Employment-House Leader

House Leader

Reports to: Service Coordinator

Staff reporting to position: Nil

Job purpose

The House Leader role combines direct support for people with intellectual disabilities, with a range of administrative and supervisory functions associated with the successful operation of a community home.

House Leaders are an integral part of the team providing support to a group of people living in or supported by one of Spectrum Care’s community homes. In this respect, the House Leader’s tasks and objectives are identical to those of a Community Support Worker.

In addition, House Leaders play a key role assisting with the organisation of the home to which they have been assigned.

Working under the direction of a Service Coordinator, the House Leader is typically responsible for a variety of administrative tasks but will also coach and supervise the work of other staff to ensure that the house operates in compliance with relevant standards and that the services provided to the people supported by the home are responsive, individualised and of a high quality.

It is expected that the House Leader will actively promote the goals of Spectrum Care and will assist Spectrum Care in the achievement of the Vision, Mission and Values, which are:

Vision: People with disabilities living great lives

Mission: To create the opportunity for the best possible quality of life and choice for people with disabilities

Values: Person-centred, Innovation, Commitment and Passion, Partnership, Excellence

Principal accountabilities

Provide individualised support to people with disabilities

A key responsibility of a House Leader is to identify and implement Personal Outcomes Measures in partnership with service users in order to increase the range of opportunities and choices available to them.

A House Leader should also encourage the people supported in the home to build their independence through responsive and individualised (person-centred) planning processes that will:

Assist individuals receiving services to maintain their health and well-being
Support service users to develop a repertoire (range) of positive behaviours
Foster the development of independent daily living skills
Facilitate increased integration into the community
Widen the social relationships that are available, including involvement with family and whanau
Promote opportunities for people to explore their cultural and spiritual linkages
Provide a home environment that is clean, comfortable, and safe, and that reflects the choices and individuality of the people who live there

Oversee the completion of administrative and household tasks

Work with Community Support Workers and the Service Coordinator to ensure that a variety of administrative tasks pertaining to the provision of services and the operation of the home are completed, such as:

Lifestyle and health care plans
Menu plans and activity schedules
Inventories
Bank and house accounts
OSH and fire safety
Vehicle management and household maintenance
Audits and monthly reporting

Assist with the management of resources

Help organise the staffing roster including the replacement of staff, annual leave planning, and the implementation of staffing efficiencies
Monitor household purchases to ensure cost effectiveness
Ensure that the house, vehicle and other equipment are maintained in good condition, and that safety hazards are quickly identified and eliminated or minimised

Supervise and coach other staff

Lead the way in service provision by being a role model for ‘best practice’ behaviours and promoting the achievement of personal outcomes for all individuals supported in the home
Induct new staff into the home
Provide ‘on-the-job’ advice, support, and direction to existing staff
Delegate tasks and oversee the quality of work
Brief staff on relevant policies
Oversee completion of training requirements
Monitor compliance with both organisational and legislative standards
Report issues to the Service Coordinator as soon as they arise

Contribute to positive team functioning

Build constructive partnerships with others involved in the provision and improvement of services
Communicate relevant issues in a clear and prompt manner
Attend lifestyle and behaviour management meetings
Take a leadership role in staff meetings, including pre and post-administration and follow-up with non-attendees. Facilitate meetings in absence of Service Coordinator
Promote team involvement in quality improvement (CQI) processes and encourage innovation
Provide acknowledgment for the positive contributions of others
Maintain close and regular communication with Service Coordinator

Minimum appointment criteria

Full, current, class 1 drivers licence essential. Must be able to drive a manual car and/or van
Must be able to work a variety of shifts including weekends
Satisfactory criminal and traffic infringements record

Formal qualification/education level

A certificate or diploma in Human Services is preferred. Alternatively, a diploma in a related area such as social work, health, or education would also be an advantage

Work experience

Significant previous experience working with people with disabilities is usually expected.

Values-based competencies

Person-centred. Has a genuine desire to work with and support people with an intellectual disability and is committed to the provision of individualised services and support
Commitment and Passion. Highly motivated and energetic. Takes a high level of personal responsibility, relishes a challenge and remains enthusiastic despite setbacks
Innovation. Embraces change and contributes new ideas
Excellence. Constantly strives to be the best. Goal oriented, seeking opportunities to improve personal and team performance
Partnership. Readily shares knowledge and skill. Possesses the interpersonal skills to create rapport and work effectively with other individuals and groups to achieve objectives

Essential competencies

Reasonable practical and theoretical knowledge regarding intellectual and/or psychiatric disabilities
Emotional maturity. Displays maturity by making good decisions even in difficult situations. Has a relaxed even temperament
Communication skills. Is able to express themselves, both orally and in writing, in a clear and understandable manner. Uses valuing language
Leadership. Can influence and direct others in a positive and constructive manner. Direct deals with colleagues to effectively resolve situations. Gives feedback
Coaching skills. Can provide structured support to assist other staff to learn tasks and improve performance
Self-organisation. Well organised. Ensures tasks are carried out in a planned and methodical manner. Time management
A good level of numeracy and literacy. Can maintain documentation, complete reports, and perform basic budgeting.
Able to provide personal cares, such as bathing, dressing, toileting
Domestic skills. Can prepare nutritious meals, maintain a clean and tidy environment, and make cost-effective purchase decisions
Physically fit to undertake a moderately active role

Email: jobs@spectrumcare.org.nz

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