Purpose of Post
The primary objective of this post is to build meaningful relationships with Residents and to work as part of a team to support and empower Residents to be as independent as possible and to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Direct Support Workers provide care and support through a person centred approach which promotes the persons development and growth, their social inclusion and active citizenship.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Person in Charge/Manager or House Supervisors, the post holder is responsible for the following, ensuring privacy, dignity and respect of the service user at all times.

Person Centred Support
To work under the direction of the PIC to ensure that the highest possible standards of care are maintained at all times, consistent with the mission, vision and values of the service.
To report immediately to the PIC, any incident of concern involving either staff member or resident, in accordance with the organisation’s incident reporting policy and all child protection policies and procedures
Support resident in gaining educational attainment or other qualifications/vocations if appropriate to their level of ability and skills assessment.
Working in partnership with MDT staff, families and other key people to support the resident to work towards and achieve their personal goals, guided by their individual care plan.
To act as a key worker for a named resident where appropriate.
Providing individualised support, using a facilitative approach to personal care, whilst ensuring residents’ right to dignity and respect at all times.
Ensure confidentially and privacy of the resident at all times.
Enabling the resident to eat a well-balanced diet, through supporting him/her in meal preparation at whatever level of assistance he/she requires, promoting personal choice at all times.
Assisting and promoting good personal care skills as outlined in individual intimate care plans

Community participation
Facilitating the resident to take an active part in their community, by supporting them in whatever way necessary to use a wide range of community facilities. This may involve trips/excursions outside of normal working hours.
Promote active citizenship within the local community for resident.
Guide and support resident in volunteering and employment in the community, if they so wish (in liaison with training coordinators and community facilitator).

Communications
Communicate with family, visitors, day service and other professionals in a courteous and professional manner.
Communicate in a clear and respectful manner with residents, being aware of individual levels of skills and abilities i.e. using approaches as per the person’s needs.
Documenting and relaying information to relevant people e.g. families, centre manager and care plan.
Residents best possible health
Accompanying residents to medical and clinical appointments (where applicable).
Monitoring health and wellbeing of residents and reporting concerns to centre manager.
Supporting residents to manage their personal medication in line with current practice (where applicable).
Promoting a healthy living ethos to the resident, in relation to diet, exercise and positive mental health.

Household Management
Supporting the residents in undertaking general housekeeping such as catering, cleaning, tidying and laundry. This may involve training residents to perform these tasks and/or working alongside them.
Plan for the conservation and economical use of supplies, heating, light, goods and equipment. Maintain adequate stocks in the centre and manage their use.
Ensure that equipment and facility are maintained in a clean and safe condition at all times.
Health and Safety

To monitor the building and immediate vicinity for problems and to report any faults immediately to the centre manager or other designated person.
To undertake assigned duties regarding the security of the unit e.g. fire security, burglar alarm, opening, locking etc.
To undertake all Health and Safety mandatory training i.e. Manual Handling, Fire and Safety.
Perform duties in a manner conducive to health and safety and in accordance with Talbot Group policies and procedures.
To ensure that food is prepared and stored in a hygienic manner in line with the guidelines of the Environmental Health Service, HACCP etc.
To work with the manager in identifying risks to residents both within the centre and the community.
Immediate reporting and documentation of all incidents and accidents in line with Talbot Group policies and procedures.
Be familiar with emergency procedures and participate in evacuations and fire drills
Record and Financial Management
To maintain records as are required in the individual service in an accurate and concise manner e.g. daily report, financial records, communication books, family contact sheets and care plan.
To manage and maintain household and other expenditure records attached to the running of the centre, where required.
To ensure that files are up to date and stored in an orderly and secure fashion that ensures resident confidentiality.
Ensure receipts are sought and accounts are maintained for all expenditure.
Training and Ongoing Development
Attend and participate in training courses including external courses as required by the needs of the resident and in accordance with Company policy and national standards e.g. adult protection.
To undertake training identified for professional development.
Attend and participate in staff meetings as requested by the Unit Manager.
Willingness and commitment to review and change work practices in line with training and service developments.
Attend supervision session with identified line manager/supervisor.
Attend performance/ appraisal meetings, as required with line manager.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Health or Social Care qualification e.g. third level degree in Psychology, Social care, Social Work etc.
OR
Fetac Level 5 – Health Care Major Award or its equivalent
Experience working in a care environment.
Good knowledge of the principals and techniques utilised in cognitive rehabilitation.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
Previous experience in providing care for persons with an intellectual disability.
Experience working in a children’s residential setting
Full driving licence.
Have completed Intellectual Disability Module as part of Fetac 5 Major Award
Completed childcare or social care modules
Special Skills and Competencies

Competencies appropriate to the post:
Communication & Interpersonal: Can speak clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups. Adapts communication style to suit audience. Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate templates, style and language for the reader. Establishes, maintains and concludes therapeutic interpersonal relationships with services users/residents and other stakeholders. Is able to build rapport quickly with others.
Adaptability & Reliability: Able to react effectively at short notice to changing circumstances. Willing to accept advice and suggestions from others and to learn from experience by changing own behaviour. Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
Problem Solving and Initiative: Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on their knowledge and experience base, and calling on other resources as necessary. The ability to be proactive to limit risk or incidents from occurring
Quality and Person Centredness: Demonstrates eagerness to understand service user/resident needs. Views the service user/resident as central to the delivery of every day service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice. Determined to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals and quality standards.
Teamwork and Supporting Colleagues: The ability and desire to work cooperatively with others; effectively builds relationships with colleagues. Collaborating and cooperating to ensure the best outcomes for residents are achieved
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the position holder. It is intended to be neither definitive, nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review.

For further information or to request a job specification, please contact Amanda McKnight, HR – admin@talbotgroup.ie
Application Closing Date: Friday 24th April 2020