Day Project Assistant

Day Service Assistant

Job Description

The role of the Day Service Assistant is to work with the Core members while maintaining the smooth running of the Day Service. The Day Service Assistant should use their knowledge and expertise to support the Project Leaders in the running of the various projects and to appropriately support the Core Members in pursuit of their lifestyle choices.

They will have a key role in sustaining and building on the existing range of Day Service projects.

Job Purpose & Role

· To build strong supportive relationships with Core members.

· To be responsible for the daily work routine and welfare of the Core members in the Day Service.

· To ensure that the plan and scheduling of the Day Service is observed and maintained so that it can achieve its goals and objectives as a service for adults with intellectual disabilities.

· To work towards the implementation of “New Directions” for the Day Service and, on an ongoing basis, to continue exploring current best practise for Day service provision for adults with intellectual disabilities.

· To ensure that the Day Service is run in keeping with the ethos and spirituality of L’Arche as outlined in our Identity and Mission Statements

· To assist Project Leaders and the Day Service Coordinator in regard to compiling and presenting reports as required.

· You will be accountable to the Day Service Coordinator.

· To promote the dignity and image of the Core Members.

· To maintain the Health and Safety of the working area.

· Maintenance of written records. Monitoring accidents, incidents, reporting and recording them appropriately.

· Maintenance of good communication systems for transfer of information to other areas especially to the Core Member’s residential staff.

Qualifications/ Essential skills and experience

· Experienced in working with people who have an intellectual disability.

· Completion or working towards the equivalent of a Fetac Level 5 or Social care qualification

· A working knowledge of New Directions, Health and Safety regulations, knowledge of HIQA standards and requirements.

· Fluent English and excellent communication skills.

· To be aware of health and safety responsibilities, taking all possible steps to ensure a safe working environment, and reporting all incidents and potential hazards.

· Maintain practice in accordance with all L’Arche policies.

Other requirements

· A wide range of experience and knowledge in Day Service provision

· Must be able to demonstrate sufficient evidence of communication, interpersonal and decision-making skills.

· Contribute by working closely with other members of L’Arche Kilkenny, helping promote good practice.

· Basic computer skills and knowledge of programmes such as Word and Excel are desirable but not essential

· To attend and contribute to regular Day Service Work Team meetings.

· Establish and maintain the ethos of empathy, respect, dignity, care and positive reinforcement for Core Members and their progress.

· Maintain good relations and team building within the project and the workshop.

· To be available for Christmas Fair and other planned community events.

· To attend further training as provided and to be involved in further reading and research in relation to intellectual disability.

· To be prepared to be flexible to move to other areas and projects as the need arises.

Policies:

· That the Day Service Assistant is aware of all L’Arche policies including Health and Safety.

· That there is an awareness of policies that relate to Core Member issues.

· That there is an awareness of policies in relation to Safeguarding issues.