Job Information
Northumberland County Council operates a huge range of services across one of the largest counties in the UK. Local Government’s ongoing challenges and the diversity of our residents means we have to work smarter. That’s why we want bold, creative and agile thinkers who can help us move forward and innovate.
For further information about working for Northumberland County Council, please click here: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/working
Care Worker (full time): Horticultural Skills Unit, Hepscott Park, Morpeth NE61 6NF
The HSU provides work experience in horticulture for adults with learning disabilities and has been providing this service on this site since 1985. The HSU is adjacent to the new housing estate at Hepscott Park and work is carried out within glasshouses, polytunnels and gardens, with the main focus being the production of plants for sale to the public. The popular Garden Café is adjacent to our sales area. The HSU has 7 permanent staff, including this post, and provides a service for up to 16 people per day.
The role
You will provide care, training and support in horticultural and similar work for adults with learning disabilities, including plant propagation and production in our glasshouses. The service aims to promote independence, create opportunities for personal development, and facilitate positive interactions between those who use the service and members of the public. You will work as a keyworker for people who use the service, preparing care plans and risk assessments, keeping records of the work people do, and working closely with other members of the staff team.
This is a full time, permanent post.
We are offering:
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A starting salary of £22,369 per annum, progressing to £24,054 at the top of band 4.
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Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (or other pension scheme)
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A wide range of staff benefits including a competitive annual leave provision
Essential requirements:
You must be able to work individually or as part of a team to enable and promote independence for people who use the service at the HSU. You will maintain a safe, hygienic and supportive environment in accordance with culture, standards and objectives of the service. You will have a good general education demonstrating good literacy and numeracy.
You should also have the following:
QCF 2 in health and social care - or you will need to work towards this once appointed.
A commitment to undertake training as required and to professional development.
The ability to form appropriate relationships quickly.
An ability to focus upon service users' needs and abilities.
The ability to work to and follow individual service users plans and risk assessments.
The ability to use word processing, e-mail and internet software on a PC.
Excellent communication and literacy skills.
The ability to produce simple, short and clear case notes.
You are able to understand and follow written or spoken instructions.
You are reliable and keep good time.
You are able to work unsupervised and also as part of a team.
You understand the need to respect confidentiality, privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights and fulfilment of service users.
It would be very helpful if you have a passion for growing plants, with some working knowledge and experience of horticulture, particularly glasshouse work, and that you are also happy to work outdoors and in a wide range of horticultural settings. It would be an advantage if you could drive the HSU people carrier.
Follows and works to policies and procedures, guidance, CQC Standards and keeping to schedules.
For further information:
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you wish to notify us of your eligibility for this scheme, please email hrrecruitment@northumberland.gov.uk or ring 01670 623930 with your name and the job title you have applied for and one of the recruitment team will ensure this is factored into the shortlisting process and kept anonymous. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to attend an interview, please also let the team know. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.
For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here
For further information, please contact Brian Wilkinson (01670) 623911 or 07966326740 for an informal discussion. If you are not familiar the service provided by the HSU at Hepscott Park we would recommend a visit.
The closing date for this position is 10th May 2023.
