POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Community Support Worker - Home Support

REPORTS TO: Home Support Respite Service Coordinator

STAFF REPORTING TO POSITION: Nil

The Home Support Service provides assistance to children and adults with an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder or multiple disabilities within their family home. Reporting to the Service Coordinator of Home Support, the Community Support Worker provides individualized care and support for a person with a disability in a manner that is consistent with and supports the achievement of Spectrum Care's 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 an intellectual disability

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

DIMENSIONS:

Within delegated authority

AUTHORITY:

Decisions as per delegated authority

DEVELOP INDIVIDUALISED GOAL SETTING FOR PEOPLE

• In conjunction with Service Coordinator, develop, document, and evaluate goals with people and their families, friends and support networks.

ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO DEVELOP SKILLS AND INDEPENDENCE

• Encourage people towards independence through individual goal setting
• Form relationship with people based on trust and respect
• Assist people to develop new skills
• Assist clients to build and extend relationships
• Where required, carry out daily/weekly program of activities and education
• Encourage people to make choices
• Support people and their families to manage people’s behavioural needs where necessary  

ASSIST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING

• Work towards the avoidance of preventable deterioration of the persons condition
• Assist people with individual care to ensure good personal hygiene and physical appearence
• Depending on the requirements, administer and document medication correctly. Understand the medications purpose and any side effects.
• Have a thorough knowledge of peoples special needs
• Assist with supporting and coaching the family to enhance the programmes designed for each person

BE AN ACTIVE TEAM MEMBER

• Participate in organisational forums, such as training and consultation
• Use organisational policies and procedures to inform day by day activities
• Communicate important issues using appropriate forms of written documentation
• Ensure duties are carried out in a healthy and safe environment, via:
• Reporting any potential safety hazards to the Service Coordinator and working with the family where appropriate to eliminate, minimise, and isolate them
• Reporting any personal workplace acidents or incidents to the Service Coordinator immediately.
• Valuing and looking after the person’s possessions

Minimum Appointment Criteria

• Full current class 1 drivers licence (where required)
• Must be flexible in the hours available
• Must be prepared to attend Spectrum Care training programmes
• An appropriate clearance from NZ Police and CYFS

FORMAL QUALIFICATION / EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

• A certificate in Human Services (or equivalent) is preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in caring for people with disabilities is preferred.

VALUES-BASED COMPETENCIES

• Person-centred. Has a genuine desire to work with and support people with an intellectual disabilty 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

• Emotional maturity. Displays maturity by making good decisions even in difficult situations. Has a relaxed even temperament and is resilient in the face of obstacles and set backs.
• Communication skills. Is able to express themselves, both orally and in writing, in a clear and understandable manner. Uses valuing language.
• Self-organisation. Well organised. Ensures tasks are carried out in a planned and methodical manner. Displays good time management.
• Assertive. Can influence and direct others in a positive and constructive mannner. Direct deals with colleagues to effectively resolve situations. Gives feedback.
• 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
• Basic numeracy and literacy. Can maintain documentation and perform basic budgeting and accounting.
• Physically fit to undertake a moderately active role