BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES CLARE PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT POST OF SOCIAL CARE WORKER (Ref: 09/14) LOCATION : SCARIFF The Brothers of Charity Services Clare is a community based, person centred organisation focussing on the needs and abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the organisation is to support people with intellectual disabilities to achieve a full and valued life in their community. We are currently undergoing a radical transformation in the way in which we support and serve people with an intellectual disability in line with best practice internationally. Our focus going forward is to form a relationship/partnership with each individual and their family, enabling them to design their own service so that they can enjoy a real life in a real place with a healthy balance of supports. We wish to create opportunities for people with an intellectual disability to have valued social roles in their communities and to have the chance to form real friendships. In order to assist us to achieve the vision we wish to recruit innovative and proactive people who will relish the opportunity to assist in implementing this vision. 1. Tenure of Employment Post is permanent part-time. 2. Probation A probationary period of six months from the date of appointment applies to the post. The employment may be terminated at any time during the probationary period should the employer find that the appointee is unsuitable to continue employment. The probation period may be extended at the Employer s discretion. 3. Performance Review During the period of your employment, your work performance will be monitored and assessed and if found to be unsatisfactory, your employment will be terminated, at the absolute discretion of Management. 4. Pension Membership of a Superannuation Scheme is compulsory for all staff. The terms of the Service s Pension Schemes are those prescribed under the terms of the Health Agency Schemes: Entrants prior to 31 st December, 2012 are members of the Nominated Health Agency Superannuation Scheme (N.H.A.S.S.). New Entrants after 1 st January, 2013, are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. 5. PRSI The Class A rate of PRSI contribution will apply to all temporary/permanent appointees. 6. Sick Pay Scheme The terms and conditions of the Sick Pay Scheme will apply. 7. Qualifications/Experience Applicants must possess the competencies and skills appropriate to working with persons with an intellectual disability. The Brothers of Charity Services Clare reserves the right to determine relevant qualifications for the post. Recognised professional qualifications for Social Care Worker (see Personal Specification - Page 7). October, 2013 Page 1 of 10
8. Hours of Duty 16 hours per fortnight. The appointee must be flexible with regard to hours of duty and available and willing to work day, afternoon, evening, weekends and sleepovers. 9. Annual Leave 22 days per annum (pro-rata basis). 10. Remuneration Remuneration will be based on the Department of Health New Entrant Social Care Worker Salary Scale commencing at 29,993 per annum basic before premium pay (pro-rata), commensurate with qualifications and experience. October, 2013 Page 2 of 10
BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES CLARE JOB DESCRIPTION POST OF SOCIAL CARE WORKER (Ref: 09/14) LOCATION : SCARIFF Accountability and Working Relationships: Job Title: Accountable To: Reports To: Social Care Worker Service Leader (or Designate) Regional Manager (or Designate) Team Leader/Co-Ordinator (or Designate) Role Description: The position requires a high degree of understanding and commitment to the individual service users and to the Brothers of Charity Services. The prime consideration at all times must be the interests and well-being of the individuals availing of our service. A positive attitude towards working with persons with an intellectual disability is a prerequisite, thus enabling them to have a positive fulfilling lifestyle. Each person with an intellectual disability must be treated as an individual, at all times acknowledging their personal dignity, according them their full rights and privileges. Confidentiality with regard to individuals is extremely important. The Social Care Worker must have the desire and the belief that the person with an intellectual disability has something unique and important to offer society. The Social Care Worker in co-operation with the Team Leader/Co-Ordinator will be responsible for ensuring that the person/s we support have good, meaningful and inclusive lives. The main areas that the Social Care Worker will have responsibility for will be: 1. Ensuring the welfare and well-being of all individuals who avail of our service. 2. Fostering a good relationship with the individuals, parents, staff, volunteers and visitors, by at all times behaving in a pleasant and professional manner. 3. Assist in the recruitment, induction and supervision of support workers while at the same time ensuring that the vision of the person you support is met. 4. Optimise the one to one employee review, supervision and work plan process for continual improvement and growth. 5. Facilitate and participate with the person, their family/friends and staff in the decision making process through the circle of support. 6. Ensure that the support worker provides support that complements and helps build natural relationships. 7. To actively search for opportunities for the person to have valued roles in their community. 8. To ensure new concepts, innovations and ideas are developed in consultation with the team and the Team Leader/Regional Manager and to take on board the necessary changes in line with these. 9. Encourage and support the community involvement and foster positive links with other agencies and services. October, 2013 Page 3 of 10
