SAIL (Social and Independent Living) Support Worker

Autonomie delivers fun, interactive and practical services to young people with physical disabilities and/or mild to moderate learning disabilities.

The project provides a safe and stimulating environment to young people who have a range of conditions that enables them to develop practical skills, which empowers them to be more independent within their lives. 

Some young people will require specific support to enable them to communicate, understand and impart information.  In order to learn about and meet all the individual support needs, we adopt a multiagency approach by working closely with families, social workers, allied health professionals, schools etc.

The SAIL project aims to provide young people who have complex, additional needs with an interactive, fun, learning experience to help them develop self-confidence, self-awareness and provide emotional and practical support during the transition between adolescence and adulthood.  These young people range in age from 16-30 years

Activities will include:

• Life Choices - how these can impact on all aspects of living.
• Keeping Safe - Living in local communities
• Living a More Independent Life - Basic Cookery skills, Housekeeping, Budgets & Responsibilities.
• Personal Awareness - Self Awareness, Personal Safety and Personal presentation.
• Looking after Mental Health - Coping Skills, Triggers & Distractions.

Duties will include:

• Support participants to achieve skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, skills development and community involvement.
• Provide direct support to participants, helping them to set individual goals, delivering the project in a fun, interactive and in an ability appropriate manner.
• Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals.  Support, motivate, and be aware of the well being and performance of support workers, sessional workers and volunteers.
• Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality projects for our Young People and their parents/carers. 
• Assist the SAIL Project Manager in attending outreach activities to promote and recruit participants for the SAIL Project.

You will have:

(Essential)

• Possess an OCN Youth Work Level 1 qualification (or higher), or equivalent or working towards completion of relevant qualification (evidence required).
• Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience (paid or voluntary) of working with young people with disabilities.
• Have experience of working within a team to create a positive work environment.
• Have experience of engaging with and motivating young people with physical disabilities and/or mild to moderate disabilities.
• Understand the challenges which young people with disabilities and their families face, and the impact these can have on family life.
• Possess a full UK driving licence and have access to transport as the role will involve travel. (Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence.) 
• Be able to work flexible hours and to travel for work as demanded by the job. 
• Clear a mandatory Enhanced Access NI check.

Hours:  35 hours per week