POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title Residential Support Worker
Status Part-time Contract
Hours of work As directed
Remuneration As per the relevant classification level of the Residential and
Support Services Award 1999 or EBA
Reporting to Program Manager - Accommodation
Organisational Overview
Northern Support Services for people with disabilities (NSS) is a non-profit community service
organisation funded by the Department of Human Services. Under the funding and service contract
the organisation delivers an agreed number of program hours to registered or eligible clients.
Programs are developed jointly between the clients, significant others and the agency in accordance
with the goals and strategies established as part of the clients personal plan.
NSS operates as a provider of choice in the provision services to adults with a disability predominantly
within the Darebin Local Government area. NSS is committed to partnerships with other service
providers to maximise options, flexibility and choice through resource sharing and service
coordination. These programs utilise available community resources to increase the ability of clients to
participate and be involved in their local community.
The range of services currently provided by NSS includes;
Accredited, Registered Training Organisation courses
Options for older people
Specialised personal development courses
Art, Drama and Multi Media courses
Transition programs to future options ( identify pathways of choice to enable them to plan, access
training and information and experience different options)
Skill development
Further education in the areas of computers, basic literacy and numeracy
Community orientation, travel training and mobility
Interest based educational courses
Leisure and recreation
Vocational and Work@bility training
Out Reach, and
Accommodation
In addition to day programs NSS provides a shared supported accommodation program. Residents
are encouraged to participate in the social, recreational and economic activities in their community.
The objective is to create a home-like environment which:
Provides a personally satisfying, enriching life style for the residents
Nurtures the dignity, autonomy and positive self esteem of each resident
Ensures an inclusive community lifestyle
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Overview
To facilitate the integration of residents into the social, recreational and economic life of the
community. To enable clients to achieve and maintain a high standard of health, and assist clients in
to realize a personally satisfying, enriching life style for the residents
Key Selection Criteria
1. Sound knowledge of the philosophical principles of service delivery in the disability field and
demonstrated understanding of applying these principles to daily work practices
2. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Ability to work with limited supervision, and identify and solve problems as they arise.
4. Ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals.
5. Essential : Current drivers license
Demonstrated physical capability to perform job requirements
Experience working in relevant human service area
Ability to work shift work with sleepovers
6. Desirable: Food handlers certificate
Current Level One First Aid Certificate
Knowledge of alternative methods of communication and/or second language
Duties
No. Expectation Measure
1. To establish and maintain household routines that are Satisfaction of
appropriate to the age, choices and needs of individual stakeholders
residents, whilst affording clients maximum involvement in
decision-making.
2. Encourage and assist residents to pursue their own individual Resident’s satisfaction.
interests, hobbies and friendships and to exercise choice,
initiative and self-expression.
3. Assist the Assistant Program Manager in the accurate All assigned tasks
maintenance of all resident records including individual completed within set
program plans, relevant medical information and financial timeframes.
records relating directly to individual residents.
4. Under supervision, to assess client needs, develop, implement, All paperwork completed
monitor and review individual program plans. To ensure, within set timeframes and
wherever possible, that resident’s behaviour is appropriate to the Assistant Program
compared with the objectives of the house. Managers satisfaction.
5. Assist in the planning and preparing of nutritious and varied Satisfaction of
meals, taking into account individual needs and preferences. stakeholders
6. Assist or supervise residents with their personal care and Satisfaction of residents.
hygiene needs as necessary in a manner that ensures their
rights, dignity and self-respect.
7. Encourage residents to accept responsibility for, and to be Satisfaction of the
involved in the preparation of administering their own Assistant Program
medication to the greatest extent consistent with individual Manager
safety and good health.
8. Assist residents to maintain an adequate supply of clean Satisfaction of
clothing in good repair and encourage them to dress stakeholders.
appropriately for their age, the situation, and the weather.
9. Assist residents to make and keep any necessary dental, Appointments made and
medical and other appointments. kept within necessary
timeframes.
10. Form relationships with residents’ friends and family. Satisfaction of
stakeholders
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
No. Expectation Measure
11. Within normal family standards, ensure the safety of residents Reporting of all accidents
and to advise the line manager of any injuries to, or significant and illness. Maintenance
health problems of residents. of a safe environment.
12. Undertake staff training and development courses identified as 100% attendance at
part of professional development or required for the designated training.
organisation to meet its contractual or legal obligations.
13. Undertake duties at all times with a high degree of Satisfaction of
professionalism and discharge duties in a manner that is stakeholders
respectful and courteous to residents, fellow workers, parents,
and other service providers.
14. Awareness of obligations under OH&S, EEO, Disability Satisfaction of
Services Act, IDPS Act 1986, Disability Discrimination Act and stakeholders.
other relevant legislation. Perform all duties in accordance with
your legal obligation
15. Attendance at meetings as directed. Minimum 80%
attendance.
16. To assist the organisation in achieving its aims of innovation Contribution of at least
and continuous improvement contribute ideas and suggestions, one idea.
and assist in special projects as directed.
Responsibilities - Occupational Health & Safety
You are required, while at work, to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and the
health and safety of anyone else who may be affected by your actions.
It is your responsibility to follow reasonable instructions and follow OH&S policies and
procedures (as detailed in your Policies & Procedures Manual)
You are required to cooperate with employers on any action taken by the employer to comply
with any requirements imposed by the OH&S Act 2004 or regulations.
You are also required to undertake any training provided to protect your health and safety
whilst at work.
Reporting any health and safety hazards, incidents or near misses using the Incident
Reporting System.
If you have been assigned the additional role of “Manual Handling Trainer” you will receive the
appropriate training to enable you to train new employees in all aspects of Manual Handling,
as directed.
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POSITION DESCRIPTION
Additional Responsibilities - Occupational Health & Safety Committee Members / Health and
Safety Representatives
Attend the regular NSS Occupational Health and Safety Committee meetings if a committee
member.
Act as a link between employees and management and negotiate on health and safety issues
(including Manual Handling issues)
Assist with identifying and designing solutions to health and safety problems.
Apply knowledge of health and safety legislation, codes of practice and standards
Involve other employees in resolving health and safety issues;
Communicate, negotiate and listen effectively
Learn new skills and put them into practice.
Attend approved Introductory Training Course for Health and Safety Representatives to equip
you with knowledge on health and safety legislation, principles and practice (OH&S
representative only)
I, confirm receipt of this
Position Description and fully understand its contents.
Employee’s Signature Date
cc: personnel file
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