Day Activities Facilitators

1. Tenure of Employment

This is a permanent part-time post working 70 hours per fortnight. Compulsory retirement age is 70 years.

2. Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate must:

• Have a third level qualification relevant to the provision of service to individuals with intellectual disabilities or, at a minimum, a QQI Level 5 major award

• Experience of working with people with intellectual disabilities

• Have excellent communication skills

• Have the ability to listen and respond to the needs of people who use the services

• Have the ability to be innovative and creative and work on one’s own initiative

• Have the ability to follow all plans for people supported

• Be computer literate

• Possess a full clean manual Category B driving licence

• Have knowledge/awareness of supporting people with autism and other disabilities

• Experience of working as a member of a team is essential

3. Remuneration

Salary Scale (pro rata) Supervisor/Instructor Grade:

€35,432; €37,598; €38,402; €39,571; €40,588; €41,468; €42,735; €44,049; €45,412; €46,823;

€48,285; €49,800; €51,373

Successful candidates are required to submit all documentary evidence outlining any relevant experience within 3 months of starting date. Failure to do so will mean that any incremental credit due will be paid from date of submission of documents.

All new entrants to the Public Service will start at the first point of this scale.

4. Working Hours

The normal working fortnight will be 70 hours per fortnight. However, flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, nights and sleepovers, may be required. Starting and finishing times will be notified to and agreed with the appointee from time to time by the Team Leader/Services Manager. The Brothers of Charity Services model of service is based on Personal Outcome Measures, requiring employees to be flexible in their working hours to provide a quality service delivery for each individual.

5. Health

The successful candidate must be free from any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold the appointment and must be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. To satisfy this qualification, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination by the Occupational Health Nurse/Physician.

6. Duties

The general duties of the appointment are as described in the attached Job Description.

7. Selection Process

A short list of candidates to attend before the Selection Board will be prepared by the Selection Board from an examination of statements of qualifications furnished by the candidates.

8. Training

The Line Manager will notify the successful candidate of the mandatory/compulsory courses/training which employees are obliged to attend. Mandatory training, for example manual handling and health and safety courses, forms part of the conditions of employment along with the Organisation’s statutory obligation.

9. Note re Canvassing

Any attempt by candidates themselves, or by any person(s) acting at their instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour any member of the staff of Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – South East Region, or person nominated to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidates for the position they are seeking.

ETHOS

The core values of our services have always been the dignity and humanity of each person. How these are expressed has evolved over time with our greater understanding of the rights of all people with a disability, with the changing hopes and expectations of the individuals and families with whom we work, and with the growing expertise of all associated with our services.

DUTIES

The person appointed will be part of a team in Boherduff Day Services who will work intensively with individuals to discover what will constitute a good life for the individual and to establish what supports the individual will need to achieve their goals. In order to do this, there is a requirement that the post holder will work in partnership with the individual’s family and other important people in the individual’s life. A high degree of flexibility is required as the timing and location of the supports provided will be dictated by the individual’s plan.

The post holder will be required to take an active part in ensuring that the day-to-day operations of the Service reflect the ethos and vision of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – South East Region and that all co-workers are meeting the needs of the people who use services therein.

The person appointed should have the ability to participate proactively as a member of a team and contribute positively to the ongoing development of effective teamwork.

Subject to the agreed policies and procedures of the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – South East Region, the person appointed shall:

Advocacy & Rights

Respect each individual supported as an equal citizen.

Uphold and respect the human, legal and constitutional rights of individuals supported by the Services, recognising their individuality and equality and empowering them to grow, thereby achieving the highest possible level of personal autonomy.

Facilitate, encourage and develop the choice and decision-making skills of the individuals supported.

Facilitate, encourage and develop the self-advocacy skills of, and opportunities for involvement in advocacy for, the individuals supported.

Support to the Individual

Inquire/explore with the individual and their family a vision for a good, full, inclusive life, a vision with an appropriate sense of possibility and an appropriate scale of ambition.

Working collaboratively with the individual and their family, develop a plan for the achievement of the vision.

Working collaboratively with the individual and their family, support the individual in the implementation of this plan.

In the context of this plan, support the individual to develop their skills in the areas of:

▪ Occupation and leisure activities

▪ Communication

▪ Independent living

▪ Social integration and the use of community facilities

▪ Personal care

▪ Personal development

Seek out opportunities for the individual to participate in social, work or training activities of their choice which are in socially inclusive settings.

Under the direction of the multidisciplinary team, implement behaviour support plans that are put in place and adhered to.

