PURPOSE OF POST
To lead and encourage residents to join in meaningful activities whilst maintaining their independence, choice and dignity, to enable them to lead as full and active life as possible. To create a stimulating and varied programme of leisure activities and social events, inside and outside of the home, for residents to enjoy.
To work with the Sister (Daughter of Charity) who supports residents with their community and spiritual needs.
To promote the philosophy, values, aims and approach to the care of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul through the activities.
MAIN TASKS
Activity Planning
* To work directly with residents in providing a high-quality Activities service, using appropriate planning, and monitoring tools.
* To create an enabling environment so that residents can choose what activities they wish to partake in.
* To converse with residents, on a one to one basis, respecting confidentiality and privacy.
* To be creative in involving the residents, in the planning of activities which ensures they remain at the centre of decision making.
* To ensure that residents are empowered at every reasonable opportunity to make decisions and take control over their lives.
* To support residents to achieve their goals in line with their support plan.
* To identify resident activity needs and wishes through assessment, observations, and discussion.
* To liaise with residents' relatives, key workers and Management to understand their social needs.
* To explore, source and create the most appropriate methods and resources for meeting activity needs, including group events and individual sessions, using internal and external sources.
* To plan meaningful one to one outings and activities with individuals, taking particular care to ensure those residents who lack independence are well supported in activities of their choosing.
* To arrange activities for residents to include chair exercises, music & movement, etc. ensuring that Physiotherapy specialists are consulted and advice actioned, where appropriate.
* To plan and book group excursions such as theatre trips and garden centre outings on a seasonal basis.
* To carry out and manage risk assessments for all activities, in line with policies and procedures.
* To effectively advertise upcoming events and activities.
* To lead and supervise resident and group activities, having regard for their comfort and safety at all times, and engage additional staff and guests as needed or wanted.
* To tidy up after group activities ensuring communal areas are returned to their original layout and cleanliness.
Support and Wellbeing
* To help residents when taking part in planned activities, encouraging independence but assisting, if required.
* To converse with residents, on a one to one or group basis, respecting confidentiality and privacy.
* To recognize signs of deteriorating mental and physical health, and to inform Senior Care Assistant / Management of this.
* To work in accordance with any service specification or contractual arrangements and provide a flexible service which is responsive to individual needs.
Health and Safety
* To assist in the maintenance of a homely, safe and healthy living and working environment by understanding and ensuring adherence to Health and Safety Policy and procedures including Fire.
* To confidently and safely, operate any mechanical aids required for resident care.
* To demonstrate the correct skill in moving and handling residents.
* To be fully aware and comply with infection control policies and procedures, ensuring the appropriate hand hygiene technique and have adequate protective clothing such as gloves and aprons when required.
* To take responsibility for own Health and Safety and that of others.
* To report to the Manager or Maintenance Person any faults, damaged furniture, faulty appliances, equipment or potential hazards.
Administration, Communication and Training
* To maintain a portfolio of information, including the range of activities available, with a record of residents who took part in (or turned down) each activity.
* To order equipment for activities as needed, ensuring that permission is granted, receipts are obtained and invoices are sent to the Administrator for finance and budgeting purposes.
* To create and ensure activity reports are generated and sent to the Manager and Administrator for inclusion in the Home newsletter.
* To regularly review service users' needs, the programme of activities and levels of participation, in conjunction with Management to ensure the continuous improvement of the service.
* Cooperate and liaise with all other staff members and be aware of all routines that may be affected by events and activities.
* To ensure that all relevant policies, procedures and current legislation are understood, practiced and adhered to.
* To use and update the Person Centred Software (PCS) digital system effectively for the recording of activities, (including photographs of activities) in accordance with the Home's policies and procedures.
* To record and maintain all digital and written records as required, reporting any concerns immediately to the person in charge.
* To participate in staff training and development programmes. Any mandatory training programmes must be undertaken as required (including safeguarding; manual handling; fire and smoke safety; First Aid: Infection Control, COSHH awareness etc) ensuring safe work practices are employed.
* To be supported and enabled in skill development and personal development through regular supervision, training and annual appraisal in line with the Care Home's policies and procedures.
* To attend and participate in regular staff meetings for reviews and updates.
Personal Conduct
* To ensure personal compliance with the Care Home's and Charity's policies and procedures and all statutory regulations required in registered care homes at all times.
* To practice under the regulations of the Care Quality Commission and any other regulatory bodies.
* To manage professional boundaries when carrying out all duties.
* To respect and comply with the requirements for confidentiality and Data Protection in all matters relating to the residents, the staff and the business of the Care Home and the Charity.
* To comply with the agreed conditions of employment; desired standards of behavior, confidentiality, uniform, general appearance, personal hygiene, hours of duty, flexible duty rotas, time keeping etc.
* To offer a flexible approach the role of Activities Coordinator taking into account the changing needs of residents, the service, and ongoing changes in regulatory requirements.
* Due to the unpredictable and varied nature of life in a care home, all staff are expected to work in a flexible way when tasks not specifically in their job description have to be undertaken.
Person Specification
Work Experience and Knowledge **
. Knowledge of older people and their health and social conditions (Essential)
* An understanding of person centred planning and working. (Essential)
* Experience in a care and support or similar environment. (Desirable)
* Experience in organizing and providing an activities service.(Desirable)
* Experience of using care support software (Desirable)
Education and Qualifications **
* Good general education (Essential)
* (England) Care Certificate or willingness to work towards this, followed by working towards NVQ 2 Health & Social Care, or equivalent (Desirable)
Skills and Abilities
Ability to plan, organise and implement activities for a group of people. (Essential)
· An understanding of supporting adults in a way that promotes independence, choice, dignity and privacy. (Essential)
· Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) with residents, family members, colleagues and other professionals. (Essential)
· Creative, encouraging and enthusiastic about activities. (Essential)
· Effective listening skills.(Essential)
· Ability to work with confidence and on own initiative. (Desirable)
· Ability to use Microsoft Word (Desirable)
· Understanding of Dementia and other neurological and conditions of ageing (Desirable)
· Able to operate digital care systems (PCS). (Desirable)
Attributes **
* Commitment to the Vincentian ethos and values.(Essential)
* Kind, caring, friendly, patient and positive attitude.(Essential)
* Genuine desire to help and support residents.(Essential)
* Understands the importance of confidentiality(Essential)
Other factors
* Willingness to work flexibly to meet the needs of the residents. (Essential)
* Valid UK Driving Licence
Genuine Occupational Requirement
We are a Charity which underpins its values and ethos from the teachings and example of St Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, who co-founded the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul in 1633. Although we employ people of all faiths and none, we require that all employees learn about the Vincentian values which is the driving force of the Charity. Due to the nature of the role only female candidates may apply.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.91 per hour
Expected hours: 25 per week
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person