10. To take a lead role in the co-ordination and development of individual plans in order to meet the needs of the people we support. Principal Duties & Responsibilities of the Post: 1. Work with individuals in a way that promotes their equality, dignity, diversity and rights. 2. Support individuals to identify their future aspirations and current support needs and consider how these can be met. 3. To assist each individual in reaching their maximum potential in independence, communication and personal development. 4. Lead and encourage individual person-centred planning, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each individual in each aspect of their life while respecting their rights and choices. 5. To provide quality support, assistance and guidance to each person you are working with. 6. Ensure the person with a disability has every opportunity to communicate to their full potential. 7. To foster a spirit of welcome to all who come to the individuals home e.g. residents, families, neighbours and guests. 8. Review what is working well/not well and whether it is within budget. 9. Design volunteer roles and assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers ensuring they are welcomed and supported in their role. 10. Foster and encourage independence and initiative, and respect the age status of people who use our services. 11. To liaise with outside agencies as appropriate. 12. To promote advocacy through listening to the individual s wishes and assist individuals by advocating on their behalf and to access the independent advocacy service. 13. To hold and attend meetings as required, such as team meetings, individual planning meetings, circles of support meetings and to ensure that decisions are arrived at in a spirit of co-operation and to ensure that each individual s voice is heard in the decision making process. 14. To ensure that a written summary of the individual s plans and case conferences and other reports are kept on file. 15. Celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, and other events that occur during the year. 16. Provide variety and individuality for people who use our services in their lifestyle and participate in all training and recreational activities, social outings, trips and holidays. 17. To respond practically to the physical, recreational, leisure, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of each individual. 18. Where required, provide direct practical help, support and guidance to individuals in their daily living, such as personal care and home care. 19. To ensure that each individual has time for personal reflection. 20. If required, assist individuals with budgeting, banking and management of their personal finances ensuring individual s monies are accounted for and recorded as appropriate. October, 2013 Page 4 of 10
21. To carry out driving duties as required, this may include a space wagon/small bus. Health & Safety Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Be conscious of Health & Safety matters in the workplace and, in particular, to comply with employees obligations as set out under Section 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. Ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times. Become familiar with and practise fire drill procedures within places of work, i.e. fire detection, evacuation and fire fighting. 2. To promote safety in all environments for individuals supported by our Services and employees in line with the Brothers of Charity Services Health and Safety Statement. 3. Become familiar with and practise fire drill procedures within places of work i.e. fire detection, evacuation and fire fighting. 4. Report all accidents to your line manager (and human resources if applicable) immediately as they occur. Working Relationships and Communication: 1. Understand and operate all relevant local and organisational procedures, directives and general information made available through the line manager. 2. Develop and contribute to good working relationships in the Organisation and with all other relevant personnel. 3. Report to and appraise line manager or designate of all work related issues and concerns.. 4. Maintain strict confidentiality relating to matters regarding personnel and services. 5. Attend and actively participate in team meetings as required. 6. Attend individual supervision meetings when required. 7. In the organisation there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and it is therefore essential to foster good working relationships with all members of the team and other colleagues in the Brothers of Charity Services. 8. Ensure there is regular communication within your team and with your Team Leader. General Duties and Responsibilities: 1. To ensure confidentiality in all matters concerning individuals using our service and staff, including the safe storage of reports and records. 2. Adhere to HIQA Standards within your work location. 3. To attend all training that is offered to you, so that you fully understand and work with all the procedures and guidelines within the organisation. 4. It is your duty to report any concerns you have for the safety and welfare of the clients of the Brothers of Charity Services Clare to your Manager immediately in line with the Trust in Care (2005). You are also legally obliged to comply with the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences Against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, 2012. 5. To perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Service Leader (or Designate). October, 2013 Page 5 of 10
