Job Description Support Worker
Job Title: Support Worker
Responsible To: Team Leader
Works With: All staff
Location: Clonmel Emergency Accommodation service
The Good Shepherd Centre is a homeless charity and an Approved Housing Body that provides support and resettlement services (emergency and long-term accommodation) with the aim of returning people to sustained independent living. We encourage our clients to take control of every dimension of their lives by providing services that enhance their: learning and training capabilities, personal development, social and recreational life, employment opportunities, medication control, relationships and personal responsibility.
Purpose of the Post
The purpose of the post is to assist the Service to provide safe secure accommodation and support to homeless service users. To provide an efficient and high quality service through engaging with people who are homeless in their identified support needs.
Mission
The Good Shepherd Centre aims to provide high quality, individualised and accessible services to people experiencing and/or at risk of homelessness.
Target Group
GSC provides services to women, men and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. All individuals must be referred by the Local authority. Service Users Must Be Over The Age Of 18 Years And Referred By The Local Authority.
The Shared Common Value Structure Of GSCK Is
We RESPECT all stakeholders and ensure engagement and participation when possible and/or appropriate. We work in PARTNERSHIP with all stakeholders to ensure effective and expedient responses within the vision of GSCK. We provide QUALITY services, based on core principles of care and empowerment.
Service Objectives
* To support the assessment of health and housing needs through the provision of care and case management services.
* Assist people retain and/or gain access to permanent housing and expand our prevention programs to help people live independently and sustain their tenancy.
* Utilize GSC emergency accommodation as a short-term program to triage, assess and stabilize families and individuals in crisis.
* Develop innovative programs to reduce the need for emergency systems of care in the community for people experiencing homelessness.
* Build alliances with affordable housing providers and other organizations that serve homeless individuals and families.
* Support the provision of quality, affordable housing with appropriate degrees of support to ensure tenants sustain their tenancy and move toward social inclusion.
Environment of the Post
GSC provides emergency accommodation for up to 19 residents (emergency). The services are low threshold in nature.
Guidance and Authority
The post holder will report to the Team Leader. Supervision will be provided by the Team Leader. The post holder will work each shift as assigned, informed by and in accordance with service policies and individual care/support plans.
Principal Accountabilities & Key Indicators
Practical Needs
* To ensure the practical needs of the service users are met, by providing support to service users through activities relevant to their individual care/support plan, sustaining their accommodation and in their development of Healthy Life Skills positively.
* To assist with personal care as appropriate and when required.
* Engage with and build positive working relationships with residents.
* Carry out tasks delegated through care/support plans; as needs arise and as assigned. This may include assisting with cleaning, use of household appliances, shopping, meal preparation, general housekeeping and other tasks identified.
* To assist in working towards exit strategies from homeless services.
* To remind service users to take their medication.
* To implement and evaluate the daily activities.
Security
* To provide a safe and secure environment for both service users and staff.
* To carry out security and health and safety inspection both inside and outside the service.
* To restrict access from unauthorized visitors.
* To ensure the safety of visitors and residents at all times.
* To work as part of a roster and/or as agreed with line management.
Record Keeping
* To keep up to date records on all service users, including use of PASS and other GSC records.
* To ensure that all reports are correct and completed and that a written handover is given to oncoming staff.
* To complete reports as required by the Team Leader.
* Ensure all written work is completed using evidence-based practice.
Liaison
* To liaise with all outside agencies on behalf of the service users (i.e. Garda, HSE, etc.) and the service as required.
* Have the ability to work as part of a team, but also on their own initiative.
Crisis Management
* To have the ability to deal with and resolve difficult situations, when they arise, in a calm and professional manner.
* To work in a manner to minimize risk.
* To identify risk situations and take appropriate action.
* Conduct & document Substance Affective Observation Checklist and provide appropriate interventions.
* Using proven crisis management techniques and following policy and procedures to ensure safety and relationships are maintained.
Health and Safety
* To carry out all health and safety inspections and fire drills as scheduled.
