(IM) Lead - Direct Support Professional Position Description Dept/Service: (IM) Personalised Supports Version:1.004048 Issued:6/01/2015 Stage: Issued Position Title: Lead Direct Support Professional Location: Will work across a range of community settings. Classification: This position is classified under the Social & Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award, 2010. Primary Objective: The purpose of this role is to work closely with the people we support and their support coordinator to promote the dignity, independence, choices, rights and responsibilities of each person. In addition to undertaking the responsibilities of the direct support professional role, the Lead DSP will assist support coordinators in managing a small team of volunteers and staff within a defined geographic based team in order to build capacity and skills within the team and create improved outcomes for the people being supported, utilising the organisational practice framework. Duties and Responsibilities: Inclusion Melbourne assists people to create highly individualised and flexible lifestyles, based on their wants and needs. We believe in working together with people to enable access to meaningful employment, learning and leisure activities and to create opportunities for people to contribute to and be welcomed by the community. Inclusion Melbourne provides the majority of its activities in the community using a personalised approach. Person-centred support To promote the dignity, independence, choices, rights and responsibilities of each person we support, mindful of dignity of risk and duty of care. To care for and provide direct support to people in the community while assisting people to be socially and physically included. The provision of care and support includes: attending to personal care and hygiene needs; performing manual handling related to the transferring of people we support; providing meal time assistance; assisting with Communication; administering medication; assisting with mobility and transportation; other support as required. Provide support and advocacy to people in ensuring rights, choices and personal decision-making; In consultation with the support coordinator identify and implement training (formal & informal) to assist service users with social, interpersonal, community and daily living skills and to provide PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 1 of 6
assessments as required; In consultation with the person being supported and support coordinator implement and monitor individual plans; To liaise with all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of plans; To support service users' choices to maintain and to develop meaningful personal and social relationships; Liaise with families, carers, advocates and other service providers, as required; Where necessary, coordinate transport for people being supported. Support co-ordination Under general direction, facilitate the planning of services and supports, manage established budgets and provide support and supervision to staff and volunteers; Under general direction, assume responsibility for a portfolio of people being supported and assist the support coordinator with: planning and investigation of new opportunities for people we support; research and contacting local community groups and organisations in line with individually requested opportunities and goals; developing, implementing and evaluating supports; providing guidance and support to direct support workers and volunteers within the regional team; establishing supports for new clients; deputise and maintain an existing caseload during the temporary absence of the Support Coordinator. Community development Utilise community development frameworks to support the establishment of new opportunities for people within the community; Effectively engage with individuals and communities to develop opportunities that benefit both the person and the community. Organisational To develop & maintain competency in person centred active support and positive behavioural supports; To observe and implement occupational health and safety initiatives and to report any injuries, safety hazards and risks immediately; To maintain and promote a workplace free from discrimination and harassment of any kind and to follow procedures to report any discriminatory or harassing behaviour; To complete all reporting and administrative tasks accurately and promptly, including: daily file notes, diary notes, other communications including records of administration of medication, register of injuries and / or vehicle log sheets where appropriate; maintenance of service user files, including quarterly file reviews of portfolio service users; all quality monitoring forms, in particular: stakeholder feedback sheets, incident reporting; individual protocols, developmental programmes and behaviour management strategies; all other administration and documentation as required or as requested. To develop an annual personal performance agreement, in consultation with supervisor and to review this quarterly with an annual formal review; To participate in relevant training to maintain and increase professional competencies; To be an effective team member by fostering positive working relationships and timely PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 2 of 6
