Lifestyle Support Worker

Lifestyle Support Worker Position Description

**POSITION IDENTIFICATION**

**POSITION TITLE **Lifestyle Support Worker

**REPORTS TO **Chief Services Executive

**DATE **16.03.2020

**POSITION OUTLINE**

The purpose and focus of this role is to support customers in meeting their needs, enhance their independence and empower them to improve their community participation and quality of life through a person centred approach.

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**

**1. Provide direct care and support to customers with a range of disabilities and/or support needs**
- Activities may include but are not limited to: o Personal care (showering, dressing, hygiene, toileting) o Meal preparation and assisting participants to eat their meals o Community access and transportation o Social support and companionship o Domestic assistance o Medication prompting o Medication administration - if the LSW has the appropriate training o Personal administration such as shopping, bill paying where applicable
- Observe and report changes in participants health and wellbeing
- Provide additional support as required, such as PEG feeding

**2. Provide lifestyle planning and community linking support to customers**
- Fully understand, and actively participate in the implementation and monitoring of individual care plans
- Provide detailed information in the customers’ diaries on a weekly basis, to ensure goals in care plans are being achieved - and advise coordinators if any changes need to be made
- Facilitate community inclusion and participation, dependent on customers’ needs, abilities and preferences, and support participants to establish and maintain relationships and interests through access to community activities, venues and services
- Whilst working towards customers’ care plan goals, promote positive empowerment of choice and control for customer to achieve their desired goals
- Support new staff if on ‘buddy shifts’ by providing as much information on the customer’s needs as possible, and reporting back to the coordinator as requested
- Advocate on behalf of customers as necessary
- Have a full understanding and commitment to Carers Link’s approach to person centred care

PD001 - Lifestyle Support Worker 22.08.14 Last revised 16.03.20 1

Lifestyle Support Worker Position Description

**3. Comply with Carers Link policies and procedures**
- Understand and follow Carers Link policies and procedures
- Sign and adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times
- Understand and comply with staff responsibilities, including maintaining professional boundaries, maintaining certificates and registrations and following protocols when visiting participants in the community
- Comply with relevant legislation (e.g. Disability Services Act, National Disability

Insurance Scheme Act, Aged Care Act, Workplace Health and Safety etc.)
- Work in line with the NDIS Practice Standards and Aged Care Quality Standards
- Demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of the people we support and upholding their rights and privacy

**4. Conduct administrative tasks**
- Provide true, correct and professionally written documentation as requested
- Attend Carers Link training sessions as directed. Throughout the year, Carers Link provides upskilling training to support you in your professional capacity. It is essential you acquire this training as part of your role. If you are unable to attend this training it will be your responsibility to find a suitable alternative and produce evidence of attendance to the Chief Services Executive
- Provide all compliance documentation as requested
- Promote the work and profile of Carers Link positively in the community
- Provide information to office staff as requested
- Complete timesheets and reporting as required

**SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES**

**ESSENTIAL**
- Qualification in Aged Care, Disability or equivalent (or be working towards)
- Current certificates: First Aid, CPR, Blue Card, Yellow Card Exemption, Police Check
- Current QLD drivers licence and roadworthy, registered vehicle
- Two references _(see HR Procedure for requirements)_
- Demonstrated knowledge of person centred care
- Capacity and willingness to work flexible hours and drive up to an hour to undertake shifts
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to take direction
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Demonstrated sound time management
- Commitment to handling sensitive information with absolute confidentiality
- Reliable and punctual
- Clean and tidy appearance.

PD001 - Lifestyle Support Worker 22.08.14 Last revised 16.03.20 2

Lifestyle Support Worker Position Description

**DESIRABLE**
- Experience working with vulnerable people including people with disability and the frail aged
- Good communication skills, including the ability to negotiate
- Demonstrated skills and training in supporting people with high support needs
- Experience in working with the following groups / situations will be highly r