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Life of a support worker

A day and night in the life of a support worker

Mornings

Morning routines vary depending on the independence, preferences, and daily plans of each individual. Tasks could include assisting the children with getting up, dressing, personal care, administering medication and making breakfast. It may include helping the children get to school or medical appointments, engaging in activities or seeing family members.

During quieter mornings when the children are at school you will be able to catch up on household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry and food shopping. This is also a chance to do paperwork, attend meetings or receive training.

Afternoons

At holidays or weekends you may prepare and eat lunch together, before beginning the afternoon’s activity either at home or out in the community.

During school time, you may assist in collecting the children from school, before helping them carry out their planned activities.

You may also help with life skills or carry out keyworking sessions with the children.

Evenings

After making dinner and eating together to reinforce the feeling that this is a family home, you will have time to help the young person relax, play games, watch TV or communicate about their day.

You will assist with their bedtime routine, which may include personal care, medication or reading bedtime stories.

Nights

You’ll support with personal care or helping individuals get back to sleep as required. You may need to assist with helping children get ready for school if they have an early start.

You’ll undertake household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry and tidying of the home. There is also a chance to do paperwork or complete training.

Handovers

At the start and end of each shift you will receive or give a handover, which will provide an overview of each childs day, as well as serving to highlight any changes or concerns regarding the support required. This period also allows for the planning of the upcoming shift and the fair allocation of tasks between staff members.

Shift patterns

Your rota will generally be available one month in advance.

Edinburgh House shift pattern (term time):

Early Shift 07:00-13:45
Late Shift 13:30-21:15
Long Day 07:00-21:15
Waking Night Shift 21:00-07:45

 

Alexandra House and Gisburne House shift pattern (and Edinburgh House during weekends/holidays):

Early Shift 07:30 – 13:45
Late Shift 13:30 – 21:15
Long Day 07:30 – 21:15
Waking Night Shift 21:00 – 07:45

Staff at Edinburgh House, Alexandra House and Gisburne House may also be required to complete ‘sleep-in’ shifts where necessary. A sleep in shift is where a staff member sleeps at the home to provide additional support if it is required. Sleep in shifts are 8 hours 45 minutes long but may also be accompanied by some additional paid hours. This will vary from home to home as these are tailored to support the individual needs of the specific children in that home.

Rock Road House shift pattern:

Day Shift 6 hours during the day to support activities.
Long Day 06:00 – 21:15
Sleep In 21:15 – 06:00