communication of significant issues to other team members; To attend meetings as required; To have a sound operational understanding and work within guidelines of organisational policy and procedure; To undertake other duties and activities as directed. Reports To: Support Co-ordinator. Extent of Authority: The freedom to act is governed by the objectives set by the support coordinator; This role operates within the limits of Inclusion Melbourne's policies and procedures and within established guidelines. Organisational Relationships The Lead DSP will work under the guidance and direction of a support coordinator; Operates as a member of a team; Supervision of volunteers and direct support staff. Other Requirements: Physical Requirements Ability to perform physically demanding work including providing direct support with lifting, transferring and assisting people we support, including ability to control an adult in a wheelchair; To be physically fit and have the ability to meet all of the inherent requirements of the role. Conditions of Employment: Conditions are in accordance with the Social & Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award, 2010; Adherence to the Code of Conduct; Salary packaging is available to full time & part time staff on commencement and casual staff after 3 months employment; Inclusion Melbourne has a "No Smoking" policy in all Inclusion Melbourne buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in IM vehicles and in the presence of people we support; A criminal records police check must be undertaken prior to employment - Appointment to the position is subject to a satisfactory police check result; The suitable applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Key Selection Criteria: Essential To be effective in this role, the incumbent must have or demonstrate:- An ability to carry out the physical requirements of the direct support component of the role; Highly organised and professional work practices; Well developed communication & interpersonal skills; Demonstrated problem solving, planning and operational skills; PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 3 of 6
A flexible and effective approach to working within a team environment; Community building skills including the ability to build rapport with a diverse range of people; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Must have a mobile phone; Technology and computer literacy skills; Victorian Drivers Licence and access to a roadworthy vehicle. Desirable Relevant qualifications; Appropriate experience; Experience in the community sector and associated issues within the sector; Understanding of the challenges facing people with a disability; Experience and ability to work with volunteers and community members; Knowledge, understanding and acceptance of the purpose of the organisation. Qualifications: Desirable An appropriate certificate in disability and/or relevant experience attained through previous appointments in community services sector. Key Responsibilities and Key Indicators: Person centred support Provision of personalised supports in a timely manner; Exercise appropriate independent judgment relating to service user needs, when working in the community; Creation and sustainment of effective relationships with support coordinators in the delivery and evaluation of person centred plans and community placements for service users; Conduct the role in a professional and ethical manner at all times; Respond appropriately to emergency situations that may arise. Organisational Ability to uphold and propagate the organisation's values; A working knowledge of the Disability Act 2006 and current trends in the sector; Adherence with all organisational and industry policies; Provision of all necessary written reports and documentation. Case load & community development Provide direct support and assistance to the support coordinator in managing an allocated caseload; Ability to perform higher duties as required; Demonstrate skills in planning and organising own work; Sound knowledge of policy and operational methods within the workplace; Effective communication with all stakeholders including families and carers. Customer Service Provides prompt and courteous service to all service users/students, including colleagues, other services and the community; Acts in a professional manner at all times when dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders; Demonstrates a pro-active and responsive approach to all enquiries; Treats all service users/students with respect and equality, whilst being responsive to their needs; Treats colleagues with respect; PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 4 of 6
Maintains a professional manner and is responsive to enquiries; Supervisor and co-workers are kept informed of: any changes relating to the agreed work, any complaints or incidents, and any other circumstances that arise that may impact on the person or their support; Demonstrates a strong understanding of Inclusion Melbourne and positively promotes the organisation both internally and externally. Summary of Specific Responsibilities Note: No specific responsibilities for this position have been defined in Procedures, Work Instructions or Practice Documents. Professional Development Review: In accordance with the organisation's development and support processes all supervisors and employees will use the Annual Professional Development Review (PDR) template when developing the annual review and the Professional Support Session (PSS) template when conducting support sessions. Further information can be obtained from the Professional Development Review and Support Procedure. PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 5 of 6
Approval I approve the above Position Description Signed:... Date:... /... /... Position:... (Supervisor/Manager) Incumbent Statement : I have read, understand and accept the above Position Description. Signed:... Date:... /... /... Document generated by ekey the key to excellence Wednesday, 13 May 2015 2:13:16 PM PDF Generated by ekey 13/05/2015 2:14:00 PM Page 6 of 6