Autism Initiatives

Employer Location: Antrim
Phone Number: 02890699130
Email: recruitment@ai-ni.co.uk
Web: www.autisminitiatives.org

Job description

We are seeking a pro-active and values-driven Team Leader to lead and develop our Bangor Service. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow our support service, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of the individuals we support. At Autism Initiatives we work alongside autistic people, providing specialist services tailored to each individual. Our Values, shown below, underpin every aspect of the organisation’s culture and activities in NI: Autism-Focused, Respect, Excellence, Empowerment, Collaboration, Commitment to Change and Rights-based. Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation. Given the nature of the role, these positions are subject to an enhanced Access NI check for the successful applicants. The cost of which will be met by the organisation. You will enjoy an enhanced range of benefits designed to reward the outstanding support that staff provide. Some of these benefits start immediately, whilst others are awarded at later dates in recognition of loyalty, dedication and long service.

Responsibilities

• Work in the context of Autism Initiatives’ Vision, Mission and Philosophy and to use our ‘Five Point Star’ approach in order to support the People Supported in achieving their goals.
• Work to develop their abilities in line with the Autism Initiatives Competency Framework.
• Recognise the positive abilities of the People Supported and support our shared belief in lifelong learning.
• Adhere to the Autism Initiatives’ Code of Conduct and the NI Social Care Council’s Code of Practice (NISCC), showing a high degree of professionalism, resilience, and a willingness to remain committed during particularly demanding times.
• Specifically take account of the choices, needs and wishes of each Person Supported, involving them in their own plans and day to day decisions.
• Take personal responsibility for learning about each Person Supported and the way autism affects them; for ‘listening’ to each individual; and for reflecting on own practice to continuously develop their own knowledge and skills.
• Maintain the People Supported, staff and organisational confidentiality at all times.
• Develop person centred working relationships with the People Supported, carrying out Key Worker responsibilities if required, in a professional manner
• Ensure that all documents to support person centred outcome focussed autism practice, as contained in their Working Files, are appropriate and up to date and all plans being used effectively.
• Ensure that all records (including any staff records) are maintained in an efficient and professional manner and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
• Contribute to People Supported reviews and all monitoring/inspections, both in writing and in person, as required. In liaison with the Service Manager prepare/help to prepare a written report for the Area Manager on a monthly basis.
• Carry out assessments and write reports as necessary.
• Ensure personal plans and interventions are reviewed regularly and updated as required and ensure that changes are communicated to relevant persons in a timely manner.
• Work within the team to support the People Supported in their daily lives, through: Assisting them to develop and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and appearance.
• Supporting the People Supported service to make appropriate choices regarding their nutritional needs.
• Administering medication in accordance with their needs and Kardex’s and also ensuring medication policy and procedures are adhered and staff are competent in administering medication.
• Accompanying the People Supported to the dentist, doctor, hairdresser and other appointments as appropriate.
• Reporting to the Service Manager any concerns regarding the People Supported welfare including health and safety issues and safeguarding concerns.
• Supporting the People Supported in their personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, shaving, and assisting them to learn self-care and with direct support where required.
• Actively encouraging and supporting leisure and meaningful activities both inside and outside of the home, in accordance with individual People Supported interests, choices, needs, activity plans and support plans.
• Accompanying the People Supported on trips and holidays to various locations (including abroad) when required.
• Ensuring the home environment is secure, clean and well presented, undertaking domestic chores and relevant checks as necessary and ensuring tasks are delegated fairly.
• Adhering to all safeguarding requirements and any procedures aimed at the protection of vulnerable adults.
• Using ‘Positive Intervention Support Planning’ to support the People Supported in managing their own challenging behaviours.
• The Team Leader will: Be aware of national standards and key outcomes for the service and be aware of promoting a positive working environment for employees.
• Attend all meetings which contribute to quality development as required/directed.
• In liaison with the Service Manager, ensure all internal and external regulatory monitoring visits e.g. internal Peer Reviews and RQIA inspections are prepared for and responded to in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure all actions arising from inspections and monitoring are recorded, acted upon, and improvements evidenced and forwarded to the relevant persons in a timely manner.
• As directed by the Service Manager ensure that all reports required by senior managers are completed in an efficient and timely manner, using electronic systems where appropriate.
• Following the transition procedure, ensure all information is relevant, up to date and recorded on the appropriate records as required.
• Maintain all written records relating to the service as required.
• In liaison with the Service Manager and HR, when appropriate, recruit and interview staff. Maintain the required staffing levels for the contracts and People Supported, in accordance with organisational procedures and current legislation.
• Forward plan duty rotas using the Rota Management System as directed by the Service Manager. Ensure there is an adequate number and skill/working knowledge mix of staff members available to meet the needs of the People Supported within budget
• Ensure all absence is managed according to the Absence Management Policy, notification procedures are followed and documentation to certify absence is obtained. All employees must receive a return to work interview upon return.
• In liaison with the Service Manager hold/partake in regular team meetings and support effective teamwork and ensure clear, positive communication channels. Organise and chair monthly team meetings within the service if required.
• Offer day to day advice and guidance to staff, giving formal supervision and appraisal as required according to policy to ensure best person centred autism practice by the staff team. Forward support / annual review documents to the HR department
• Ensure that all staff access mandatory and development training and that learning is transferred to practice.
• Plan and deliver training to your staff team as required/directed.
• Contribute to the on call system for own and other services if required.
• If directed by management, participate in any investigations, grievances, complaints or disciplinary actions, in accordance with the organisation’s procedures and in liaison with the HR department. Ensure you have received training.
• In liaison with the Service Manager compile and prepare salary returns for the staff team and submit them to the line management by the designated dates.
• Liaise with and take guidance/direction from the Service Manager and the Finance team in the preparation of the annual budgets.
• At all times work within budget, maintaining and recording all financial information, including those related to the People Supported own monies as well as the service’s petty cash. Highlight any concerns to the Service Manager without delay.
• Ensure that People Supported are receiving all entitlements owed, with regard to benefits payments. Any concerns bring to the Service Manager without delay.
• Ensure Management Accounts are scrutinised and any discrepancies reported and rectified with the support of finance team.
• Ensure cash within the service/home is managed in accordance with the organisations procedures.
• Follow the Finance policy and finance training provided in relation to People Supported monies, purchases and obtaining quotes/ internal management authorisation before acting. Following policy for all other financial matters in service.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Minimum QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualification in a related subject.
• Minimum of one year’s experience in a Senior Support role, supporting people with Autism or learning disabilities and associated conditions.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above, or equivalent.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• A full UK driving licence to be held for a minimum of one year.
• Be flexible to work according to the needs of our services.
• NISCC registered or apply to register on appointment.