Activity Support Worker

Transcription

1 Frances Taylor Foundation DIGNITY AND RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL Activity Support Worker Service/Location: Fernley Resource Centre, L37 1PH 2015

2 Role Profile Position: Activity Worker Grade: C1 C2.1 Tenure: Responsible to: Permanent, Full-time Service Manager/Deputy Service Manager/Team Leader/Senior Activity Worker PURPOSE OF POSITION JOB DESCRIPTION With the guidance and support of the above senior staff team, the Activity Worker will ensure all people using the Fernley Resource Centre receive the appropriate level of care and support, as well as the opportunity for personal development through the provision of a planned programme of meaningful activities. The post holder will be responsible for providing high quality personal care and support to each individual using the Fernley Resource Centre. This will be done by recognising and complying with all aspects of that person s Health Action Plan, such as the Person Centred Plan, Risk Assessments, Identified Health Needs etc., as well as the personalised activity schedule. Each individually assessed and planned programme of activities will be delivered under the following key headings: -Art Drama and Sensory Development -Community Involvement and Social Skills -Horticulture, Healthy Lifestyles and Sensory Development -Physical/Mental Wellbeing, Exercise and Healthy Living The Activity Worker will ensure that the co-ordinated personal care and planned programme of activities continue to provide people with the opportunity to achieve and maintain their optimal level of independence. This will be done through the delivery of a high quality service and active communication with the senior staff team in order to facilitate the continued development of the service being provided to each individual. Having already worked in a similar role or setting, you will have excellent communication skills, a caring and person-centred approach, and a genuine wish to provide the opportunity to vulnerable people to improve and develop their quality of life. The role of the Activity Worker is to assist the senior staff team to plan, arrange, deliver and monitor a wide and stimulating variety of activities with the aim of developing the service users physical, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being, as well as promoting and maintaining the service users independence as far as possible. This will involve providing flexible and individual learning programmes in a range of environments. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Key Responsibilities Adapting to meet the individual needs of clients. Delivering a programmed schedule of activities with individuals and groups. Encouraging and supporting clients to reach and maintain their optimal level of independence. Encouraging self-awareness, exploration and reflection on feelings and relationships. Monitoring and evaluating the effects of the service being provided in order to facilitate client progress. Liaising with the senior staff team on all aspects of the service being provided. Making best use of effective skills in the use of ICT. Making best use of effective written and oral communication skills.

3 Service Support Assist the senior staff team in achieving a high standard of support, care and development for all of Fernley s service users. Participate in training when required to ensure the delivery of a high quality, responsive and person centred programme of support. Assist the senior staff team to facilitate group activities for people using the service. Assist people who use the service to participate in activities of their choice. Work with the senior staff team to support the planning and undertaking of social events and outings. Utilise specialist media such as large print books or news tapes to ensure equal opportunity in activities. Maintain confidentiality at all times and comply with the company policy ensuring security in the management and use of information. To contribute to close working relationships with all personnel and to help to build an open, honest and happy culture that facilitates learning, creativity and excellence in service delivery. Be empathetic and courteous to people who use the service and their relatives, treating them with care and consideration at all times and referring any issues or incidents directly to the senior staff team. Use positive approaches and other techniques as appropriate to ensure that people who challenge services and/or who have high and complex needs are able to continue safe access and to benefit from our service. Strive to provide a quality service that not only continues to be desirable to personal budget holders, but is also at all times flexible to their needs, such as evening or weekend sessions when seen to be of benefit. Communicate with families, representatives and outside agencies in a professional and courteous manner and personally ensure a high standard and quality of practice Ensure the maintenance of good recording systems, as appropriate, for example service users personal files and care plans. Liaise with G.P s and members of multidisciplinary teams as required, ensuring that identified needs are being met and that care and support is provided to the highest standard. Participate in handovers, staff/service user meetings and training programmes as required and instructed. Participate in meetings and work collaboratively on specialist interventions/strategies as agreed. To actively market the service for example attending care exhibitions, local schools and colleges, etc. Values and Attitudes To be aware of and fully implement all relevant policies and procedures of the Frances Taylor Foundation. Ensure that people we support are treated with respect, dignity and equality, including support with personal care. If trained and authorised to administer medication, to be aware of and adhere to the organisation s policy and procedure regarding the administration of medicines. To ensure that correct doses are issued to the correct service user at the required time, the medical status of service users is monitored, and that appropriate records are maintained. Ensure the people we support develop and maintain relationships, and participate in and contribute to the local community. Respond to any concerns regarding the health, wellbeing, safety or safeguarding of service users we support in accordance with the organisation s policies and procedures.

