HOHEPA HAWKES BAY
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE:
Residential Support Worker:
Adult and Child Community
NATURE OF POSITION:
Full Time /Part Time/Casual
LOCATION:
Clive / Poraiti Residential Community
REPORTING TO:
House Manager (or equivalent)
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Adult Services Manager (Adult Community); Children’s
Community Coordinator (Children’s Community)
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP TO:
Resident Advocates, other House Managers and
support staff; Work Opportunities Coordinator, Work
Centre Leaders, Day Services Support Workers; School
staff; Therapists; members of Property Services, Admin
and Leadership teams
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Care & support of adults and children in a residential
setting, House / Home
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Hohepa Homes are residential homes for children and adults in needs of special soul
care, working with the impulse of Anthroposophical Curative Education & Social
Therapy, which is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner. Support workers are required to
accept and respect this basis, and to apply appropriate practices in their work sphere.
The role of the Support Worker is to create a warm home-like environment in the house,
in which residents in need of special care can feel secure, nurtured, supported and
cared for, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Support Workers live and work together with the residents in their care, in a situation that
is more a way of life than a 'job' in the usual sense. It is expected that the Support
Worker will participate in or assist with other Hohepa community activities, especially
festivals, and other community activities where possible.
KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1
Supporting residents to develop their independence and capacity to participate
in their personal care, the Hohepa community and the community beyond
Hohepa.
a. Supporting and valuing residents’ capacity to make choices.
b. Promoting the welfare and interests of all residents, particularly in the home
you work in.
c. Being informed about therapy plans and programmes, and supporting the
therapy work for residents.
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2
3
4
5
Assist with the development and implementation of IDP’s (Individual
Development Plans) and Individual Service Plans for each resident.
Participate in the general running and activities of the House/Home, including
carrying out normal housekeeping duties and chores.
Be involved in the greater community life of Hohepa.
a. Supporting the principles and practices of Hohepa.
b. Participating in festivals and events as part of community life.
Maintain own personal development and training.
The Residential Support Worker’s duties are, but not exclusively as outlined below:
1.
Supporting Residents
a.
Assist with the residents in accordance with the therapeutic principles of Rudolf
Steiner /Social Therapy and Curative Education. This includes attention to
residents’ personal and hygiene habits, clothing, and home life skills, as well as
the promotion of healthy social skills and the development of each individual.
You will work in a manner that reflects the principles of Best Practice and Duty of
Care. 1
Support reviews of the Resident's health, meeting when appropriate, with
Medical staff member (Clive) and/or nurse (Poraiti) of Hohepa Homes, and
ensuring that Resident’s receive medication or medical care as prescribed.
Records of sickness, accidents or incidents are to be maintained using books
provided for this purpose.
Assist with caring for sick Residents as required. Supporting the Resident's spiritual
life by providing times for devotion and reverence, grace at meals, morning and
evening song, prayers at bedtime.
Support residents in meal preparation. Assist in the preparation of meals that
provide a balanced diet in accordance with the principles of nutrition and
nutritional guidelines provided. It is required that you actively encourage
participation in meal preparation and choice of meals for all residents.
Support residents in carrying a share of household tasks are carried out
adequately, including cleaning, laundry, preparation of breakfast and teas, daily
bread-baking, making yogurt, biscuits etc. You will also be required to do
household tasks where residents are not able to be part of the process.
Support residents in being involved in the community beyond Hohepa by
participating in outings, escort duties and shopping trips as required.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
2.
Contributing to individual plans for Residents’ Development
a.
Key Worker role: This means being designated to specifically monitor the needs
and care of one resident and ensuring the Individual Development Plan (IDP)
goals are kept in focus, as well as providing monthly progress reports etc.
1
‘Best Practice’ is described as a superior method or innovative practice that contributes to the improved
performance of an organisation.
‘Duty of Care’ is defined as a legal obligation requiring you to adhere to a standard of reasonable care while
performing your duties as a Residential Support Worker.
