Working for Signpost

1.      Do I need to have previous care experience?

No, it’s not essential that you have previous care experience as you will receive full training and will initially work alongside experienced and qualified members of staff. We are more interested in the sort of person you are and the personal skills, qualities and values that you have.

We are particularly looking for individuals who can act as positive role models for the young people we support.

2.     Do I need to know Sign language?

It is not essential that you know sign language as full training will be provided. In addition, many of the young people at Signpost will use signs that are exclusive to them (you’ll pick these up over time!). It is always a good idea to know some basic sign language before you begin working at Signpost. Knowing the alphabet is always a good start. The British sign language website is helpful to learn this. http://www.britishsignlanguage.com

3.     What training will I receive?

There is a comprehensive training programme for all staff which includes:

• Full and comprehensive induction to Signpost
• Introduction to the homes
• Introduction to Service Users  (includes background information and training on specific routines and interventions)
• Record keeping
• Sign language
• First Aid
• Conflict Management
• Fire Awareness and Extinguisher
• Health and Safety Induction
• Manual Handling
• Risk Assessments
• Food Hygiene
• Health and Care Diploma
• Etc..

There are other training opportunities that arise. Staff occasionally attend National conferences or attend specific training that may be appropriate to meet a young person’s particular needs.

4.     How do the shifts work?

In most cases staff will commence work at 10am and work a 24 hr shift. This includes a sleep in.) During your shift, time is allocated to undertake work related tasks away from young people, for example training, supervision, completing records, key workers duties, administration, cleaning and maintenance. The work is varied and although the shifts may seem long, the shift pattern is popular with members of staff who feel it enables quality time outside of work. It also reduces the amount of handovers and so promotes essential consistency for the young people placed at Signpost.  The number of staff on shift will depend on the number of young people in the home. You will always be working as part of a team

5.     How many shifts a week will I work?

 A full time person works (on average) 10 shifts a month. A sessional member of staff can work anything between 1 and 10 shifts a month.

6.      I only want to work at weekends and in the holidays as I have children - is this possible?

Not as a full-time member of staff. Sessional staff are offered shifts to cover for holidays and sickness, so there would be more flexibility in which shifts you could work.

7.     Do I need to drive?

Due to the rural location of the homes and the needs of our young people to attend school and activities, it is a requirement that all members of staff can drive. You will not be required to use your own car however, as Signpost has access to a number of company vehicles.

8.     What happens on a typical shift?

Firstly, there’s no such thing as a typical shift as every day can be different! However, to give you an example of what you may do on a day...
You would start work at 10 and receive a 30 minute handover from the departing shift who would let you know what has happened in the last 24 hrs and any plans that have been made for your shift. If all children are at school, you will spend time catching up on any events that have occurred since you last worked. This would mean reading any memos, reports, diaries etc. 
Time will then be spent completing any necessary chores which may include shopping, vehicle maintenance, cleaning, contacting parents / social workers with updates, arranging medical appointments / activities etc (the list is endless). During this time you may attend a training session or have a supervision meeting with your line manager. 
In the afternoon you will need to collect the young people from school and / or college. During this time you will need to liaise with education staff to get an account of what happened during the school day.
Afternoon activities are varied and you may support young people with activities such as working on a project at the farm, going swimming, attending an appointment, going to a social club or doing a home based activity (such as gardening, arts and crafts or independence training).
In the evenings you will help young people participate in the preparation and cooking of the evening meal.  Each young person has their own evening routine and staff will support them in accordance with their individual care plans. Some young people may want support to contact family members or may want 1:1 time to discuss things with their keyworker. Some young people may ask for support in accessing the internet or may choose to relax and watch television.
After young people have gone to bed, staff need to ensure that any records are completed and that all necessary tasks have been fulfilled. It is then important to plan for the next day. Staff generally are able to get to sleep by 11pm and wake at 7am. There may be a few disturbances in the night, but generally staff are able to get a good night’s rest.
Mornings can be busy times supporting the young people to get up and ready for school. After the school run, staff return to the homes to complete any records and then will provide a handover to the next shift coming on duty.

9.     Who decides if a young person needs to be in a children’s home and how is it funded?

Young people are placed in children’s homes for a variety of reasons. Most of the young people at Signpost have supportive families who they are in regular contact with.  The decision for young people to attend Signpost is made after a robust and detailed assessment which concludes that the young person needs to be in an environment that can fully meet their communication and behavioural needs.  The assessment will be undertaken by a Social worker.

The placements are usually funded by the local authority where the young person lived before they came to Signpost. In some instances, a health authority will also make a financial contribution to the placement.

10.   Will I need a CRB check?

Yes, all staff are required to have a satisfactory Enhanced CRB Disclosure.