Support Worker

About the role

To provide safe, person-centered and consistent support to individuals with complex needs who may present with behaviors that challenge, physical aggression, impulsivity, destructive behavior, absconding risks and significant difficulties with emotional regulation. The Support Worker will work as part of an enhanced staffing model, which may include 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1 support, and must be confident working within a structured multidisciplinary care environment where effective communication, teamwork, situational awareness and adherence to individual care plans are essential. The role requires staff who can remain calm and professional during periods of significant behavioral escalation and who understand that prevention, positive behavior support and de-escalation must always be prioritized before restrictive intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centered support in accordance with the individual’s care plan, risk assessments, Positive Behavior Support (PBS) plan, DoLS authorization and other agreed protocols.
• Work effectively within 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 staffing arrangements and understand individual staff roles during periods of increased risk.
• Recognize individual triggers, early warning signs and changes in behavior and respond proactively.
• Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to reduce distress and prevent escalation.
• Maintain calm, neutral and non-confrontational communication during challenging situations.
• Use distraction, redirection, environmental changes, sensory strategies and appropriate reduction of demands where identified within the individual’s care plan.
• Maintain appropriate positioning, personal space and situational awareness when supporting individuals presenting with physical aggression.
• Safely managing behaviors include hitting, kicking, biting, scratching, headbutting, grabbing, hair pulling, throwing objects and damage to property.
• Follow approved breakaway, self-protection and physical intervention procedures where required.
• Only participate in restraint or restrictive intervention where this is lawful, necessary, proportionate, authorized within the individual’s care arrangements and within the worker’s current training and competency.
• Understand the principle of least restrictive practice and use physical intervention only as a last resort.
• Support individuals subject to DoLS and other restrictions while maintaining their dignity, rights and independence.
• Support individuals with complex communication needs using simple language, visual aids, structured choices and other agreed communication strategies.
• Provide support with personal care, daily living activities, meals, medication, community access and meaningful activities as required.
• Maintain professional boundaries while developing positive and trusting relationships.
• Accurately record care delivery, behavioral observations, incidents, restrictive interventions and other significant events.
• Immediately escalate safeguarding concerns, injuries, incidents, medication concerns and changes in presentation.
• Participate in incident reviews, debriefs, supervision, competency assessments and mandatory training.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, senior staff, clinical professionals, family members and other professionals.

About You

• Previous experience supporting individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Previous experience working on enhanced staffing packages such as 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1, or demonstrably comparable high-acuity services.
• Practical experience of managing behavioral escalation and physical aggression.
• Strong practical experience using de-escalation techniques.
• Experience of working within detailed care plans, risk assessments and behavioral support plans.
• Experience maintaining safety while working as part of a coordinated staff team.
• An understanding of safeguarding, duty of care, least restrictive practice and professional boundaries.

Physical Intervention Training DMI (Dynamis) training is highly desirable.
Candidates with current or recent PMVA training or another recognized physical intervention/restraint programmed may also be considered, subject to review of the training undertaken and successful completion of any required organization-specific training and competency assessment before participating in physical interventions.

Previous practical experience of appropriately managing restraint or restrictive intervention within a high-risk care environment is strongly preferred.

Desirable Experience

• Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
• Learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Acquired brain injury.
• Mental health support.
• DoLS/restrictive care arrangements.
• Absconding and community-access risks.
• Supporting individuals with limited or complex communication.
• Alcohol/substance-related behavioral risks.
• Incident reporting and post-incident debriefing