Active Support Assistant

ACTIVE SUPPORT ASSISTANT

REPORTS TO:Active Support Leader/Team Leader

JOB SUMMARY

The role of the Active Support Assistant (ASA) is pivotal to the effective and efficient delivery of all SRS direct care services, providing a service which is responsive and adaptable to both the consumer and carer needs, as well as being supportive toward consumer goals, aspirations and lifestyles. SRS service models are flexible and person-centred.

The ASA will be expected to work across all areas at SRS and will be provided relevant training to do so. SRS Management will decide which program the ASA will work within and this can change at any time due to client choice, needs, and agency resources.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The ASA is to actively support and assist people with a disability to remain living as independently as possible in the community and actively promote a high standard of service delivery consistent with the Disability Act 2006 and applicable state and territory standards

RESPONSIBLITIES

The occupant of this position has specific responsibility to provide personal care, domestic assistance or home maintenance to aged persons and people with disabilities.

• Support and encourage individual consumers to achieve and develop skills in all areas of their life.
• Support and assist consumers with their activities of daily living, including but not limited to domestic duties, supervising daily hygiene, assistance with meal preparation, gardening, basic repairs, administration of medication, fitting and changing of catheters, assistance with communication, accompanying on outings and organising appointments.
• Support consumers to access social and leisure activities of their choice in the community.
• Report all hazards, risks or occupational health and safety issues including general maintenance in and around the residence.
• Advocate, where appropriate on the consumer’s behalf where they feel unsure or unable to do so for themselves.
• Create a positive working environment for the consumers and staff.
• Promote SRS’s services positively.
• Comply with all SRS Inc. Policies and Procedures and the Disability Act 2006.
• Support clients and families to submit feedback.
• Is willing to undertake further studies or training if required, including a traineeship.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Hours are flexible to client needs spread across 24 hours on any given day
• Equitable Sharing of work hours is an essential requirement
• Thorough understanding of the principles and standards of community inclusiveness and development.
• Well-developed positive communication, interpersonal and numerical skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to prioritise work and exercise discretion.
• Ability to work within guidelines at all times when conversing with consumers and related services.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, either individually or in a team.
• Flexibility, to be able to respond to consumer and agency needs.
• Actively promotes the SRS professional code of conduct.
• Assist managers with the collection of feedback for audit evidence A willingness to learn and participate in training and development.
• Well-developed computer skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal hygiene and presentation.
• Demonstrate flexibility in relation to consumer, carer and agency needs.
• Demonstrate responsible and reliable behaviour.
• Ability to undertake manual work.
• Ability to cope with the (sometimes) physical demands of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS

• Current Drivers Licence
• Working With Children Check
• Clear and current Police Check
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) OR be prepared to commit to undertake a traineeship or training throughout your employment in order to complete this qualification

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Key Relationships within SRS

SRS Team

Communicate and support consumers and co-workers in a team environment.

Team Leader

To provide ASAs with the first line of supervision and to assist them with communicating the needs of the consumers.

Manager

The Line Managers for supervision, staff appraisal, Work Cover, program development. The Manager, Support Services advocates on behalf of team members and consumers to the Chief Executive Officer.

Chief Executive Officer

Following Consultation with Coordinator, the Chief Executive Officer pursues issues and communicates the needs of the team and consumers to the committee of management and liaises with funding bodies and management of other related agencies.

Key Relationships Outside SRS

Other Services

The role of an SRS employee is to promote SRS. All communication with outside agencies is to be positive and conducive towards building and maintaining relationships.

Families

Maintain communication for consumers and the service that again promotes SRS in a positive manner.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Assume responsibility for shifts organised with Coordinator
• Follow specific instructions for each shift as provided by Coordinator, whether verbal or written. Complete daily communication logs that are detailed, accurate and informative. • Show respect for consumers and their property
• Adhere to privacy and confidentiality guidelines at all times when conversing with other services, families, visitors and consumers.
• Follow service provision plans, where available.
• Attend monthly meeting and participate in group discussions, and other meetings as appropriate. Attendance at All-Staff Meetings is MANDATORY.
• Actively participate in Performance Review meetings.
• Actively participate in Annual Appraisals, Review Meetings and training days.
• Timely and correct completion of timesheets
• Be supportive of Coordinators necessity to fill shifts on short notice.
• Work in accordance with the SRS Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure medication guidelines are adhered to and assist clients with monitoring and administration of their medication requirements, as per SRS Policies and Procedures.
• Complete OH&S tick sheets ensuring any risks and general maintenance are corrected

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• A commitment to empowering people with a disability to achieve maximum independence and inclusion in the community
• Demonstrate an understanding of the strategies for strengthening the cultural competency of the service and increasing access to the service for CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Skills and experience in promotion of community inclusion. Experience working in a community based setting, or working within the human service sector.
• Values and behaviours which demonstrate and promote dignity and respect for people with disabilities and their carers.
• The ability to act as a professional representative of SRS and a positive role model for our consumers.
• Ability to work split, short and night shifts

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

• Follow all health and safety policies, procedures, practices, instructions and rules at all times.
• Create, maintain and foster a safe work environment at all times.
• Perform all duties in a manner that ensures your own personal health and safety, and that of others in the workplace and general public.
• Regularly inspect the workplace and immediately report all known or observed hazards or incidents that may cause harm or represent a threat to public safety to your Coordinator.
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse safety equipment

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Be familiar with the application of SRS risk management policies and strategies and be accountable for adherence to these policies.
• Report identified hazards that may pose a risk to consumers and/or the public, that may give rise to an insurance claim, including the risk for safety, security, vandalism, burglary/theft and fire/arson.
• Ensure that all buildings/assets are maintained in accordance with defined standards such that safe operating conditions are maintained.
• Ensure required maintenance and repair works are promptly reported to your Line Manager.

QUALITY, AUDITS AND STANDARDS

• Assist with the return of feedback for annual self-assessment and quality improvement plans
• Provide photos, documentation and evidence to assist with annual assessments and reviews.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• Remuneration is according to the Social, Community Homecare and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) award with NFP Salary Packaging available.
• The position is located in Sunraysia region with split, short and flexible shifts
• SRS is an EEO employer and provides a smoke-free environment.
• SRS provides a family friendly work environment.
• An annual performance assessment will be conducted in relation to remuneration considerations.
• The performance review process will take into account:
• The role detailed in this document including communication logs and evidence.
• Approved key performance indicators and process in the agreed performance plan
• Supervision and meeting attendance records