Complex Needs Personal Assistant

Job Description

Do you want the opportunity to make a difference? Do you have the creativity to find solutions to make a change? Do you have belief in others and trust the process? Do you have the kindness and integrity to work with vulnerable individuals? If so, this job may be for you.

Keystage Housing is a supported accommodation provider within Luton and North Herts which provides accommodation opportunities for adults who have experienced a variety of complexities and inequality. We have a range of services to meet their individual needs on a proactive and flexible basis. Our aims are to provide safe and supportive accommodation for those who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness, providing respite from rough sleeping, with a trauma informed supportive plan to enable individuals to access appropriate support and build a pathway into more permanent accommodation. We ensure that individuals with complex needs receive enhanced support to access treatment and wider services as part of their journey.

As a personal assistant you will be supporting a service user who has been identified to have complex needs such as mental health, learning disabilities, drug and alcohol misuse and various other complex needs. You will be required to apply a strength-based and trauma informed approach and provide interventions which enable and empower individuals to make positive and safe choices.

Our Values

• Opportunity – We work tirelessly to make the impossible, possible.
• Creativity – We are imaginative, receptive of change, always looking for better solutions.
• Integrity – We are honest and open, always seeking to do the right thing.
• Kindness – We are friendly, generous, and considerate to everyone.
• Belief – We trust people, have faith in them, and work collaboratively with everyone.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Encourage and support individuals in developing independent living skills, promoting self-care and confidence in routine tasks.
• Understanding complex needs such as mental health, drug and alcohol misuse, learning disabilities, physical health and various other needs.
• Support with daily living tasks such as meal preparation and medication reminders
• Supporting service user’s with activities such as food shopping or attending the food bank.
• Supporting service users with management of medication, cooking and maintaining a home.
• Supporting service users with positive social inclusion, promoting access to meaningful and healthy activities.
• Attending appointments with service users
• Work with internal and external partners, including, Rough Sleeping Outreach Teams, Supported Accommodation, Probation services, Drug and Alcohol Services, Local Authority Housing team and other community-based support providers and agencies.
• Serve as an advocate for the individual, ensuring their needs, preferences, and rights are respected in all care settings.
• Follow all health and safety protocols, including infection control measures, to ensure a safe environment for the individual.
• Conduct regular safety checks of the living environment, addressing hazards, and making adaptations to prevent falls or other accidents.
• Manage and administer emergency response procedures in situations of physical or mental health crises, including contacting emergency services if needed.
• Ensure adherence to any dietary, medical, or therapeutic restrictions and guidelines as set out in the individuals support plan.
• Plan and accompany individuals on community outings or appointments, fostering social interaction and participation in enjoyable, enriching activities.
• Support individuals in engaging with social groups, therapeutic programs, or creative activities tailored to their interests and wellbeing.
• Assist in developing routines and activities that support the individual’s mental, emotional, and physical wellness, including exercise, creative arts, or nature walks, as appropriate.
• Facilitate effective communication between individuals, families, healthcare providers, and other support services to ensure continuity and quality of care.

This post may require working outside normal office hours sometimes. To develop the group’s commitment to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.

Person Specification

Our person’s specification sets out the essential and/or desirable experience and abilities needed by a successful candidate for this job role. Please consider these when applying for the role as these requirements will be considered at both the shortlisting and interviewing stages.

1. Qualifications and Training

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent experience.
• Relevant training in mental health first aid, crisis intervention, or related fields.
• First Aid and Basic Life Support
• Full UK Driving Licence and Business Insurance

2. Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with individuals with complex health, mental, or emotional needs.
• Demonstrable experience in providing personal care, daily living support, and emotional support to individuals with high-dependency needs.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with therapists, social workers, or medical professionals.
• A robust understanding of Safeguarding practices and experience of taking the lead in Safeguarding matters
• A robust understanding of the principles of mental capacity and best interests
• A robust understanding and experience in working with individuals with Learning Disabilities, Mental Health diagnosis but also drug and alcohol misuse.
• A great understanding in the principles of managing a tenancy
• Experience with care management software, electronic record keeping, or other administrative tasks is an asset.

3. Knowledge and Understanding

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Knowledge of best practices in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, including MEH (such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders).
• Familiarity with therapeutic approaches and trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of adaptive communication methods for individuals with varying levels of comprehension and verbal skills.
• Awareness of current health and safety protocols, particularly those relevant to care environments.

4. Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills: ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with individuals, family members, and healthcare professionals.
• Organizational skills: able to manage time, multitask, and coordinate appointments, activities, and records.
• Crisis management: able to de-escalate situations and manage crises with composure.
• Observation skills: capable of recognizing and reporting health or mood changes promptly.
• Adaptability: flexible approach to changes in routine, schedule, or individual needs.
• Technology proficiency: comfortable using mobile devices, scheduling tools, and record-keeping systems.

5. Personal Qualities

• Empathy and patience: a compassionate, patient demeanour, with the ability to support individuals experiencing emotional distress.
• Resilience and self-care: emotional strength and a proactive approach to managing one’s own wellbeing in a demanding role.
• Reliability and integrity: trustworthy and consistent in following through on commitments, upholding confidentiality, and adhering to ethical guidelines.
• Problem-solving mindset: ability to work autonomously and develop creative solutions to challenges in individual’s support needs.

There is no option to offer sponsorship or transfer of sponsorship.

Pay: £11.62 per hour

Expected hours: 9 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Licence/Certification:

• Drivers License (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 10/01/2025