JOB TITLE: RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER THE ORGANISATION Solis MMC Children’s Services, in partnership with Solis Trust, was established in 2005 and provides responsive, quality services to children and families who are assessed as being in need. We do so through the provision of a continuum of services that integrates emergency residential respite, medium and long-­‐term children’s residential homes and community based services. Solis MMC is committed to developing solution focused services for young people and families. OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE The role of the Support Worker will entail working within a residential care setting and providing the highest quality of care to young people. The post holder will be required to develop appropriate relationships with young people, based on respect, individuality and objectivity. They will be required to contribute to an assessment of needs and implement a placement plan, focused on addressing assessed needs. They will engage in planned social, educational and leisure activities with young people and, through a person-­‐centred approach, provide them with quality opportunities, experiences and social education, with the aim of contributing to their development and quality of life. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES ORGANISATIONAL EFFICIENCY •
Implement and uphold National Standards, the concomitant organisational policies and procedures and adhere fully to all relevant legislation, in order to promote best practice and contribute to the continuous quality improvement of the organisation. •
Develop a clear understanding of the organisations ethos and expectations concerning best practice. •
Contribute to the organisational corporate plan and develop awareness of how this impacts on practice. EFFECTIVELY WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE •
Establish positive developmental relationships with young people. •
Ensure that each young person and their parents / carers, if appropriate, receive the agreed quality and quantity inputs. •
Provide a safe, caring environment for young people. •
Contribute to an assessment of need for the young person. •
Contribute to the risk assessment of young people, and also to young people potentially referred to the programme. •
Implement the placement plan and evidence how the plan is being progressed. •
Apply a strengths-­‐based approach, promoting young people’s self-­‐esteem and independence. •
Facilitate / Participate in planned social, educational and leisure activities with young people, adapting a creative and active approach. •
Undertake relevant and appropriate individual work with young people, both formally and informally. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE •
Liaise in a professional manner, with all relevant parties, including, parents/carers, social workers, teachers and psychologists, and promote a positive image of the organisation. •
Ensure that all data exchange is recorded accurately and communicated to other professionals with consistency and efficiency. •
Ensure that untoward incidents, disclosures and all other significant information is recorded effectively and communicated to the unit manager or shift leader for further action. •
Uphold confidentiality at all times. •
Liaise appropriately with the unit manager and all staff, displaying effective communication skills. •
Ensure that tasks identified or guidance provided by the unit manager or line manager is upheld and undertaken. •
Participate in professional supervision with allocated line manager a minimum of once per month. This supervision will be practice and learning based and the supervisor will provide relevant literature for reading discussion. The post holder will devise a personal development plan, following reflective practice, during supervision to assist in maximising their performance and potential. •
Attend all team meetings, which will occur a minimum of once per month. These meetings will be held at the unit and attendance will be compulsory in order for communication and team performance to be maximized. •
Participate and contribute to appraisals and performance reviews. •
Partake in team building exercises when identified. GENERAL DAILY TASKS •
Complete all relevant paperwork and documentation, ensuring that all recordings are printed and signed before leaving shift. •
Be consistent with young people’s daily routines. •
Participate in cooking with other staff and the young people and ensure that food is prepared to appropriate food hygiene standards. •
Ensure petty cash is accurately accounted for. •
Ensure that the standard of cleanliness is upheld at the unit at all times. •
Ensure that all medication is stored safely and distributed accordingly. •
Ensure all fire regulations are adhered to. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Hours of Work The average working hours will be 40 per week, including agreed breaks. Due to the residential nature of the role, overnight shifts are completed. A rota will be drafted by the unit manager and distributed monthly in advance. The post holder must complete weekly administration time in addition to the residential shifts. This is mandatory and is built into the weekly hours. This administration time will be completed at the unit or in the designated office. Place of Work Solis MMC have a number of residential care homes located in the areas of Louth, Cork, Limerick and Wicklow. The post holder may be allocated to one specific unit to commence the post but must remain flexible to transferring to another unit if required. Holidays The post holder will be entitled to twenty (20) working days (full-­‐time). The post holder will, in addition, be given nine (9) days paid leave to compensate for working weekends and bank holidays as part of the shift. All leave must be submitted to line managers four weeks in advance. Training Training will be provided by Solis MMC in core areas including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Occupational First Aid, Children’s First and Fire Safety. Such training will be mandatory in order for the post holder to effectively uphold the job duties and responsibilities and perform to the best quality standard. Other additional relevant training may also be provided. JOB SPECIFICATION Essential Criteria A recognized degree in Social Work, Community Care, Clinical Psychology, Teaching, Social Care, Applied Social Studies or (Psychiatric) Nursing. •
A full clean driving license and access to a car, with willingness to have business insurance. (Consideration will be given to candidates without a car who can propose alternative travel arrangements. •
2 years experience in a residential care setting. OR •
3 years experience working with Young people with challenging behaviour in a community setting or similar. Qualification Experience Desirable Criteria •
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Supervision , Occupational First Aid, TCI and Children First training. •
Experience in managing challenging behaviour. Experience working with young people with mild/moderate learning needs. •
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Experience working with young People from travelling communities. •
Knowledge on self-­‐harm and depression among young people. •
Knowledge on attachment issues with young people. •
Knowledge Personal •
Competencies •
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Knowledge of relevant child care legislation and policy specific to Ireland. •
Knowledge on working with individuals with cultural diversity. Motivated, committed, •
Report writing skills. dedicated, loyal and determined. Supportive and empathetic Flexible Self-­‐awareness, flexibility, sensitivity, enthusiasm and creativity