ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Able Australia is a secular non-profit organisation that provides services to people living with multiple disabilities including deafblindness, and youth and families who are experiencing disadvantage. Our vision is to create a community where the people we support are seen, heard, respected, valued and connected. We reach out to people, helping them achieve a quality of life that anyone in the community might expect and a feeling of worth, belonging and self-fulfilment. We are a community based organisation that aims to facilitate an improvement in social development and human services. We work from a social justice perspective that includes the principles of access, participation and the right to equality and equity for all. Position Details Position Title: Youth Program Facilitator Contract Status: Fulltime Location: Launceston / Northern Tasmania Classification level: Level Pay Point Modern Award/EBA: Tasmanian Collective Agreement Reporting to: Area Manager Launceston Date Approved: August 2016 1
JOB PURPOSE The provides support and direction to staff and to clients attending the Younger Persons Program. The people who access our services at the Younger Persons Program have a range of physical, sensory, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. The oversees a range of structured activities that are designed to provide recreational and learning opportunities and assists clients develop their individual communication, social skills and independence. The Team Leader ensures that all programs are carried out within an environment that respects individual rights, needs and choices. The Facilitator must ensure that personal care and mealtime assistance is received as required by clients and the transport of clients as needed is efficiently carried out. The Facilitator must report to the Area Manager with any major issues relating to client and staff progress. Coordinate DSW s Coordinate replacement staff when required Develop Staff rosters To manage and maintain the day to day finances Younger Persons Program Lead and develop DSW staff Source training that is required to assure our clients receive the best care that can be delivered by Able Australia Staff To Liaise with Managers, Disability Support Workers, therapists and family/carers to develop programs that build upon existing skills and expectations of the clients To make referrals to the Department of Health and Human Services To demonstrate commitment to high quality service for people with disabilities Support rights, interests and needs of people with disabilities Implement a framework for quality service delivery Provide leadership, direction and guidance to Lifestyle Choices staff in a professional manner Maximise own performance outcomes To follow line management direction and guidance in relation to the organization Manage effective work relationships Manage and improve the performance of individuals Support, participate and review group development Monitor the progress of the programs that are being provided To liaise with Area Manager, Staff, clients, families, community agencies, specialist staff, other service providers. Carry out appropriate behaviour management and communication strategies to meet the needs of clients and to ensure all staff are trained in this area 2
To work closely with therapy staff under the guidance of coordinator to develop appropriate Behaviour Support Strategies and interventions for clients with communication difficulties and/or behaviours of concerns To source, develop and evaluate programs that meet the needs and aspirations of Able Australia clients To provide opportunities for clients to experience new things To ensure that the Disability Act is addressed by all staff members To empower DSW s To assist Team Leaders and staff to develop and maintain Person Centred Plans for all clients To develop a network with the Team Leaders, staff and clients to be able to access programs and resources that may Plan and review client service delivery Identify program requirements for individual clients To ensure staff are directed for delivery of programs to ensure client s needs are addressed oversee the daily staff rosters are filled by with Able or agency staff to ensure programs run in a safely manner With support from Area Manager and direct support staff, develop Functional Assessment and Behaviour Support Strategies and discuss at monthly team meetings Undertake appropriate evaluation and reporting Identify and address information requirements. Supervise day to day processes for collection, use, storage and dissemination of information Establish and manage systems to record, store, process and distribute information. Support and supervise the development of information Develop and train staff in the implementation of an ongoing person centred approach for clients which focuses on the individuals hopes, dreams and aspirations Ensuring client learning logs are completed as required and discuss at monthly team meetings Always linking programs back to (PCP s) Person Centred Plans. Ensure PCP s are reviewed on a regular basis and when client s needs change. Manage implementation of new programs within the service by enabling clients participate in a diverse range of activities ensuring individual rights, interests and needs are met through PCP Respond to changing needs of the client To monitor and ensure weekly program timetable and day service routine commence and finish on time by all staff 3
