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Higherin
Lifeways

Support Worker Review

at Lifeways

Level 3 Apprenticeship

March

Review Submitted: January 2024

Overall Rating

4.2 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
3.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I am a support worker within a complex needs service with 4 'People We Support' which will increase to 5 very shortly. The 5th will be PEG fed.
It will consist of 1 female to 4 Male with a range of Epilepsy, Angelman's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Pauls Syndrome, Learning Disability, Autism. With complications of Bladder cancer, catheter care, stoma care, non verbal communication, blindness and [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions].
My role consists of a Senior Lead as a part time member to mentor others but on a job role as Support Worker. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. I promote independence and autonomy. I mainly work with this person but also work across the service as I have 3 years experience and was also a Team Leader prior to a becoming part time support worker.
I am SALT CHAMPION so ensure that staff are aware of the dietary needs of the pws. I also support staff with the Health & safety and Maintenance requirements of the building as was previously H&S Champion.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am enjoying being able to work in my own time at home and use the Off The Job Hours for observation and putting my new knowledge to the test . Giving me confidence in supporting others and Team Leaders as I was previously a Team Leader and stepped down but i also stepped back which has lowered my motivation and confidence. This opportunity has boosted my self worth and enabled me to feel valued and be able to share my knowledge and skills as well as listen to new ideas and fresh views from new staff which has been invigorating.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am certainly beginning to develop my existing skills which is boosting my motivation and drive for the service.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I am supported, at the moment they are keen for me to support the service with my new knowledge. I have asked for support in areas and waiting for this to occur shortly. Its too soon to answer this question as i have been working in my own time
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Lifeways support : emotionally 6/10 realistically 6/10
Lifetime have been very positive. my manager has responded incredibly quickly, very enthusiastically which has really driven me in a positive way in recognising my strengths and weaknesses and what i have to offer.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Very much so.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
No

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Lifeways to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Simply because the service is complex needs like no other and it takes such a long time to create a rapport with the pws. The team has to work as a team for the service to continue and that creates a very intense at times but professional and emotionally strong staff unit. This creates a very home like environment for the pws and not an institution, which would be wrong but commonly occurs.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lifeways?
If you are not a dedicated carer and simply just want a job , this company is not for you. Its the pws that we learn from and making their day a safe and happy one is very hard work, and its amazing when they reach small milestones, other people/staff take for granted, as the pws age, their health is constantly deteriorating and monitored and we are on the verge of clinical needs but we are on the policies and procedures of supported living. Challenging behaviour when you are doing your best is not for the faint hearted.
In This Review
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