Position Description Job title: Key Lifestyle Support Worker Reporting to: Manager Community Living Award: Hours: Location: Synapse Lifestyle Support Worker Enterprise Agreement 2012 Varirous hours across a 24 hour, 7 day roster Cairns and Hinterland Mission statement Synapse strives to reconnect the lives of those most at risk within our community, those affected by a brain injury. Vision Our vision is for a world where anyone affected by a brain injury is able to lead a life of quality, based on his or her own decision and choices. To build on each person s experiences of meaningful activities to expand his/her choices in regards to how they want to live with particular consideration given to social and emotional wellbeing. Purpose To work with each person via focusing on their skills and strengths, with facilitation of self-directed plans and circles of support (where appropriate). Values Excellence Integrity Fairness Vision Organisational context Synapse is a national organisation dedicated to reconnecting the lives of those affected by a brain injury. We do this through excellence in services delivered with integrity, fairness and a vision for what the future for people with brain injury could be. Synapse currently engages with partners and communities nationally. Synapse s commitment to our vision is realised through provision of a variety of services including (but not limited to); accommodation and lifestyle support - supporting individuals with disability to live in their own homes and communities 1 - Key Lifestyle Support Worker - Cairns - Position Description - July 2017
providing individual and systemic advocacy to represent the interests of people with a brain injury (including being the peak body representing Brain Injury in NSW) support to individuals with disability eligible for NDIS, to undertake planning, assistance with coordination of supports and assistance to navigate NDIS appeals processes. accessing and purchasing equipment and services to reach personal goals the facilitation of opportunities for social and peer networks information and referral services (including various nationally recognised publications such as ABI: The Facts and Bridge Magazine. Synapse has a strong commitment to our partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, actively working to minimise the disparity in disability outcomes as compared to that of non-indigenous populations. Our Research and Evaluation capability ensures currency of evidence informed approaches throughout our work while ensuring we also contribute to establishment of relevant evidence to influence social change and community capacity. Synapse practice is underpinned by a strengths based approach and commitment to innovation, inclusion and participation. Synapse seeks to work with partners, families, communities and individuals to strengthen capability of networks and systems in order to achieve meaningful health and social outcomes. Queensland activties Synapse QLD activities currently include; Individual Advocacy Systemic Advocacy Facilitation of peer support and social networks NDIS pre-planning and readiness support (Participant Readiness activities through out Support to coordinate funding and access to services Various place based community development activities and projects Information and Referral Services Position purpose Provide high quality, culturally safe transitional support to people with disability, to develop skills and confidence to live in their own homes and community. Such support is provided within a capability building context. To this end, this position will provide day to day assistance in coordinating activities of the support team while also fulfilling the primary role of a Lifestyle Support Worker. Key responsibilities & duties The Key Lifestyle Support Worker will undertake the following duties: 2 - Key Lifestyle Support Worker - Cairns - Position Description - July 2017
Work with people with disabilities to develop and maintain relationships, which build confidence and identity, while improving their daily living skills through guidance, and encouragement. To provide support that is culturally sensitive and focused on Social and Emotional Wellbeing Outcomes. Assisting tenants to build capability to lead the development of their own individualised plans and enabling tenants to build skills and confidence to live well in their community Liaise with relevant external stakeholders including NDIS, and relevant mainstream and specialist services to ensure holistic, integrated and coordinated person centred approaches and support networks Assist with the induction of all new staff including; o Policies,procedures and role expectations; o Documentation requirements (eg. Case notes, incident reporting); o o Explaining rostering, handover periods, and shift expectations; Assisting in tenant led planning processes (may include undertaking skills assessments, developing support plans, exit/transition plans and positive behaviour support plans. o Client information Conduct relevant file audits of both hard- and soft-copy files. Assist tenants to lead their own planning, set goals and effectively monitor and document progress and goal achievement (as part of a team and in conjunction with families and an identified mentor) Provide people with support and mentoring in achievment of their identified goals aimed at supporting their successful transition to long term living arrangements in their community. Maintain records/case notes of activities undertaken with all tenants during each shift in alignment with their Individual Plan Maintain effective communication with line Manager and co-workers. Ensure effective monitoring of tenant outcomes through use ofboth written and observational assessments Ensure appropriate supports to tenants to undertake activities of daily living that may include assistance with personal care, preparing meals, cleaning, budgeting, shopping Assist tenants to identify and pursue interests through social and community connections Support all workers to follow systems and procedures; Effectively and efficiently, respond to issues raised by tenants, their advocates or family members in a collaborative, compassionate, and a respectful manner. Work collaboratively, cooperatively and effectively within a team, and with tenants, their families / carers, and other stakeholders. Work with tenants to check and take medications as prescribed / instructed by their medical practitioners. Involvement in the development and implementation of ongoing program activities to support the tenants and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes. Work in a diverse range of settings including but not limited to: a persons home or place of residence, place of employment, other services, community groups and other community settings. 3 - Key Lifestyle Support Worker - Cairns - Position Description - July 2017
Accountability factor To work collaboratively with tenants to achieve their goals To mentor and role model positive social skills, utilising effective conflict management and negotiation, and building positive relationships. Encourage healthy living habits to support emotional wellbeing. To maintain and strengthen self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence of tenants. Attendance and active participation in team and professional development activities, including own continuing professional development and supervision. Attend mandatory and relevant training. Attend mandatory team meetings. Maintain a current understanding and awareness of Synapse policies and procedures, relevant legislation and ethical guidelines. Comply with the requirements of Workplace Health and Safety, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination practices and behaviours in the work place. Knowledge and experience Ability to think and act calmly and deal sensitively with people in distress and to assess risk and follow relevant protocols to manage crises effectively. Thorough knowledge of work activities performed within the workplace Sound knowledge of procedural/operational methods of the workplace High level of written and verbal communication skills Knowledge of statutory requirements relevant to service delivery Well developed analytical skills and ability to develop practical solutions. Ability to apply basic computing concepts Experience in leadership and rostering would be highly regarded. Education prerequisites Cert IV or higher in Community Services, Disability Work or other relevant field will be highly regarded. Compliance Yellow Card Positive Notice* Blue Card Positive Notice Current First Aid and CPR Certificate Current non-restricted Australian Driver s License or equivalent Compulsory Third Party Insurance on private vehicle (if to be used for work purposes). *Continued employment at Synapse is conditional upon receipt of Criminal History Screening Positive Notice within three (3) months from date of commencement of employment and every three years there after. 4 - Key Lifestyle Support Worker - Cairns - Position Description - July 2017
Selection criteria 1) Demonstrated knowledge of the issues that impact on both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in contemporary society, together with the ability to articulate their interests, including the ability to consult and negotiate according to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols. 2) Understanding in working with people experiencing an Acquired Brain Injury/disability. Demonstrating empathy, compassion, flexibility, and respect. 3) Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families. 4) Demonstrated capacity to relate to tenants, their families / carers, and other stakeholders (this includes government agencies and community services) with dignity and respect. 5) Demonstrated ability to establish professional working relationships with clients and colleagues that is supportive, encouraging and challenging. 6) Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a productive member of a team, utilising your personal strengths including conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solving. 7) Demonstrated ability to support clients to achieve their agreed outcomes as outlined in their support plans. 5 - Key Lifestyle Support Worker - Cairns - Position Description - July 2017