Job Choices On Offer For Newcastle Care Workers

Around 20 jobs are up for grabs with a service which is aimed at helping people with learning difficulties live independent lives.The scheme will operate in the Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle areas and could literally change the lives of those involved.

Choices, the Newcastle-based housing association, has been appointed by Staffordshire County Council to deliver vital housing-related support that will enable people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes and the local community.

They will receive practical support with all aspects of managing their life and home plus help using facilities.

This might include help with tenancy matters, finances, home safety, keeping in contact with friends, relatives and other support groups, work placements, home improvements and access to social and leisure amenities.

As a result, Choices is undertaking a recruitment drive in North Staffordshire for local support workers who are keen to work in a community-based setting to enable people to achieve independence – while at the same time receiving valuable training and nationally recognised qualifications.

Nigel Downs, director of housing services for Choices, said: “Anyone over the age of 16 who has identified housing related support needs and a learning disability can be referred to this service. And we promote the capacity for independent living through the delivery of a bespoke package of support – which is planned with the individual receiving the service and gradually reduces as they gain confidence and independence.

“It’s a very rewarding environment in which to work, as you can make a real difference, but experience isn’t essential – just the right attitude and values.

“Working for Choices includes a comprehensive six-month induction, with employees working towards the nationally recognised LDQ (Learning Disability Qualification), plus ongoing personal development and training.

“We’re also an accredited British Institute of Learning Disabilities training centre – one of only a few in the UK – and have IIP (Investors in People) accreditation to ensure standards remain consistently high.

“We also offer very competitive pay rates, six weeks’ annual holiday, company pension and other benefits complete an attractive package.”

Choices is one of Staffordshire’s leading providers of housing, care and support and positions itself as the organisation of choice for local authorities who are seeking to modernise their learning disability services. This is the first time housing-related support for people with learning disabilities has been offered on a county-wide basis and the new contract covers four areas – Newcastle and Staffordshire Moorlands, Lichfield and Tamworth, Stafford and East Staffordshire, plus Cannock and South Staffordshire.

Mr Downs added: “Staffordshire County Council, through its Changing Lives programme, is recognised for its commitment to developing and delivering proactive responsive services for the individual – and we now look forward to working closely with the local councils and making a real difference to the lives of local people who really need our help.

“At Choices we are working towards creating a society where people with a learning disability enjoy equal rights as citizens – and we’re proud that we have created a skilled and flexible workforce that is happy and uncompromising in everything they do.”

Anyone interested in working with Choices to deliver this new service, or know someone who may benefit from it, should telephone on 01782 254000, or go to www.choiceshousing.co.uk for details.

Interviews for the positions of community housing support worker will shortly be held in Leek and Newcastle.