Care Assistant

About the Role

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and committed Support Worker to provide 1:1 care for a child with complex medical needs within their home environment. This is a rewarding opportunity to deliver high-quality, person-centred care while working closely with a supportive and knowledgeable family.

You will play a key role in maintaining the child’s comfort, safety, and wellbeing, supporting both their clinical and emotional needs throughout the day.

About the Child

The child has a complex clinical profile, including:

• Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia
• Dystonia (managed with regular medication and an escalation care plan)
• Seizures
• Choreoathetoid Involuntary Movement Disorder

They are also oxygen dependent (requiring up to 2L via nasal prongs) and need ongoing respiratory support, including:

• Regular oral and nasopharyngeal suction
• Daily chest physiotherapy

The child is currently unable to attend school due to their health needs but is supported at home with sensory and tactile activities.

They are described as calm, relaxed, and easy-going, and enjoy:

• Being around others and included in conversation
• Gentle interaction such as hand-holding
• Sensory and tactile play
• Watching children’s television (e.g. Omar and Hana)
• Listening to music

When distressed, they are comforted through reassurance and physical closeness from familiar caregivers. They prefer to remain at home, where they feel safe, comfortable, and settled.

Clinical Responsibilities

Due to the complexity of care, previous experience in paediatric complex care is essential.

Duties include:

• Management of oxygen therapy
• Safe and effective oral and nasopharyngeal suction
• Supporting chest physiotherapy routines
• Monitoring and responding to dystonia episodes in line with care plans
• Seizure awareness and management
• Administration of prescribed medication
• Accurate documentation and record keeping

 All care staff must be competency assessed and signed off within the care package before undertaking clinical tasks.

Health & Safety Requirements

The child has a history of recurrent chest infections and multiple PICU admissions, making careful monitoring and skilled clinical care essential.

🚨 Allergy Alert:
The child has multiple severe allergies and is at risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Allergies include:

• Eggs
• Chicken
• All dairy products
• Epimax paraffin-free ointment

An EpiPen must be available at all times, and strict avoidance of allergens is critical.

Daily Support

• Providing comfort, reassurance, and emotional support
• Engaging in sensory and tactile activities
• Maintaining a calm, safe, and nurturing environment
• Supporting positioning and physical comfort
• Encouraging social interaction and involvement
• Working closely alongside parents, who are highly experienced in managing care