4 Additional Information The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the company s Equal Opportunities Statement. To be responsible for the post holder s own personal and professional development. To receive regular supervision and participate in an annual appraisal, undertaking any agreed actions that arise. Develop skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties including participation in relevant training. Maintain confidentiality of information and work in line with all relevant codes of practice and legislation. When service users have additional needs, to support and assist each person to maintain a high standard of personal care including intimate care, hygiene and physical wellbeing involving were required support with moving and handling and the use of mobility aids and equipment. Work in line with the company s Safeguarding People from Abuse Policy and Whistle Blowing Policy to ensure that people are kept safe at all times. The post holder must accept responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times. The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with the Data Protection Act. Ensure risk assessments are followed as necessary in line with policies and procedures. To work flexibly according to the needs of the clients. In addition to the possibility of regular evening working, this may also include occasional weekend working for specific events/needs. The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. All members of staff are required to be professional, co-operative and flexible in line with the needs of the post. The duties and responsibilities of an Activity Support Worker may change and develop over time. Therefore this job description is subject to amendment. The Service Manager, in consultation with you, will propose appropriate changes as necessary Activity Worker Date Fernley Resource Centre Date

5 Candidate Specification Position: Activity Worker Grade: C1 C2.1 Tenure: Responsible to: Permanent, Full-time Service Manager/Deputy Service Manager/Team Leader/Senior Activity Worker The post holder will ideally possess a level of proficiency, or a creative interest and a willingness to develop, in the following areas: -Art, Drama and Sensory Development -Community Involvement and Social Skills -Horticulture, Healthy Lifestyles and Sensory Development -Physical/Mental Wellbeing, Exercise and Healthy Living Attribute Heading Essential Desirable Method of assessment Work experience/ Knowledge Experience in a similar environment. Experience of participating in and maybe leading sessions, designing inclusive and inspiring programmes of activities. An understanding of the needs of people who have a learning disability and complex physical disability and the person centred approach. Experience of working in the charity sector Experience of person centred approaches, communication and behavioural strategies. Proven problem solving and organisational skills Application form, Interview, References. Subject to any reasonable adjustments, must be physically able to perform all job tasks without restriction or limitation. Ability to think and respond creatively positively and with flexibility. Ability to promote and offer a holistic approach to individuals who may challenge the service. Education qualifications and Educated to GCSE level or above. Knowledge of relevant legislation and specialism. NVQ level 2 or above in Health and Social Care. Application form and copy of certificates

6 Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively with service users, family members, team and other professionals. Application form Interview References Good communication (verbal and written) skills. Report writing. Proven ability to demonstrate IT skills. Good administrative/organisational skills. Ability to work with confidence. Ability to work calmly to time schedules under pressure. Good listening skills. Ability to work evenings and weekends. Disposition and Attitude Commitment to the Frances Taylor ethos and values. Interview Positive attitude and commitment to care and support for the individual. The personality and qualities necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships. A commitment to a person centred approach that is focused on the needs and aspirations of people we support placing them at the centre of their service. The belief that people with learning disabilities have a right to participate in making decisions about the services they receive.. Other factors Able to act as a representative for the organisation externally. Car Driver Interview The willingness to undertake additional training and qualifications. Able to work flexibly including regular evening working if required and occasional weekends for specific events/needs.

7 Salary and Conditions of Service The salient features of Conditions are as follows: The salary will be in the range of 13,099-13,426 per annum. You will be automatically entered into the People Pension Scheme after three months with the option to opt out. All offers of appointment are subject to receiving satisfactory references, medical clearance and DBS checks. All appointments are subject to a probationary period. Applications When preparing your application, you should address carefully the post details enclosed and in particular the qualities outlined in the Candidate Specification. Please include examples where appropriate. Further Information We operate a no smoking policy. We confirm our commitment to equal opportunities in all our activities. It is intended that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria will be kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements, which cannot be shown to be justifiable.