NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.

A professional qualification is desirable (Social Work or Nursing or NVQ/QCF Level 4 or 5 Health & Social Care or similar)

An understanding of relevant legislation and regulation including CQC Essential Standards, KLOE’s (Key Lines of Enquiry), Health & Social Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Safeguarding processes etc

1.   Principal Accountabilities

a)   To be a member of a team providing community based, Shared Lives, placements for adults with a learning disability, mental health or other support needs within an ordinary family home environment.

b)   To assist in the development of Royal Greenwich Shared Lives within professional standards agreed with line management and the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

c)   To undertake the recruitment of Shared Lives carers and the monitoring of placements within agreed timescales and in accordance with agreed standards.

2.   Specific Accountabilities

2.1   Standards

a)   To be responsible for actively supporting the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policies, operating in line with Royal Borough of Greenwich Values by promoting best practice to everyone, in all communications and areas of work.

b)   To assist in providing a quality service for all adults using the service and carers from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with physical and learning disabilities, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, women, lesbian, gay men, transgender men and women.

c)   To actively promote the aims, philosophy and policies of the Directorate and of Learning Disability Services and support the implementation of appropriate strategies.

d)   To undertake the recruitment and vetting of Shared Lives carers in accordance with the procedures and quality standards developed and agreed with line management and the CQC, including the preparation of required reports for the Approval Panel and the CQC.

e)   To be responsible for reporting to the Shared Lives Team Manager on operational issues in relation to the service.

f)   To participate in an annual review of Shared Lives policies and practice.

g)   To be responsible for maintaining Royal Borough of Greenwich customer care standards.

h)   To be responsible for undertaking monitoring of placements within agreed timescales and in accordance with agreed standards.

i)   To be responsible for ensuring approved placements meet Royal Greenwich Shared Lives agreed standards and fulfil registration standards and requirements of the CQC.

j)   To be responsible for monitoring the quality of care given to clients regarding physical accommodation, principles of care, and quality of life issues.

2.2   General Duties

a)   To be responsible for liaising with Care Management Teams regarding individual client issues.

b)   To be responsible for liaising with other agencies regarding issues related to an individual’s care package as agreed with the relevant Care Manager, e.g. Day Centres, Transport, Citizen Advocacy.

c)   To assist in the identification of appropriate placements/carers for clients following referral from the Care Management Team.

d)   To assist in making arrangements for the appropriate introduction and placement of clients with carers in consultation with the relevant Care Manager.

e)   To support carers in maintaining required client records, e.g. medication, finance etc.

f)   To inspect the accommodation e.g. clients’ bedrooms, kitchens etc., and client records on every monitoring visit to ensure standards are maintained.

g)   To have responsibility for liaising with benefits agencies and ensuring that benefit applications for clients are appropriately submitted to the relevant agencies in accordance with agreed timescales and in agreement with the relevant Care Manager.

h)   To assist in the annual review, updating and implementation of Carers Agreements and Carers guidelines as required.

i)   To support and participate in the forums for liaising with carers and clients, e.g. regular meetings of Shared Lives staff and the Carers Support Committee, the newsletter, and the weekly Shared Lives Scheme club.

j)   To represent the Directorate and Shared Lives at meetings, reviews and other forums, etc, as required.

k)   To undertake arranging respite care for Shared Lives clients within the Scheme and externally if required.

l)   To be responsible for maintaining a current knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare requirements in the workplace, and for promoting Health and Safety standards and awareness or carers and clients, within the home/placement.

m)   To assist in providing training packages for Carers to promote and develop good care practice.

n)   To participate in Shared Lives duty system.

o)   To ensure that the procedures and policies of Royal Greenwich Shared Lives are implemented at all times, e.g. re: vetting and recruitment of carers, placement procedures etc.

p)   To undertake clerical, financial and administrative tasks in accordance with the needs of the service.

q)   To prepare written reports as required in relation to reviews, vetting/recruitment of carers, or any matters concerned with the operation or development of Royal Greenwich Shared Lives, for other professionals or agencies as directed by Shared Lives Team Manager.

r)   To be responsible for maintaining confidentially in relation to client and carer information.

s)   To have responsibility for dealing with complaints in accordance with Department procedures.

t)   To have responsibility for reporting incidents, accidents, and any allegations or suspicions of abuse in accordance with agreed procedures.

3.   Professional Development

a)   To participate in team meetings and to be involved in the planning, co-ordination and implementation of Shared Lives policies as directed.

b)   To undertake training to further develop an understanding of the service and its requirements, and to maintain a current working knowledge of client issues and professional practice.

c)   To request and receive supervision for the purpose of professional development, particularly in terms of improving services of the Scheme.

d)   To participate in staff appraisal and development processes.

4.   Any Other Duties

a)   To undertake such other duties appropriate to the scope and grading of the post as may be required from time to time.

b)   To deputise for the Shared Lives Team Manager in their absence as required.