Respite Care Assistant

Please Note: This is a casual position with weekend work only. Hours may range from 4 to 24 per week. All participants are children.

Position Title: Respite Care Assistant Reporting To: Manager – Linda Guillesser Direct Reports :Nil Hours Casual – As rostered 

Primary Purpose of the Role 

The Respite Care Assistant is responsible for supporting the care needs of participants (children), and ensuring a clean, safe and risk-free workplace and care environment is maintained.

The Care Assistant works under the supervision of the Respite Coordinator (when the Manager is unavailable) but may also be required to work autonomously within the role.

Key Responsibilities 

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Follow all workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe workspace.
• Observe safe working practices and protect your and others’ health and safety as far as you can.
• Participate and cooperate with the Respite Coordinator in consultative processes to improve health and safety, using the relevant tools and systems such as, procedures, guidelines, and policies.
• Prepare meals for all participants at set mealtimes and when required.
• Clean kitchen and dining room after each meal.
• Complete required documentation in a timely manner.

Supervision and Care:

• Supervise and look after all participants in care.
• Have an understanding or review the client’s goals before the commencement of their respite stay
• Plan recreational and skill-building activities towards the participants' interests in consultation with Manager. 
• Supervise participants’ recreation and therapy activities, ensuring that all participants can be involved in activities positively. 
• Consult with the manager about clients each week
• Contribute to participant tracker on OneNote– recording weekend activities and other important information.
• Prepare resources for weekend.
• Assist participants in daily living and hygiene tasks including dressing, feeding and bathing when required.
• Provide continuous and constant support for all participants.
• Provide medication assistance
• Maintain participant privacy and confidentiality

General:

• Daily use of computer systems and software programs to ensure effective service delivery, communication and storage information.
• Complete other tasks as directed by manager.
• Attend all mandatory training and/or training requested by the manager.
• Be familiar with all service policies and procedures.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings.

Key Relationships – Internal and External 

Internal:

• Respite Coordinator.
• Manager.
• Other Staff.

External:

• Participants.
• Participants family members.
• Suppliers. 

Key Capability Requirements Critical 

• Reliable character
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work and communicate effectively with clients, their families, community agencies and other professionals.
• Ability to work in a busy environment and to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Understanding of privacy and confidentiality issues.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures to ensure the safe operation of the respite environment
• Respond appropriately to emergency or potential emergency situations (e.g. medical emergencies, incidents, physical risks etc)
• Maintain knowledge of recent and emerging changes to NDIS requirements.

Technical and Functional Capabilities

• Strong communications skills;
• Competent computer skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Participants' needs are met, and their dignity is maintained
• Organisational policies and procedures are adhered to including the compliance of safe working practices and manual handling procedures
• The environment is kept clean and secured 
• Assist with the maintenance and development of skills including daily living and self-care skills for each participant 
• Effectively perform all necessary tasks using internal and external electronic systems and software
• Demonstrated ability to follow directives and work within a Team Environment
• Medications administered in alignment with participant requirements and service policies

Behavioural Capabilities 

• Upholds Principles and Values: Demonstrates integrity, supports and adheres to the vision and values of the service;
• Accountability Takes accountability for their work, decisions and results;
• Communicates Effectively: Writes and speaks clearly and concisely, engages others when communicating; 
• Develops Collaborative Relationships: Builds and maintains good internal and external relationships; works collaboratively with others and demonstrates effective interpersonal skills to meet shared objectives;
• Teamwork: Excels in a team environment, encourages cooperation and communication between team members, is an active and engaged team member;
• Supports and Adapts to Change: Adapts readily to, and supports, change programs and initiatives that align to service objectives and are focused on continuous improvement.
• Flexibility: is flexible and adaptable to changing work requirements and the various demands of the position;
• Ability to Work Autonomously: whilst being an active team player can also work comfortably in an autonomous way to achieve role and service objectives;

Qualifications / Accreditations 

• Drivers Licence
• First Aid Certificate 
• Working towards completing Diploma in Community Services or another relevant field (preferred but not essential – life experience is also very valid)
• Medication Assistance training competency (available to complete once employed if required)
• NDIS Worker Screening
• Blue Card (essential as all our participants are children)
• Police Check
• Other NDIS requirements as they arise.