ROLE DESCRIPTION 1. ROLE DETAILS Role Title SRF Senior Assessment Practitioner Role No Classification Level OPS5 Discipline Operational Services Division Disability Services, SA (South Directorate) Date Created September 2010 Branch/Unit Supported Residential Facilities (SRF) Intake & Support Date Approved September 2010 Reports To Manager, Exceptional Needs Unit Review Date 2. ROLE CONTEXT Role Summary Reporting/Working Relationships Special Conditions 3. The SRF Senior Assessment Practitioner is a role within the Exceptional Needs Unit, Disability SA and is accountable to the Manager, Exceptional Needs Unit for: providing holistic assessment of people with high and complex needs linked to homelessness and a limited capacity for independent living. negotiating and liaising with government and non-government agencies to deliver comprehensive assessments of need and risk. facilitating and supporting the development and implementation of appropriate community-based support responses for people living in the SRF sector. participating in collaborative community strategies involving Government and non-Government services. providing high level consultancy, advice and reporting on SRF resident and other populations with complex and unmet needs requiring support to live in the community. Manager, Exceptional Needs Unit (Line Manager) Staff within the Exceptional Needs Unit and across DFC as appropriate Other government and non-government staff and private service providers SRF managers, proprietors and staff SRF residents, their families and carers Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a Background Screening and National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC) prior to being employed and every three years. QUALIFICATIONS Essential Not applicable 4. PRIMARY OUTCOMES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES KEY RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TASKS Service delivery Undertake complex screening assessments to determine the suitability of referrals for entry into the SRF sector and eligibility for government funded subsidy and/or service responses. Undertake comprehensive assessment of existing residents’ circumstances and support requirements, lead the development of support plans, liaise with support providers and monitoring of service provision to clients with high and complex needs. Lead the development, evaluation and review of service plans in collaboration with SRF proprietors, resident and key agencies. Provide information, advisory and consultancy services to government and non-government specialist and mainstream services on issues unique to SRF residents and the SRF sector generally. Build and maintain positive, collaborative and respectful working relationships with all government, non-government and private service providers in the ongoing operation of all SRF Sector Intake and Support programs. Establish and maintain positive relations with all SRF proprietors, managers and staff to enable appropriate exchange of resident information and positive collaboration in resident service support programs. Facilitate and support systems that enable the involvement of SRF residents and their supportive family and or advocates in service planning, delivery and review with an objective of encouraging resident empowerment. Build and maintain positive professional relationships with other Government and nonGovernment services to enhance opportunities for the SRF sector. Provide leadership and expertise to other staff in relation to adults with disabilities and complex needs. Establish and maintain effective and open networks, relationships and communication channels. Contribute to and monitor the maintenance of accurate records and data. Prepare and maintain quality client assessment documents. Contribute to the collection and collation of client data to support effective program activity and client trend reporting. Contribute to the preparation of program reports for senior management. Participate in informal and formal information and briefing sessions to external groups with an interest in the SRF sector. Understand and follow workplace safety initiatives, identify hazards and contribute to a safe working environment, as well as follow procedures to manage and minimise risks within the DFC. Follow the principles of a sustainable working environment by following departmental greening initiatives. Model ethical behaviour and practices consistent with SA Government Code of Ethics for Public Sector Employees and DFC stated values. Relationship Management Leadership Communications and Information Management Organisational Contribution Page 2 5. DFC CAPABILITIES (D) Develop strategic networks to increase team/unit effectiveness and achieve departmental goals. Communicate clearly on complex issues with key stakeholders. Use negotiation and influence skills to convey information and mediate conflict. Promote and model high standards in client service. Communicate client service vision to clients and key stakeholders. Identify trends and developments that may affect the department’s ability to meet current and future client needs. Achieving Objectives Manage current resources and develop plans to maximise use of available resources. Prioritise work loads and implement strategies to manage time effectively. Personal Drive & Professionalism Establish links between operational and strategic goals, and the organisational values. Inspire and motivate others to achieve organisational values by modelling appropriate behaviours and actions. Provide a safe and healthy workplace for team/unit and identify and act on potential workplace risks and hazards. Promote information sharing, and contribute to developmental processes. Lead change and develop new concepts and procedures to improve services and maximise performance. Monitor decision making processes to adapt to changing client and organisational needs. Take action and provide services that are inclusive of Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as engaging in learning about other cultures to better establish relationships and improve services. Relating & Communicating Client Focus Continuous Improvement Respect Cultural Diversity 6. ROLE SPECIFIC CAPABILITIES 1 Complex Needs Knowledge – demonstrated knowledge of the factors and conditions that cause and maintain high and complex need especially within the context of homelessness. 2 Service Model Knowledge – demonstrated knowledge of Supported Residential Facilities sector and other supported accommodation service models. 3 Service Delivery and Assessment - extensive experience in the assessment of and delivery of services to people with complex, diverse and multiple needs especially within the context of homelessness. 4 Multi-Sector Service Response - experience in the development of multi-sector collaborative service responses to people with high and complex needs. 5 Casework and Collaboration - expert knowledge of assertive casework practice and multi-sector collaboration principles. 7. DELEGATES APPROVAL ASSESSED BY: Date: Signature: APPROVED BY: Date: Signature: Page 3