ROLE DESCRIPTION Role: Reports to: Disability Support Worker Resident Group Manager Role Family: Care Services Level: Level B (AQF 1) Organisational Context: Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) is the largest non-government provider of disability services in NSW and the ACT, providing a range of services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. These client services include accommodation, therapy, technology, supported employment, community access and support. Services are delivered to around 5,000 clients annually and currently operate in a highly decentralised model through 55 separate outlets. CPA s research institute is based at the University of Notre Dame University in Darlinghurst. Its mission is to conduct high quality research to reduce the prevalence and severity of cerebral palsy and enhance the health and wellbeing of people with cerebral palsy. CPA s corporate support services include human resources management, organisational development, financial management and accounts, fundraising, marketing and events management and general administrative support and are based at the Allambie Heights campus. Their primary function is to provide the organisation with the necessary resources and support that will assist all client services areas to achieve CPA s overall mission and strategic direction. CPA currently employs 1100 staff, 175 of whom are supported employees. Venee Burges House is located on Cerebral Palsy Alliance grounds at Allambie Heights and provides a 24-hour Community Living service for 33 adults with cerebral palsy. The Community Living service employs some 60 full time and part time staff who support the clients with their daily needs. During the week the clients go to work at Cerebral Palsy Alliance s corporate offices, business units or go to the Community Access Services in the region. On weekends, the majority of clients stay at the hostel where they are provided with recreational activities or are assisted to access the community, via trips to the local shopping mall, whilst a few of the clients spend weekends with their parents or families. Purpose, Nature and Scope of the Role: Disability support worker Level B is the entry level for employees with little or no experience in disability services. The employee wishes to gain skills and experience in this field. The purpose of the role of Disability support worker is to, under close supervision, ensure all Clients at Venee Burges House receive a high standard of care, meet the client s individual and social needs in the community as well as supporting the clients with family contacts.
Organisational Relationships: The role reports to the Client Group Manager who reports to the Community Living Manager who reports to the General Manager, Services who in turn reports to the CEO. The organisation has the preference for seeing employees move to Level C+ remuneration, when the employee is competent to do so. Core Competencies of the Role: Organisational knowledge Leadership/Teamwork Interpersonal Skills/Communication Problem Solving/Decision Making Legislation/Standards/Practice Service Delivery Professional Learning & Development: Cerebral Palsy Alliance has a strong commitment to providing our employees with evidence based, responsive professional development which includes the delivery of nationally accredited courses through its Registered Training Organisation. It is compulsory for all new employees to complete Cerebral Palsy Alliances, Orientation and Induction Program in accordance with the current action PACT Learning Calendar. For further information please visit http://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/our-services/education-and-consultancy/actionpactlearning Each employee must also ensure that learning and development, as outlined in the Annual Performance Appraisal, including knowledge of current Cerebral Palsy Alliance policies and procedures, is maintained. Interpersonal relationships may include: Internal: Community Living Manager Resident Group Managers Registered Nurses Catering Staff Community Access Services Business Unit TASC External: Clients parents and family Local community Other disability services Role Dimensions: 2
Staffing: Direct Reports: Nil Indirect Reports: Nil Budget:Nil 3
Core Competencies Competency Descriptors Performance Outcomes Organisational Knowledge Gains an understanding of the mission and values of CP Alliance Gains an understanding of CP Alliance s Key Result Areas and Strategies Is able to locate and has understanding of CP Alliance mission and values Is able to locate and has understanding of CP Alliance Key Result Areas and Strategies Has visited or has knowledge of location of relevant services/programs Is able to locate Venee Burges policies and procedures Gains an understanding of the services/programs/departments within the organisation Leadership/ Teamwork Gains an understanding of CP Alliance policies and procedures Work is closely supervised and follows specific detailed instructions Works with team members Is able to work closely with more experienced team member on buddy shifts Is able to follow detailed work instructions Works with another team member and assists other team members as needed and requested Interpersonal Skills/ Communication Takes routine enquires over the phone and obtains basic facts in a timely manner. Is able to answer phone enquiries in appropriate manner Is able to keep conflict to a minimum Problem Solving / Decision Making/ Research Minimises conflict Recognises errors/discrepancies within own work, and seeks assistance from immediate supervisor to resolve. Reports non-conformances to team leader. Is able to receive constructive criticism about own work methods and discusses issues with supervisor Reports any non-conformances in service to supervisor Identifies practises that do not conform to CP Alliance mission and values Legislation / Standards/ Practice Develops capacity to recognise nonconformity in processes Adheres to all relevant standards and government legislation e.g. WHS, Disability Services Act, Disability Services Standards Carries out work processes in accordance to WHS guidelines and procedures Provides support services to clients in accordance to the DSA and DSS 4
Core Competencies Competency Descriptors Performance Outcomes Qualifications/ Experience Some high school or equivalent work experience Apply First Aid certificate. High school attendance certificate sighted Work experience with previous employer checked Valid Apply First Aid Certificate Valid Driver s License Holds Class C drivers license Service Delivery Management Supports a client s independence and self-determination while providing personal care support in the areas of communication, mealtime management and personal hygiene. Demonstrates ability to provide care support, according to clients personal care profile, transfer assessment and mealtime management recommendations Administers medication only after competency training Has been assessed and deemed competent to administer clients medications when accessing the community in line with CP Alliance medication procedures Supports a client s community participation when providing support to clients to attend medical services e.g. Doctors & hospitals; assisting clients needing support for shopping; basic maintenance of equipment and general household duties Is able to support clients participating in the community, in positive and appropriate manner Is able to assist more experienced team member with medical appointments in the community Is able to keep clients room in neat and clean condition Is able to charge clients electric wheelchairs and supply basic maintenance to clients support equipment Present a positive imagine of clients in the community Adheres to CP Alliance dress code and presents self and clients in positive manner at all times 5
Summary of Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Values: Essential: Commitment to the rights of adults with a disability Commitment to learning and development Understanding of and commitment to the principals of Workplace Health and Safety Current Apply First Aid Certificate or commitment to obtain such certificate Current Class C drivers license (P2 or above) Functional numeracy and literacy skills Good communication skills Certificate III in Disability Works or greater, or willing to undertake within specified time frame. Desirable: Previous experience in working with people with a disability and/or aged care Knowledge of Disability Service Act & Disability Services Standards STATEMENT OF DUTIES People & Culture does not require a Statement of Duties, however where duties vary amongst employees with the same (or generic) role description, the manager may choose to attach a detailed statement of duties to the role description. 6