Support Worker

Job Title: Support Worker - Complex Communication Needs

Location: Spital Tongs, Newcastle

Salary:£12.72 per hour, rising to £15.01 per hour after completion of BSL qualification

Hours:

• Full-time: 37 hours per week - three 12-hour shifts (e.g. 8am-8pm, 9am-9pm, or 10am-10pm)

• Part-time: Minimum of 21 hours per weekRota: Shifts include 2 weekends per month; rota is set 2-3 months in advanceContract Type: Permanent

About the Role:

We are looking for compassionate, committed Support Workers to join a person-centred team supporting two young men (aged 23) with profound deafness, non-verbal communication, and learning disabilities. Both are moving into a new independent supported living provision this summer after finishing college.

As a Support Worker, you'll enable and empower them to lead fulfilling lives through practical and emotional support, communication assistance, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and 2:1 support within a supported living environment

• Communicate using British Sign Language (BSL), VOCA devices, symbol boards, and visual aids

• Assist with personal care, medication administration, and health appointments

• Support independent living skills (cooking, cleaning, managing daily routines)

• Encourage social participation and community inclusion, including trips to:

  • Swimming, trampolining, coffee shops, comic conventions, gaming, and deaf club

• Promote confidence, autonomy, and a sense of belonging

• Maintain detailed records and contribute to care planning

About You:

• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or complex communication needs

• BSL skills preferred (or willingness to learn through training provided)

• Ability to build trusting, respectful relationships

• Confident using assistive communication tools or eager to learn

• Positive, patient, and empathetic approach

• Flexible and reliable, with ability to work shifts including weekends

Benefits and Enhancements:

• 20 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time roles)

• Contributory Pension Scheme (contributions matched up to 5%)

• Induction and ongoing specialist training (including BSL if needed)

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Access to a rewards scheme offering discounts on shopping and leisure

• Occupational health, physio, and counselling services for wellbeing