslexia or have difficulties reading, writing or doing basic calculations. If you cannot read or write this type of work will not suit you.

Furthermore, if English is not your first language and your English language skills are poor – to the extent that are unable to read and understand written instructions, or draft a written message – then again you will not be suitable for this role.

Drivers

Where possible we try to recruit staff that can drive i.e  that have a full UK driving license. If you have a full driving license and are 21 years of age you will be required to drive the Tenants’ vehicles as a standard part of your role. This may include taking the Tenants on holiday. You must have, or obtain, ‘business use’ insurance cover when using your own vehicle for work purposes. Normally there is no extra premium levied by your insurer for this cover.


Tenants’ Holidays

Your role will be to support the Tenants in all aspects of their daily lives. From time to time they will obviously want to go on holiday, and they will need to be accompanied by some of the support staff. This is a routine part of the job and staff are required to accompany Tenants on their holidays.


Locations

Hilton Care provides domiciliary support to the Tenants. We are currently providing support to our Tenants throughout Norfolk and Essex.

As a provider of domiciliary support we deploy our staff in whichever service they are needed within 40 mile radius, so although you may be initially placed in a particular house you must not assume this is your only or principal place of work. As with any job, it is your responsibility to make your own way to and from work, regardless of where you may be asked to work.

However, it is highly unlikely that staff in Essex will be asked to work in Norfolk, or vice versa, unless there are some exceptional circumstances.


Shall I apply for a job?

We hope this has helped you to get a better understanding of what’s involved in supporting disabled people in their own home and in the community. Clearly it is a responsible and demanding role that needs people that really want to make a difference in helping disabled people to live full and independent lives.

If this sounds like you then we’d love to hear from you!! Please complete the on-line application form or alternatively phone 01992 638361 for an application pack.