Service Coordinator – Aspirations
Reports to:
Service Manager
Staff reporting to position:
Programme leaders, Community
Support Workers
Job purpose
Aspirations Services is a division of Spectrum Care that aims to provide people disabilities the opportunity
for increased participation in the community and in work.
The Service Coordinator, Aspirations, will coordinate the development and delivery of services that support
the acquisition of skills that will assist people with disabilities to fulfil their ambitions both within and
outside of paid employment.
The Service Coordinator is part of a management team that includes the Service Manager – Aspirations
and other Service Coordinators.
In partnership with colleagues, and in designated portfolio areas of responsibility, the Service Coordinator
will develop training and development programmes and negotiate supported employment initiatives, and will
coordinate the services, facilities and staff who are responsible for delivering these programmes.
The Service Coordinator, Aspirations will work in partnership with Residential Co-ordinators and staff as well
as non-Spectrum service providers to ensure that there is effective transition between home and Aspirations to
ensure responsive services that are individualised and of a high quality, including effective health and
behavioural support.
As line managers with direct responsibility for staff and for the coordination of services, the actions of the
Service Coordinator will ultimately 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
Develop and implement programmes that support skill acqusition
- Coordinate assessment of development needs/preferences in conjunction with the individual and their
support network
- Research and develop suitable programmes to meet individual development needs/preferences
- Review programme effectiveness with individual and their support network and revise as necessary
Develop and implement supported employment programmes
- Coordinate assessment of vocational needs / preferences in conjunction with the individual and their
support network
- Research, develop and negotiate suitable vocational and pre-vocational programmes to prepare each individual
for employment, where possible
- Identify and liaise with potential employers to arrange job placements
- Ensure that suitable support for employment is provided
- Review programme effectiveness with individual and their support network and revise as necessary
Recruit and develop staff to identify, develop and provide individualised services and support
- Recruitment processes are implemented effectively and according to policy
- New staff are supported to complete the induction process and all staff receive ongoing feedback and
coaching
- Training needs are met to ensure the development of skills, and the safety of both staff and the people
they support. Staff attendance at training is compliant with organisational policy
- Staff are briefed on all relevant policies
- Staffing costs, are managed efficiently to ensure they remain within budget
Motivate staff to maintain high levels of performance, committment and passion
- Constructive relationships with and between staff are encouraged
- Performance appraisals of all staff are carried out regularly and in accordance with policy.
Where there are performance deficiencies, these are followed up using a formal, documented process of
performance management
- In conjunction with the Service Manager, allegations of misconduct are investigated promptly following the
standard organisational process
- Positive recognition and incentives for good performance and innovation are provided
- Regular staff meetings and other communication forums within the home ensure that all staff are kept
informed of relevant issues
- The safety of staff is optimised through the implementation of an OSH program that identifies, reports and
minimises hazards
- Timesheets, leave applications and other staff documentation are timely and accurate
- Ensure self and staff participation in service/organisational auditing programmes and quality improvement
forums
- Participate in service/organisational on-call arrangements.
Direct and oversee the health and safety of people with disabilities
Work with staff in the homes to ensure that:
- A comprehensive, up-to-date health or ‘Wellness’ plan is provided for all people who receive services
from Spectrum Care
- Consultation with health professionals such as General Practitioners, as well as direct care staff, ensures
that medication is prescribed and administered appropriately
- All other health cares, including special dietary needs, required and received by people supported by
Spectrum Care are monitored and documentation completed
- Behavioural needs are identified and, where appropriate, behaviour management strategies are prepared with
the assistance of a behavioural specialist. Strategies are reviewed regularly with the behavioural specialist and
their recommendations are implemented within the agreed timeframe
- The conduct of staff is monitored to ensure that behaviour management practices are consistent with the
documented strategy and with organisational policy
- Measures are put in place to ensure the prevention, detection, and reporting of abuse and neglect of
people with disabilities who are receiving services from Spectrum Care
- All accidents and injuries are accurately reported and documented
- Fire and other disaster/emergency response programmes are implemented
- Staffing levels are maintained to ensure safe practices at all times within cost effective levels
Promote an environment in which people are supported to develop great lives
Work with staff in the homes to ensure that:
- Service provision is person-centred, demonstrating efforts to empower people with disabilities by
consulting with them on issues of relevance and resolving any grievances promptly
- An individual Outcomes plan, such as ‘My Home My Life’, is prepared by residential services with each person
who receives services and is reviewed regularly. The plan takes account of their cultural, spiritual and social
needs and provides support for education/skills acquisition in order to enhance their independence. A major focus
of each plan will include opportunities for increased community participation, integration and skill enhancement
- The Outcomes development objectives are supported by Aspirations programmes. Diaries and other documentation
demonstrate continuing efforts to develop great lives
- Services for individuals and small groups are developed to provide support for a person to achieve their
personal outcomes/goals
- Close monitoring of financial transactions and inventories ensures that the personal possessions of service
users are maintained and that purchases made by staff are appropriate
- The home environment is clean and comfortable. Furnishings are age-appropriate and reflect the choice and
participation of the people who live there
- The home, vehicle, and other equipment is periodically assessed and/or maintained to ensure that they are
safe for service users, and that they continue to be appropriate for their needs
Develop partnerships with family and whanau, and with internal and external service providers
Work with staff in the homes to ensure that:
- Family and whanau are encouraged to remain involved with their family member who is receiving services
from Spectrum Care
- Robust and regular communication systems are developed with residential services
- Community linkages are established to ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate
in, and become part of, their community, including regular use of community facilities
- Works cooperatively with internal service providers such as the Community Support Team and vocational
services to ensure the best possible quality of care
- Maintains constructive working relationships with all external organisations that may have input into the
wellbeing and quality of life of people with disabilities
- NASC agencies
- Community organisations
- School and vocational organisations, including supported employment
Minimum appointment criteria
- Full, current, class 1 drivers licence essential. Must be able to drive a manual car and/or van
- Satisfactory criminal and traffic infringements record
Formal qualification/education level
Diploma or Bachelors in Human Services, or a Bachelors-level qualification in a relevant area such as health,
teaching, psychology, social work or management.
Work experience
Significant previous experience in providing support to people with disabilities and/or in the
training/education sector. Experience managing people and resources would also be a major advantage.
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
Role-specific competencies
- Good practical and theoretical knowledge regarding disabilities
- Knowledge about the
New Zealand Disability Strategy
- Knowledge and skill in best practice approaches to training and skill development
- Knowledge about the job sector and the core employment skills required by job seekers
- Able to recognise the signs and symptoms of illness / poor health and liaise effectively with other
health professionals
- Able to collect behavioural records, assess the function of a behaviour, and apply techniques for
managing behaviour in a non-aversive manner
- Basic knowledge of the health system and of the role and function of community services and facilities
- Familiarity with the legislation governing employment, safe workplaces, and the care of people with
disabilities
- Ongoing commitment to personal / professional growth and the development of excellence
- Leadership skills. Models desirable organisational traits and motivates others to do the same
- Staff management skills, including the ability to set and monitor clear performance objectives
- Can communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including skills in such areas as coaching,
direct-dealing, counselling, mediation and conflict resolution, and group facilitation
- Self-organisation and time management skills to plan ahead, set priorities, meet deadlines and attend to
detail
- Budget management skills, including the ability to keep records and monitor financial performance indicators
against objectives
- Report-writing and presentation skills, including word processing, so that information is presented clearly
and in a meaningful manner
Email: jobs@spectrumcare.org.nz
Download current vacancies: Job Board – August 2009
Download an Employment Application Form
Job descriptions
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