* To make sure that all health and safety and fire regulations are being adhered to while on shift.
* To be responsible while on shift, such as in the evenings, at weekends and at night, for the overall care of both the service users and the building.
* Ensuring follow up of maintenance needs.
Policy and Procedure
* To ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to.
To continually reassess the operational risks inherent in the business, taking account of changing economic or market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements, operating procedures and practices and any impact of management restructures/new technology.
Challenges
The role requires the job holder to deal with sensitive and confidential matters requiring empathy and the ability to deal with changing priorities in a pragmatic and measured manner. At times you will be required to work with service users presenting with challenging behaviours.
Other Information
This is an out of hours service. Working hours may require the post holder to work weekends, nights, and public holidays. Occasionally you may also be required to work at short notice in the event of an emergency.
Duties And Responsibilities
* To comply with all policies and procedures and to adhere to the ethos of GSCK.
* Work as part of a team in creating and maintaining a safe and caring environment for all service users In GSC.
* Provide a non-directive support and advocacy service to service users.
* Promote service user participation and social interaction of clients/residents with the community.
* Support clients/residents, where requested and as appropriate on general appointments as part of care/support plans.
* Act as an advocate for service users as appropriate.
* Support service users and strive to promote and provide a safe environment.
* Be responsible for the supervision of the service while on duty.
* Writing reports and maintaining appropriate and accurate records as required.
* Communicate with incoming staff at shift changeover.
* Attend to duties e.g. telephone, emails, PASS, case files etc.
* Attend management/operational supervision.
* Operate the duty roster as agreed with the manager.
* Contact immediately the Team Leader in the event of an emergency.
* Maintain the highest level of confidentiality in relation to services users and staff.
* Carry out appropriate duties as may be assigned by the Team Leader.
* Ensure that all service users are aware of their responsibilities as per their signed Service User Responsibility forms.
* Be fully aware of GSC Health & Safety File and emergency procedures.
* Ensure good working relationships are maintained with colleagues.
Eligibility Criteria
Professional Qualifications And/or Experience
* Possesses a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 (or higher) in Healthcare Support, Health Service Skills or Social Care/Studies.
OR
* A relevant health care qualification equivalent.
* Have experience of working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance misuse issues.
And
* Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the functions of this role.
Experience
* At least one years experience of working in a paid or voluntary capacity in a social care context.
* Experience on a homeless sector service would be a distinct advantage.
Skills, Competencies And/or Knowledge
Post Specific Requirement: Ability to Demonstrate
* An understanding of the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
* Knowledge of legislation relating to homelessness.
* Knowledge and understanding around addiction; mental health issues and criminality.
Professional Knowledge
* Demonstrate sufficient professional knowledge and understanding of working with persons experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance misuse issues.
Planning & Managing Resources
* Demonstrate the ability to multi task and cope under pressure while maintaining composure.
Evaluate Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making
* Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions/solve problems especially with regard to service user wellbeing and care.
Teamwork/ Leadership Skills
* Demonstrate your ability to work independently or as part of a team.
* Demonstrate an ability to work as a team member, with service users and management.
Commitment to providing a Quality Service
* Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for user centred service.
* Demonstrate initiative and flexibility in providing a quality service.
* Demonstrate empathy and caring in providing a quality service to service users.
Other Requirements Specific To The Post
* To respond in a warm and compassionate manner while retaining professional boundaries.
* Non-judgemental attitude.
* The ability to work within professional boundaries.
* Excellent interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written are essential.
* The ability to work on own initiative.
* To have excellent report writing and record keeping skills.
* Proficient IT skills including MS Word and experience with a database.
* Knowledge/training in TCI, MAPA, CPI De-escalation techniques or other crisis management techniques would be an advantage.
* Full clean drivers licence and access to own car is essential.
Skills
* Good communication skills.
* Ability to work in a team.
* Effective Decision Making.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Other
Industries
* Individual and Family Services
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