Foster, encourage and develop the self-help and social skills of the individual so as to achieve the highest possible degree of personal autonomy.

Identify risks inherent in the provision of support to the individual and assess and document appropriately.

Management and Leadership

In accordance with Health Act 2007 and HIQA Regulations and Standards, ensure legislative requirements are adhered to by continuous monitoring, inspection and audit of the designated centres.

Be responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals supported.

Be responsible for the safe use and care of equipment and report faulty equipment, etc., as it arises.

Be familiar with and ensure that policies, procedures and codes of practice of the Services are adhered to.

Ensure that all records in relation to individuals supported are up to date, correctly filed and managed as per the service’s records management system.

Utilise efficiently the transport services available to the service area and advise the appropriate staff on transport needs.

Money and Budgets

Ensure that petty cash used and any personal monies of individuals supported are properly accounted for.

Ensure that goods and services received are prudently used for purposes intended and that all such goods and services are properly accounted for.

Assist the Services Manager/Team Leader in the preparation and monitoring of budgets.

Communication

Attend and participate fully in regular staff meetings where all aspects of the support service are discussed with a view to maintaining high standards, open communication among staff and good levels of staff morale.

Co-operate and develop effective working relationships with:

• Staff involved in the provision of both residential and day services or supports

• Community bodies

• Other agencies involved in the provision of services to the community

Operate effectively as a member of the multidisciplinary team in promoting the best interests of the individuals supported.

Develop and maintain good relationships with the families of individuals supported and encourage their involvement in the ongoing development of the person.

Organise, attend and participate fully in meetings as required, e.g. Person Centred Planning meetings, service reviews and team meetings.

Develop and participate fully in the implementation of a team-based performance management approach to achieving the goals of the Services’ strategic plan.

Training and Development

Be informed of current developments in services for people with intellectual disabilities, e.g. Person Centred Planning, Personal Outcome Measures, Human Rights and Citizenship, “New Directions – Review of Day Services and Implementation Plan 2012–2016”, Supported Self-Directed Living.

Attend and contribute appropriately at lectures, courses and meetings as required and share information and knowledge gained with colleagues.

Be responsible for identifying personal training and development needs and communicating them to the line manager.

Attend mandatory training courses and achieve required standard.

Health and Safety

Be conscious of health and safety matters in the workplace and comply with employees’ obligations as set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and ensure that the procedures set out in the Safety Statement are implemented at all times.

Be involved in carrying out regular safety audits and fire drills as required.

Be conversant with existing fire regulations and emergency procedures and participate in the implementation of same and make individuals supported aware, in so far as possible, of fire drill procedures in areas where they are being supported.

Participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the support base and involve the individuals supported in this task.

Report accidents, irregularities or other matters of concern to the Team Leader or, in her/his absence, to the Services Manager or such person as the Employing Authority may designate.

Flexibility

Employees are expected to have a high level of flexibility and a willingness and ability to develop new approaches to their work. Duties and responsibilities of any post in the Services are likely to change with the ongoing needs and developments of the Services. Employees will therefore be required to carry out such other duties appropriate to their employment as may be assigned to him/her from time to time.

Confidentiality

In the course of employment, the post holder may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of individuals supported and/or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, must not be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. Records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

Qualifications / Education

Essential

• A third level qualification relevant to the provision of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or, at a minimum, a QQI Level 5 major award

• Manual Handling

• Committed to undertaking further education

• A full clean manual Category B driving licence

Essential Experience

• 2 years relevant experience in Disability Services

• Experience of completing effective reports

• Experience of supporting a team to enhance service delivery

• Experience of working with adults with varying degrees of intellectual disabilities

• Devising, implementing and evaluating Person Centred Plans

• Experience of working as a “key worker”

• Experience of working with people with high support needs

• Supporting families

• Willingness to take responsibility to support people supported and the team

Knowledge

• Knowledge of needs of adults with intellectual disabilities

• Understanding of Health & Safety legislation

• Knowledge of the ethos of Brothers of Charity

• Good understanding of socialisation and recreational needs of people who use the services

• Knowledge of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team

• Knowledge of how to support people who use services to achieve personal outcomes

• Knowledge of current trends in intellectual disabilities services, e.g. New Directions and rights-based approach to service provision

• Personal Outcomes Measures

• Team-Based Performance Management

• Knowledge of Brothers of Charity Services

• Crisis Intervention Techniques/SIF

• Advocacy

• Approaches to Challenging Behaviour

• An understanding of support needs of people with Autism