November 2012
b.
Keeping all information pertaining to Hohepa Homes and/or residents, that is or
may be of a confidential nature, strictly confidential as per the Privacy Act and
any amendments. You are to adhere to the Policies and Procedures of Hohepa
Hawke’s Bay.
3.
Assisting with House Operation
a.
Assist with the maintenance of the overall appearance and upkeep of the
House, furnishings and appliances, so that it can function effectively and can
look as beautiful as possible, in keeping with therapeutic principles.
Assist with gardening to ensure that gardens and lawns are kept tidy, enhance
the house, and provide suitable recreation space for Residents.
Work within the agreed rosters and timetables, to assist with the smooth running of
the House/Home.
Attend regular house meetings, to answer questions, discuss and solve problems,
and ensure the efficient and harmonious running of the House.
Work as a part of a team, particularly assisting new team members in building
understanding of Hohepa.
Consistently comply with Health and Safety procedures; be proactive in
identification and effectively dealing with hazards.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
4.
Being a member of the Hohepa Community
a.
Attend meetings essential for effective communication within the community,
especially the House Meetings, Association Meetings, Clinics and House/School
Information Meetings as required.
Attend and encourage other Support Workers to take advantage of the artistic
activities offered from time to time. These offer refreshment as well as an insight
into some of the important features of Curative Education as it is practiced at
Hohepa.
Participate in Hohepa festivals, and enhance festival celebrations by
participating in appropriate seasonal and festive decorations in the House.
Enhance the cultural life of the House where possible: through music, singing,
games, drama, artistic and crafts activities, visits to local library, to concerts, and
recreational weekend outings.
b.
c.
d.
5.
Personal Development
a.
b.
Participate in ongoing agreed Training for Support Workers in the House/Home.
Attend the three-day January Seminar held at the School as a re-orientation at
the beginning of each school year, (Poraiti staff) or other similar staff training as
arranged
Participate in and contribute to your own performance appraisal & training and
development needs process.
c.
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KEY RESPONSIBLITY AREAS
Key Performance Areas:
Supports Residents:
Planning:
House Operations:
Hohepa Community
Membership:
Personal Development
Goals:
Personal Effectiveness:
Key Performance Areas:
Policies & Procedures:
Health & Safety:
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Key Performance Indicators:
 Maintains a positive and respectful ‘can do’ attitude.
 Is accredited with First Aid, SPELL, Team Teach and
Medication Competency.
 Is informed and proactive with resident’s wellbeing.
 Is a good steward of resident and their belongings.
 Provides relevant care and support as outlined in the Job
Description.
 Demonstrates an understanding of the development and
support needs & interests of the resident.
 Contributes in an informed way at all required planning
meetings and reviews of Individual Development Plans
(IDP).
 Co-achieves objectives set in the resident’s plans.
 Provides clear and meaningful progress reports on-time.
 Effectively carries out duties set out in the job description.
 Has an effective working relationship with all parties.
Effectively supports colleagues and provides cover as
required.
 Shows initiative by identifying and completing tasks
without instruction.
 Provides reports on-time and to an agreed quality
 Demonstrates support for and embraces the Social
Therapy principles of Hohepa H.B.
 Participates in special events and learning opportunities
provided to increase understanding of the special
character, social therapy and curative educational
aspects of Hohepa H.B.
 Takes opportunities for training and development
available.
 Demonstrates transfer of learning back into the
workplace.
 Demonstrates commitment to own development.
 Learns about meaningful self reflection.
 Effective communication and consultation to all parties.
 Demonstrates initiative.
 Seeks opportunities for continuous improvement.
 Demonstrates responsibility at all times.
 Is compliance oriented.
 Maintains confidentiality and trust in all matters pertaining
to this position.
