Lead Support Worker inBroadland Business Park inBroadland Business Park PUBLISHED TUE 17 DEC 2024

The Lead Support Worker will manage a team within the multidisciplinary Vulnerable Adult Service (VAS) based in Norwich. The service supports vulnerable adults experiencing severe and multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges. The role involves providing both in-reach and outreach support to improve health outcomes, facilitating access to healthcare services, and addressing health inequalities within Norwich.

The Lead Support Worker will take responsibility for organising and overseeing the day-to-day caseloads and activities of the support worker team and receptionists, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach. Collaboration with a wide range of statutory, voluntary, and charitable organisations is a key aspect of this role to deliver holistic care.

• Provide tailored, one-on-one support to individuals to address health and care needs, ensuring a recovery-focused, sustainable, and goal-oriented approach.
• Conduct outreach to engage individuals at various locations, including hostels, temporary accommodations, and on the streets.
• Assist patients in registering with the primary healthcare service at the Service and accessing specialist healthcare services.
• Coordinate and accompany patients to medical appointments, offering chaperone support where necessary, following enhanced DBS checks and clinical guidance.
• Conduct tasks such as urine drug screening under the direction of clinical staff and according to the standard operating procedure.
• Actively participate in weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and implement follow-up actions to ensure effective care plans.
• Address and resolve patient complaints and concerns promptly and effectively.

About us

Service Delivery:

• Provide tailored, one-on-one support to individuals to address health and care needs, ensuring a recovery-focused, sustainable, and goal-oriented approach.
• Conduct outreach to engage individuals at various locations, including hostels, temporary accommodations, and on the streets.
• Assist patients in registering with the primary healthcare service at the Service and accessing specialist healthcare services.
• Coordinate and accompany patients to medical appointments, offering chaperone support where necessary, following enhanced DBS checks and clinical guidance.
• Conduct tasks such as urine drug screening under the direction of clinical staff and according to the standard operating procedure.
• Actively participate in weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and implement follow-up actions to ensure effective care plans.
• Address and resolve patient complaints and concerns promptly and effectively.
• Team Management
• Lead and oversee the day-to-day schedules of the support worker team, ensuring effective caseload allocation and coordination.
• Lead and oversee the day-to-day schedules of the reception team, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to team members, promoting best practices and professional development.
• Act as the main point of contact for the management team regarding the support worker teams and receptionists operational activities.
• Partnership and Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with the Integrated Care Coordinator and other key stakeholders to plan and coordinate patient support needs.
• Liaise with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to patient care.
• Represent the Vulnerable Adult Service at relevant forums and promote its mission to address health inequalities.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management
• Ensure patient safeguarding within the framework of adult safeguarding guidelines and procedures.
• Identify and manage risks appropriately, making necessary referrals to risk enablement services.
• Implement and review patient support plans to ensure they are person-centered and aligned with service objectives.
• Administrative Duties
• Maintain accurate and thorough records of all patient interactions and interventions.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Assist with the evaluation and improvement of service delivery by reflecting on team and individual performance.
• Personal and Professional Development
• Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain a record of personal and professional development.
• Attend training programs to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Support colleagues by sharing expertise and demonstrating best practices.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development among staff.
• Quality Assurance
• Identify and address quality and risk issues within the service.
• Contribute to service improvement by providing feedback and recommendations.
• Work effectively with other agencies to meet the needs of patients and enhance service delivery.
• Ensure effective time management and resource utilisation.
• Confidentiality
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information, colleagues, and the organisation in line with GDPR and Data Protection Act standards.
• Only disclose information to authorised personnel following established policies and procedures.
• Equality and Diversity
• Promote and respect the rights of patients, carers, and colleagues, ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.
• Act in a non-judgmental manner and uphold the privacy and dignity of all individuals.
• Other Duties
• Adhere to health and safety policies to ensure personal and team safety.
• Undertake additional tasks as required by the Service Manager.