assist clients, staff and Able Australia To ensure that the privacy, personal choices and requests of clients are respected at all times. To liaise with the NDIS, Baptcare and case coordinators regarding vacancies To be responsible for all staff supervision within the Younger Persons Program and to document these according to Able Australia procedures The Youth Program Team Leader will work to empower DSW s Assist with the application of Grants for programs and equipment to benefit our clients and the greater community Create and maintain an environment that empowers people with disabilities Advocate for people with disabilities To maintain confidential client records including Person Centred Plans and personal profiles To assist Team Leaders to maintain Recognise, respect and respond to client rights, interests and requests An awareness of cultural factors in all human behaviours Establish and maintain appropriate work relationships Undertake appropriate evaluation and reporting Encourage harmony with the team To oversee they assist, monitor and encourage the clients to engage within each program and within the broader community Develop programs that address the requirements and wishes of each client s PCP Encourage clients to advocate for themselves and become involved in Able Australia s Consumer Participation Committee Monitor and supervise direct support staff to record all daily information into each client s Day Report book including learning logs, medication recording and all other program documentation Identify and address information requirements Supervise day to day processes for collection, use, storage and dissemination of information 4
relevant records and documentation for finances, medication, communication books, program documentation, incident reports and client progress reports To represent Able Australia in a manner that will up hold the reputation of the organisation To maintain a safe work environment and adhere to all Able Australia policy and procedures. To identify all required training for DSW staff Participate in required staff training Other Duties To oversee Younger Persons Program at all times To immediately report serious problems to the Manager To attend meetings as required and if needed facilitate meetings. To perform any other duties requested by the Area Manager To monitor that accurate and appropriate information is recorded on incident reports and signed off by Coordinator Establish and manage systems to record, store, process and distribute information Explain, coach, promote consultation and participation in relation to OHS information for co-workers in team Implement and monitor procedures for identifying hazards and risk Maintain appropriated OHS records Inform the Area Manager of any individual staff training required To attend mandatory training To attend external training and seminars as requested by the Area Manager Workplace Health & Safety Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Workplace Health and Safety policy and procedures. 5
Understands and adheres to emergency procedures for own work location and organisation premises. Identifies potential risks and hazards in the working environment and responds to them appropriately and in accordance with organisation policy and procedure. Reports all emergencies, hazards, incidents and near misses within defined timelines and following correct processes. Records all emergencies, hazards, incidents and near misses using the Tickit reporting system. Quality & Continuous Improvement Day to day practice demonstrates support for and compliance with organisation policies, procedures and relevant work instructions. Actively contribute towards ongoing quality improvement to enhance practice and consumer satisfaction. Participates fully in quality and continuous improvement activities and initiatives across the organisation. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement as an integral part of core practice. Supports and participates in relevant internal and external certification and auditing programmes. Seeks opportunities for improvement within own work practices and makes appropriate suggestions for organisational improvements using the Continuous Improvement System. Diversity & Equity Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to legislation and Able Australia policy and procedure in relation to workplace equity and diversity. Is sensitive to difference and treats all colleagues and clients with dignity and respect. Contributes to ensuring that the workplace is free from bullying and harassment. Ensures own practice prevents and eliminates unlawful discrimination. Continuous Professional Completes mandatory training within defined timescales. Development Identifies appropriate opportunities for professional development and seeks authorisation to participate in them. Attends and participates in planned development activities. Actively participates in supervision and performance development and review processes. Organisation Citizenship Develops and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues and clients. Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and targets. Represents Able in a positive and professional manner. Adheres to organisation codes of conduct and dress. Other duties Undertake other duties commensurate with the position as reasonably directed. 6
Key Selection Criteria Qualifications Certificate IV in Disability Studies Experience Experience working with people who have communication difficulties Experience developing skills based programs for people with multiple/various disabilities Organisational Relationships Skills Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, including written skills Ability to direct and supervise staff Awareness of current best practice within the Disability Services area Awareness of and respect for the rights of all individuals Ability to assist clients, identify needs, develop and implement programs that assist clients to meet their needs Ability to use computers to maintain records and client programs Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team Competencies Good working knowledge of alternative communication techniques Enthusiastic approach Manual driver s licence Reports to: Area Manager Northern Tasmania Direct Reports: Disability Support Workers Internal Relationships: Day Service staff, therapists. External Relationships: Parents / carers, DHHS, NDIS, other service providers and the general public and key stakeholders. 7