"Supporting people to enjoy good lives since 2005"

Since its foundation in 2005, North Star has helped many people move to a home of their own and learn the valuable skills of independence and self-care. The people we support live in their own homes in the community. 

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Our supported living workers are extremely dedicated individuals who enable people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity needs to lead ordinary lives and develop their independent living skills and to become valued members of their local community.

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The role of the SLW is to promote an individual’s independence to their fullest potential. Patience, determination, and positive encouragement are essential skills and attributes. A typical day for the SLW might include sleep-ins overnight, support with getting ready to start the day and personal care routines, then moving on to jobs at home and activities in the community.

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SLW’s need a range of essential life skills to support people to learn how to cook, maintain their home, take care of themselves, manage medication, keep themselves safe, and integrate into community life.  Our supported living workers follow a strict code of conduct based on the fundamental principle that they are ‘guests’ in people’s homes and respect a person’s wishes to live the way they choose.

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SLW’s work as part of a small team on a rota pattern and it essential they are responsive to the needs of people accessing our service. The position involves ‘sleep-ins’ in dedicated guest quarters in the person’s home in case they are needed in the night (eg: illness or emergency).  SLW’s have access to a 24/7 support line operated by North Star’s team and staff are never truly ‘alone’.

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What makes a good Supported Living Worker?

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• Good with routine and structure and consistent

• Patient and caring

• Good time keeping and attendance and able to stay overnight in a person’s home

• Good numeracy and literacy skills

• Positive communication skills with clear and concise language

• Confident in their abilities and able to make decisions under pressure 

• Confident to work alone

• Able to follow rules and guidelines and work as part of a team

• Learns from experience and participates in training and development

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Relevant training is given to all job holders to meet the requirements of their role.

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