6. To ensure that the vision statement of the Brothers of Charity is promoted and actively implemented. 7. As the duties and responsibilities of any post in the Services are likely to change with the ongoing needs of the Service, staff are expected to have a high level of flexibility, and a willingness and an ability to develop new approaches to their work, which may also involve working in different geographical areas. The context of this post may change as the organisation grows. This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position, it is subject to regular review and amendment as necessary. October, 2013 Page 6 of 10
BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES CLARE PERSON SPECIFICATION POST OF SOCIAL CARE WORKER (Ref: 42/13) LOCATION : SHANNON Factors Essential Desirable Qualifications The recognised professional qualifications for social care workers are as follows:- (a) - HETAC/DIT National Diploma in Child Care - HETAC/DIT National Diploma in Applied Social Studies - HETAC/DIT Diploma in Social Care - Diploma in Applied Social Care (DIT) - National Diploma in Applied Social Studies (Disabilities) The Open Training College (HETAC) accredited. (b) Applications will also be considered from candidates holding other qualifications e.g. Nursing (RNID), Teaching, Youth and Community Studies, Psychology, Social Work. The Brothers of Charity Services Clare reserves the right to determine relevant qualifications for the post. Factors Essential Desirable Experience A minimum, one years experience in community development, nursing, social care or other related field. Positive attitude towards individuals with disabilities based on understanding their rights and needs. Basic First Aid. Basic Food Hygiene. Basic Manual Handling. Experience of working with external/internal agencies. Experience of having completed a needs assessment. Experience of working with individuals with autism. Experience of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Experience of the provision of intimate care. Experience of working with people with intellectual disability in a community based setting. Good organisational skills with the ability to support October, 2013 Page 7 of 10
individuals to access activities and roles in the community. Factors Essential Desirable Knowledge An awareness of and interest in disability issues. An awareness of and interest in mental health issues. An awareness of and interest in supporting individuals to lead healthy lifestyles. Awareness of the natural authority of families. Knowledge of the New Directions (HSE) personal support services for adults with disabilities. Knowledge of services and resources in the community. Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and practice including HIQA Standards. Knowledge of Person Centred Planning and Social Valued Roles. Awareness of Health & Safety legislation. Factors Essential Desirable Skills and Abilities Efficient and practical problem solving including effective research, organisation and prioritisation of work, delivery of promises and reliable follow through. Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role. Ability to lead and supervise others and to work as an individual and as part of a team. Skill and knowledge in using formal supports to compliment and help build informal relationships. Takes responsibility for identifying and addressing areas of personal and professional development of team members. IT skills with the ability to use Ability to listen to feedback and ideas from individuals and will take appropriate and considered action. Adapts well to change, adjusting priorities as required. Is able to work confidently within a changing environment. October, 2013 Page 8 of 10
Mircosoft Word and Excel. Report writing skills (e.g. accident/incident report forms). A positive can do attitude. Enthusiastic, reliable, flexible and sensitive manner. Commitment to real community integration for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Ability to initiate strong links within the local community. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, colleagues, families and others. Self-motivation and the ability to use one s own initiative. Ability to support individuals to acquire valued social roles. Ability to understand and cope with emergency/challenging situations. Good planning skills and the ability to contribute to the development of Person Centred Plans/facilitate the development of Person Centred Plans. Ability to support individuals and their families in reviewing Person Centred Plans. Practical skills in supporting individuals to set up their own home within the community. Uses systematic approach to make efficient use of time and manage workload. Remains tolerant and fair to others, values diversity and is non-discriminatory in their actions. Factors Essential Desirable Other Requirements Full clean driving licence (which permits the holder to drive in Ireland) is required Car Owner/Use of Car. October, 2013 Page 9 of 10
for all positions in the Brothers of Charity Services Clare (Provisional Licences are NOT Acceptable). Available and willing to work day, evening, weekend and sleepovers. Eligibility to work in Ireland (see Recruitment and Selection Procedures Section Entitled Eligibility to work with the Brothers of Charity Services Clare. Must have sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post. October, 2013 Page 10 of 10