Introduction

Columcille provides a safe and supportive healthy social environment which offers creative daytime activities and a sense of community from its premises in the Morningside area of Edinburgh. We support people who have learning disabilities, and mental health needs through arts & crafts, cooking, printing, gardening, pottery, drama, keep fit, holistic therapies and dance. Some support is provided in the local community. We provide relationship centred support that upholds the dignity and value of each human being and supports their development and growth.

Relief workers cover staff absences due to illness, holiday or training. There are no guaranteed hours, but for flexible and available individuals there can be regular work.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide support to service users to learn new skills, develop socially, and gain self- confidence and greater independence. This may be small group or 1-1 support.
• Be attentive to group dynamics and proactive in creating a positive atmosphere.
• Respond positively and calmly to any behaviour that challenges.
• Provide personal care and support with using wheelchairs and mobility aids.
• Provide cover on the centre’s tea break and lunch rota as required.
• Tidy workshops each day and help maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Be guided by Columcille policies and procedures and the SSSC Codes of Practice.
• Take part in induction, staff training and supervision meetings.

Essential Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Experience of support work with people with learning disabilities.
• Knowledge and skills relating to one of the work activities listed above.
• An approach based on empathy and positive regard for people
• Attentive and alert to the needs and different communication styles of people
• Compassionate and caring
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative.
• A person-centred approach.
• Interest in working from an approach based on the work of Rudolf Steiner using Social Therapy, which values the whole person, meaningful work and productive activity, creativity, community and seasonal and cultural celebrations.
• Become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
• Available for minimum of two days in a week to make the work mutually worthwhile.