AddressJOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Disability Support Worker
Workplace: Always About Me and client’s home
Award: Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010
Job Status: Casual - duty times various, as per roster.
Date: 12th June 2024
Reports to: Scheduler
This job description contains key activities. The list of key tasks is not intended to be complete. Other tasks will be assigned from time to time to meet the needs of the organisation.
Major Accountability:
This position is responsible for providing direct care and assistance to clients with mental health issues.
It is absolutely essential that all tasks must be performed in a manner consistent with Always About Me’s Work Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, and also in compliance with AAM Code of Conduct, NDIS Practice Standards and the NDIS Code of Conduct, and with Duty of Care principles. All staff will be subject to a Performance Management system.
This is a position requiring absolute honesty, trust, responsibility and reliability – and compliance with the AAM Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.
Duties also require reliable completion of all documentation – such as early sign-in for rostered duties and on completion, daily Progress Notes, and Incident Reporting – and early and immediate notification of any difficulties affecting client care, safety, and wellbeing.
General Responsibilities
- Provides direct care to clients in accordance with documentation including Individual Care Plans.
- Assists Disability Support Workers in the mental health care aspects of their duties.
Specific responsibilities:
- Active client engagement by establishing and maintaining effective communication with them to positively support their skills and learning and to develop further independence in daily tasks and participation in community engagement.
- Assist clients to manage their mental health - thoughts, feelings and behaviours – through therapeutic forms of management and intervention that transfer to client growth in assumed personal responsible and effective self-management.
- Be an exemplar in this respect in providing ‘best practice’ quality mental health care to the satisfaction of clients, their families, colleagues, AAM, and NDIS.
- Administer correct medication as allowable within role and closely monitor behaviour and mood changes and be alert for side-effects and possible need for medication review – arrange with GP or specialist as seems necessary.
- Be compliant with timely administration PRN 1 and PRN 2 medications as well as regular medications – and guide other staff likewise.
- Manage emergency behavioural mental health situations and be available to assist other staff in that regard.
- Participate in mental health aspects of Corporate and subsequent On-Site Inductions and in In-Service Training to staff, within role.
In doing so, also:
- Assist the clients in all aspects of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as to shower, maintain hygiene, dressing and grooming.
. maintain home tidy and to a good standard of cleanliness.
. assist with mobility and support/equipment and transport needs
. prepare and serve meals and other refreshments as and when required.
. assist client self-advocacy and advocate on their behalf as needed.
- Respond to client care needs and safety in any emergency situations.
- Complete Incident Reports as necessary.
- Maintain effective communication in the workplace.
- In supporting community engagement of clients, or attendance for appointments - use own vehicle, client’s, or other responsibly and in compliance with driver’s licensing, vehicle registration, and comprehensive motor vehicle insurance requirements.
- Work as a key part of an effective care services team.
- Seek, and provide, help and guidance where appropriate.
- Maintain reliable and accurate documentation and recording – log on ShiftCare every shift start and finish, complete daily Progress Reports and Diary.
- Contribute actively and positively with initiative to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the role.
- Demonstrate regulatory compliance in Work Health and Safety.
- Always wear work clothing appropriate to respectfully representing AAM and in compliance with Work Health and Safety – using PPE as required.
- Attend and actively participate in compulsory training sessions and meetings as required by the Service Coordinator.
- Carry out other tasks as assigned.
Interpersonal Relations
- Demonstrate willingness to assist in the professional growth of colleagues.
- Demonstrate a standard of ethical behaviour (respect confidences and privacy, avoid unethical discussions).
- Demonstrate ability to be an effective team member.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication with clients, staff and significant others i.e. ‘active listening’ skills, clarifying and paraphrasing to ensure mutual understanding.
Management Skills
- Demonstrate responsible and active self-management - set task goals and improvement targets and follow through effectively.
- Demonstrate understanding, and compliant implementation of Always About Me policies and procedures and NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct.
- Provide a positive and supportive environment for clients, staff and others.
- Demonstrate effective problem-solving and responsible decision-making
- Be willing to accept responsibility, take directions, and help other staff.
Selection Criteria:
Essential
- Minimum Qualifications, Certifications, and other Requirements
- TAFE Certificate IV of Mental Health (Diploma preferred)
- TAFFE Certificate III in individual Support (Disability)
- Must be trained in Conflict and De-Escalation Skills for Disability ideally MAPA training or Maybo training completed.
or
- Diploma in Nursing (Mental Health)
- each with associated supervised practical experience
- First Aid Certificate (current)
- Certificate in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
ALSO
Certificate in Medication Administration
Certificate in Emergency Life Support
Certificate in Manual Handling
AND
- COVID vaccination (up-to-date)
- Health Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- NIS Worker Orientation Module (or willingness to complete)
- Working With Children Check
- National Police Clearance (less than 3 months)
- +Current WA Driver’s License - also own car (or use of) with current Registration and Comprehensive Motor vehicle Insurance
- Previous experience:
- Working in a disability care environment – minimum 2 years - with involvement with clients with mental health conditions, working with clients with restrictive practices in place, understanding or experience with behaviour support plans for clients, working with challenging behaviours.
- Demonstrated ability to relate to people with an intellectual or mental health disability with empathy and understanding.
- Sensitivity and maturity to provide personal care to another person(s) including bathing, dressing and toileting; meals preparation; and house cleaning.
- Physically fit with behaviour management and physical aggression experience / training.
- Epilepsy and seizure training
- Medication training within the last 12 months.
- Experience with working with clients within the justice system.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes.
- Demonstrated effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and capability with responsible and timely on-line reporting, correspondence and communication as required.
- Ability and willingness to follow written and verbal instructions and to seek assistance and guidance when necessary.
- Ability to work independently and also flexibly in a cooperative team environment.
Desirable
- Current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity
- Experience in alcohol and other substance misuse clients
- ABI Knowledge and experience
- PEG Feeding experience
OSH Management
Employees must:
- Read, understand, and comply with Section 27 and Section 28 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.
- Use required safe work practices and always follow WHS procedures when attempting any task or using any equipment.
- Not to do anything which may put their own or someone else’s safety and health at risk.
- Report hazards or incidents using the established mechanisms including discussion with supervisors, employee WHS representatives, and / or completion of relevant forms.
- Assist employees recovering from injury by giving them personal encouragement and support for their return-to-work programme.
- Co-operate as necessary to assist Always About Me to meet statutory WHS obligations under the WHS Act.
Appraisal and Evaluation
- Probation of 6-months.
- Performance Reviews at 1, 3 and 6 months, then 6 monthly for all staff
- Performance Management on issues arising, as required.
