Title Reports to Department Classification Daily Life Skills Worker Mental Health Services About us Vincentian Village Activities Co-ordinator Community Shared Houses Mental Health Manager, Community Homelessness and Mental Health (HMH) Level 3 SCHCDSI Award The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded by Frederic Ozanam in 1833, a 20 year old student who wanted to respond in a practical way to the hardship he witnessed in France. Fondly known as Vinnies and first established in Perth in 1865, the Society strives to serve people experiencing disadvantage in our community as part of a federated model in Australia while being present in 149 countries around the world. Our core work is our emergency relief program, provided through our large volunteer member base, which addresses the needs of people predominately in their own homes with respect, compassion and hope. The Society also supports Western Australians through our retail and depot operations, recovery-focused mental health services, a range of services to prevent or alleviate homelessness, provision of housing, support for young people, financial counselling and migrant and refugee services, while advocating for the people we assist and encouraging a greater understanding of social justice issues. What we do Mental Health Services is a special works of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVDPWA). The Society is a lay Catholic organisation with a large membership, volunteer and staff base that works to shape a more just and compassionate society. Mental Health Services contribute to this work by providing high quality and professional services in the fields of mental health and homelessness. The Mental Health Service supports people with a lived experience of severe and enduring mental illness, many of whom also have experiences of homelessness, to rebuild their lives through a recovery based program. The three-tier accommodation service offers high support, shared house and independent living options with support from a professional team of support staff. St Vincent s Mental Health Service has a commitment to enhance the long-term health and wellbeing of individuals and recognise that people may need support of varying intensity and duration. Purpose of the role Daily Life Skills Workers are located in a community based mental health service which provides accommodation for people who are living with enduring mental health challenges. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, Daily Life Skills Workers focus on practical and day to day aspects of people s lives. The role is intended to build around the key concepts of: 1
Micro-capacity building: being able to break down activities into small components and work with people to develop their daily life skills and achieve their goals Co-production: using a process of working alongside and with people to achieve things or undertake activities Training and development are an important part of the position to support Daily Life Skills Workers develop and be able to deliver a best practice approach. Our Values in Practice The Vinnies Way Our Values in Practice are at the core of everything we do. Commitment Approach everything we do with a positive and professional attitude, taking pride in getting the best results for the organisation. Compassion Being aware of, and responding to the needs of others, providing support and preserving and upholding the Society s mission. Respect Being non-judgemental and open to the views, skills, knowledge and ideas of others. Integrity Upholding the values of the Society and approaching all relationships with honesty and trust. Empathy Being sensitive and understanding to the needs of others and offering support where we can. Advocacy Acting on behalf of others to influence, inspire and create positive change. Courage Lead by example in all we do and encourage growth in ourselves and others. Key responsibilities Service Delivery: Acting as a role model by motivating and encouraging people to participate in the day to day running of the household through: - guiding and facilitating each person s voice and choice in their own recovery journey and in their daily living - working in co-production alongside consumers to achieve daily life skill outcomes that are identified by both the consumer and the Daily Life Skills worker together in partnership such outcomes include cleaning and maintaining their personal living spaces, cooking skills, budgeting, shopping, personal interests and hobbies, facilitating outings and connections to the local community - to assist consumers if needed with their personal laundry - prompting consumers to replenish supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, etc. Within the Shared Community Houses working in co-production to develop daily life skills and outcomes that include but are not limited to: - collaboratively developing weekly menu plans that meet dietary tastes and requirements 2
- preparing nutritious home cooked meals - carrying out grocery shopping within budget on a weekly basis - ensuring that weekly household chores are completed - detail cleaning when required Working in conjunction with other staff to promote a culture of recovery that is based on each person s individualised needs and goals through: - participating with other staff in assessment of consumers independent life skills - attending meetings with consumers and their Recovery Support Worker when requested to support individualised Outcome Star planning and review - provide support for Outcome Star action plans as identified and requested by consumer and Recovery Support Worker - providing feedback to other relevant staff about the consumers they work with Team Work and Participation: - Adopts a team approach to support the work, cooperating closely with team members in order to ensure continuity of support and provision of a high quality service to consumers - Actively participates in reflective practice through team meetings, decision making processes, service evaluation, planning and development activities - Undertakes additional duties during staff absences within reason and acquired competencies - Concerns are responded to appropriately and reported directly and immediately to the line Manager Professional Development: - Engages in regular formal supervision and reflective practice - Develops a professional development plan (with Line Manager) and is proactive about obtaining the objectives described within it - Attends all organisational core training workshops and any other training/professional development, relevant to the role and/or service requirements Documentation: - Ensures knowledge and compliance with all Mental Health and Homelessness policy and procedures and legislative requirements as they relate to record keeping and data collection specifically relating to privacy and confidentiality principles - Prepares timely, strengths based handover documentation and progress notes - Actively contributes to individuals action plan documents - Accurately processes credit card invoices within required timeframes Within the Shared Community Houses documentation tasks include but are not limited to: - Daily handover notes are forwarded to the Manager within required timeframe - Completion and documentation of records for cleaning, appliance checks, first aid and other monthly checks Professional Relationships: - Represents the organisation in a positive and professional manner when interacting with other services, family and community members - Communication with consumers is respectful, transparent and appropriate - Establish and maintain a good overall understanding of each consumer and their needs 3
- Maintains appropriate professional boundaries in interactions with consumers, family and carers, and other staff members Individual Commitment: - Actively embraces and integrates the Society s Mission, Vision and Values in Practice into the role, and models appropriate behaviours - Conforms to the Society s conditions of employment; code of conduct; policies and procedures; and relevant legislation and standards - Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development Key outcomes Consumers are motivated, inspired and encouraged to achieve daily life skill outcomes that support their own recovery journey A culture of hope and recovery is fostered and promoted based upon assessed individual needs. All services provided to consumers meet relevant legislative and quality standards, are in line with Vincentcare s operational policies and processes, and are delivered in a professional manner within the scope and boundaries relevant to the role Key competencies Workplace and personal effectiveness Client centered support Specific client group service delivery Collaborative relationships Potential Qualification Works safely Manages workplace stress Contributes positively to team effectiveness Works within legal and ethical boundaries Responds to clients needs appropriately Provides individualised client support Supports client s independence and wellbeing Awareness and understanding of barriers and issues faced by people who experience mental health challenges Works respectfully with people who experience mental health challenges Communicates effectively both verbally and written Works respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services Job Requirements skills, knowledge, experience 4
Selection Criteria Essential An understanding from work or personal experience of the challenges faced by people living with a mental health challenges and the impact this can have on their daily lives. Demonstrated capacity to work with people in an open and inclusive fashion Practical daily life skills around cooking, cleaning, budgeting etc. and the capacity to share these with others Desirable Two (2) years experience in a community services agency or a relevant community services qualification. Knowledge of infection control protocols, general cleaning and laundry practices Understands discrimination and social exclusion, its impact on consumers and how to reduce it Awareness of different cultures and backgrounds; able to work respectfully with individuals from an indigenous or CaLD background. Other requirements As an Approved Supervisor, employees are required to provide LARU with a National Police Clearance, First Aid Training certificate and passport photo at three yearly intervals Driver s License Copy of Qualifications (as required) Right to work in Australia documentation Certification I have received a copy of the job description and understand the requirements of the position. Signature: Date: St Vincent de Paul Society (WA) Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer 5