Purpose of the Post
To respond to contacts made by People with MS (PwMS), their families and Allied Health Care Professionals. Provide support and information to enable and empower PwMS to manage their condition so as to have the best quality of life possible. This role involves both Case Management and Community Development.
Case management is a system for the planning, co-ordination and delivery of services using individually tailored care plans, having a person-centred approach and a multi-disciplinary focus.
The post holder is required to work in collaboration with the Adult Physical and Sensory Disability team (APSD) in the community providing physical, psychological and emotional support to service users and their families with MS

In collaboration with the Adult Physical & Sensory Team the MS Case Worker will:
Facilitate and co-ordinate access to services for persons with MS
Assist in the development of the MS Care Plan in relation to supporting the service user to access services that are required, and thus ensure an integrated and co-ordinated service delivery to service users with MS.
Identify service pressures and service development needs and communicate these via the services planning cycle of the Adult Physical and Sensory disability team, to the National Services of MS Ireland, Manager Physical and Sensory Disability Services locally or the Area Manager of Disabilities Services
Ensure that service users being discharged to their home have been assessed and have an agreed care plan which is agreed with the service user with input from key personnel involved in supporting the service users
Contribute to the development of care plans for individuals with MS in the catchment area including supporting the agreed packages of home support.
Provide practical and professional support to individuals, their families and/or carers, and other health care professionals.
To advocate on behalf for the individual with MS and/or family members in respect of concerns and/or requirements following an admission in conjunction with relevant allied health care professionals. Link service users and their families with available local services where appropriate
Negotiate and influence service providers in helping to meet specific needs of individuals and groups of persons with MS.
To facilitate communication between persons with MS and service providers, both statutory and non-statutory.
Update NAAS in relation to clients with MS and liaise with Database Personnel. as required
Establish contacts within medical and rehabilitation services.
To maintain a high standard of record keeping in line with professional practices.
To make appropriate referrals to Occupational Guidance, ETB, Department of Social Protection and other relevant agencies
Work in collaboration with the local Physical and Sensory Disability Team and attend team meetings in relation to People with MS and reviews as required
Referral to other services e.g. day services, as required.
Referral to other professional’s e.g. occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology.
Liaise with hospital, rehabilitation centre or other acute and post-acute services.
Complete assessments as required e.g. home support, and person centred plans for review/decision with the appropriate resource provider.
Providing information to the individual and families in respect of how MS may be affecting them across their journey with MS..

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
To ensure that programmes, identified by MS Ireland, are available within existing resources in the Region e.g. Getting the Balance Right, Newly diagnosed etc.
To respond to requests and provide information to MS Ireland’s Advocacy Department.
To link and develop appropriate working relationship with the HSE but specifically with the Primary Care Structures.
To identify and apply for additional sources of funding and/or resources, e.g. Lottery, community grants, etc. to fund the provision of identified programmes.
To work closely with local Branches to ensure that effective communication is maintained between local Branches and the regional office.
To plan Regional integrated meetings with local Branch network.
To plan public awareness/World MS Day seminars and others according to the local resources/ environment /needs.
Please see full job specification attached below.
Competition Specific Selection process
MS Ireland recruitment, interview and selection processes will apply. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a detailed CV to recruitment@ms-society.ie before 1 July 2022.