GENERAL
Key Performance Indicators:
 Constantly complies and can demonstrate best practice
 Consistently complies with procedures and is proactive in
identification and effectively dealing with hazards
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The following skills, attributes and qualities are required for successful performance in this
role:
Experience
 Experience of working with people with an intellectual disability, or the ability to
demonstrate aptitude for this work
 Some background or experience from a community based on the principles of Dr
Rudolf Steiner (eg Steiner school, Camphill community) is desirable
Qualifications and Training
 Must hold a current full Drivers Licence
 Holds a current First Aid Certificate, or willingness to undertake training and complete
the course successfully within the first 3 months of employment
 Willingness to develop self and undertake further training relevant to the role
Communication
 Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately, through body language, verbally
and in writing, adjusting style to suit the needs of the other person
Team Player
 Contributes as a member of the team, through working in a supportive and flexible
way
 Resolves differences by seeking mutually agreeable solutions
Ethical
 Conducts all work with integrity and in compliance with legal and policy
requirements
 Treats others with respect
 Trustworthy in using confidential or sensitive information
 Demonstrates high standards of behaviour and integrity; is a role model for both coworkers and residents
Personal qualities
 Demonstrates interest in the community way of life, and shows interest in and respect
for the educational and therapeutic principles indicated by Rudolf Steiner, on which
the work at Hohepa is based
 In good health, and able to meet the physical demands of the role: this includes
manual work (eg cleaning), providing support for residents (eg helping them with
personal care, dressing etc), lifting (of people and objects); in the children’s
community the role can include keeping up with active and fast young people!
 Willingness to declare any existing criminal or psychiatric record, driving convictions,
any medications etc: also willing to disclose any further issues during employment
 Able to work flexibly, including weekends and split shifts, in accordance with the
agreed roster
 Must be able to demonstrate reliability and ability to attend work consistently
 Must be able to attend work free of any adverse effects of alcohol or drugs
(including illegal drugs and similar substances) – in accordance with the Hohepa
Drugs and Alcohol Policy
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General Conditions of Employment
This is a waged position and time sheets confirming hours worked are required to be
provided to the pay-clerk. Payment is made fortnightly, by direct credit to a bank
account.
If you are offered the position your appointment will be subject to a 90-day Trial Period
to assess and confirm your suitability for the position. During the trial period employment
may be terminated with one week’s notice. You may not bring a personal grievance or
other legal proceedings in respect of a dismissal made due to you being assessed as
unsuitable for employment during the trial period. A Performance Review will take place
at the end of the trial period. (Performance Reviews will be an ongoing integral part of
your employment).
Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Police Clearance. Hohepa
takes up a police vetting report on all employees at the start of employment and then
every two years. If you have convictions this does not mean we will not employ you; we
would discuss the circumstances with you. It is important that you answer questions
about convictions on the application form honestly; all information will be treated in
confidence.
You must have the right to work in New Zealand, and will be asked to provide
documentary proof (eg through a birth certificate or passport) if an offer of employment
is made.
Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol:
Hohepa aims to be a non-smoking environment, and if you accept employment with us
you guarantee that you will not smoke (even during break times) during work hours.
You must also agree to attend work free of any adverse effects of alcohol or drugs
(including illegal drugs and similar substances); and to consent to pre-employment
testing then random testing if you are employed.
Hours of work:
Monday to Sunday: 5 days on, 2 days off. Full time employment is 40 hours per week;
employees work split shifts on weekdays, with different patterns of work at weekends
and on public holidays (and, in the children’s community, during school holidays).
Rest Breaks: A 10 minute break per three hours worked to be taken by arrangement with
other co-workers on duty at the time.
Meal breaks are paid due to having to take lunch with residents and providing care
during that period.
Sleepovers may be required; if you are offered a role where sleepovers are rostered,
you will be asked to work no more than 3 sleepovers per fortnight. Sleepover shifts are
not regarded as ‘normal work’ and so can be changed or withdrawn without notice.
November 2012