Carers Support Worker

This post lies within our community support service and has arisen as a direct result of the impact of coronavirus on our clients and their carers. We are looking for a person to provide appropriate and tailored support to people who are caring for someone in their own home with a focus on those who are looking after people with dementia and other mental health issues, to enable carers to continue in their caring role with the knowledge and confidence they need to sustain them over the coming months.

The support would include frequent phone calls and door step visits, writing a 1 page profile for each carer and encouraging them to do one for the person they care for, providing carers with relevant information including more insight into the progression and illness of their loved one, assisting them to access beneficial services, introducing them to other carers in similar situations as well as introducing a variety of coping strategies including mindfulness and meditation techniques.

Core functions of the post

• To carry out regular home visits (currently door step visits) and phone calls to carers as requested by the community team co-ordinator
• To work with carers towards developing a strategy to help them cope better with their situation
• To access and use our online database to record information
• To assist with office cover at our main office
• To access and use email and the internet for researching appropriate support for clients
• To work according to the standards, policies and procedures of SIPP with particular regard to confidentiality, equality and health & safety policies, following good professional practice at all times
• To raise the profile of SIPP and older people within the voluntary and statutory sector and within the community in general, ensuring the values of SIPP are upheld.
• The role involves face to face interaction with carers and those they care for, many of whom will be living with dementia and/or other mental health or chronic health issues.
• You will need to have a strong commitment to equality and diversity and to understand your responsibilities relating to safeguarding older adults.

Please see full person specification with the job application form

Southwark Irish Pensioners Project is a small charity working with more than 400 older Irish people in south London providing day services (currently closed due to coronavirus) and community support services to enable them to live happy and healthy lives. Having diverse and complex needs, our mission is to alleviate their isolation and enable them to live with dignity consistent with their personal choices and preferences.

Though practical support, we help them to improve their wellbeing. We act with kindness and compassion and are culturally aware, building long term trusting relationships that encourage friendships, happy memories, community spirit and a deep sense of belonging.