Job description: Farm Skills Team Leader, Adult Services

HOHEPA HAWKE’S BAY

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:Farm Skills Team Leader

NATURE OF POSITION:Full Time

LOCATION: EnvironmentalServices(ES) team; based in various locations in Hawke’s Bay, where Hohepa is engaged in environmental projects; the role will include travel between Hohepa sites and providing transport for service users

REPORTING TO:Environmental Services Coordinator (who reports to the Day Activities Coordinator)

RESPONSIBLE FOR:Training and supporting adult service users to learn and develop skills in farming and working on the land; this will involve supervisingSupport Workers who accompany service users (no direct line management responsibility)

FUNCTIONALDay Activities / Studio Facilitators, Community Participation

RELATIONSHIP TO:Coordinator, and their teams; Farm staff; Cluster Leaders/ House Leaders and support staff; Nurses and Therapists; Behaviour support team; Children’s Community staff, particularly with regard to transition of service users; members of Property Services, HR, Finance, Admin, Leadership teams

EXTERNALContractors (and their workforce) and ES project

RELATIONSHIPS WITH:stakeholders; visitors and members of the public

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Hohepa Hawke’s Bay is part of Hohepa Services Limited, delivering intellectual disability servicesbased on the work of Rudolf Steiner (Anthroposophical Curative Education and Social Therapy).

The core role of the Day Activities team is to provide meaningful ‘activity’, educational initiatives, option pathways and social prospects for adult service users and support them to access these opportunities, which will take account of:

  • The principles of Social Therapy;
  • The obligations placed on Hohepa by its contractwith the Ministry of Health (which includes funding for Monday – Friday activities and services for people ‘on site’);
  • The obligations and intent of the contract for ‘Vocational Services’ (VHNs) held with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD);
  • Service users’ participation in the wider community (in line with the ‘Pathways to Inclusion’ policy);
  • Social programmes and activities that work directly out of social therapeutic initiatives.

The day programme for service users is led and managed by the Day Activities Coordinator, working closely with the Community Participation Coordinator and ES Coordinator – eachof whom has a leadership role for a Day Activity and is in charge of a small team. The ES Activity Centre is located off site, focusing on land-based work in Hawke’s Bay; this could be in the wider area, Poraiti and/or Clive, and includes Trees 4 H.B. and other projects. Members of the team will work outside with service userswho are learning farming and gardening skills, tree planting and maintenance, grounds maintenance etc; the role involves oversight of service users (supported by Hohepa or other providers) who are being paid for their work (minimum wage or exemption).

The Farm Skills Team Leader will not have direct line management responsibility for staff but will be required to lead and supervise Support Workers, who accompany and are engaged in supporting service users to participate in activities. (The Support Workers are line managed by Cluster Leaders, with House Leaders/Senior Support Workers providing supervision when they are working in a residential setting). Work will be carried out normally on Hohepa sites, including the Poraiti and Clive farms, and community gardens.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

  • To communicate, liaise with and report to the ES Coordinator, with the aim of ensuring that the service users referred to the farm skills service are enabled to engage productively and supported in their learning.
  • To provide dignified farm-based work and work experience for service users, which contributes to the farm and aids the personal development of Service Users
  • To ensure that service users are supported and responded to appropriately with regard to their needs in the workplace, with particular consideration to Hohepa’s values for the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities (including the values of Anthroposophical Social Therapy).
  • To work in accordance with each service user’s IDP and follow implementation plans as set down.
  • To ensure service users are safe in the tasks undertaken, haveappropriate clothing and footwear and that any risks to their safety are mitigated at all times.
  • To develop and maintain mutually beneficial working relationships with the Hohepa Farm team members, and promote effective sharing of information.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Work with service usersto enable them to develop farming and gardening skills / Weighting
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Key Accountabilities / Key Performance Indicators
  • Work closely with the ES Coordinator and Farm staff to identify work opportunities and requirements on the Hohepa Farms, and to identify suitable people for farm-based work.
  • Plan suitable activities, work experience and work to meet the learning requirements of individuals and the needs of the farms.
  • Work with a team of service users; teach and support the service users to do tasks suitable for them within the team; break tasks down in a way that enables every service user to participate.
  • Identify if service users are not suitable or interested in farm-based work (and why) and discuss withES Coordinator.
  • Guide, instruct and supervise the Support Workers assisting service users to participate in the activities; maintain effective relationshipswith Support Workers.
  • Work with service users in accordance with the therapeutic principles of Rudolf Steiner (Social Therapy, Curative Education). This includes attention to service users’ personal cares and hygiene habits, clothing, and home life skills, as well as the promotion of healthy social skills.
  • Be aware of and work consistently in accordance with service user’s plans and programmes, including risk management plans, behaviour support plans, therapy plans, day activities programmes (as applicable).
  • Promote the health and wellbeing of service users, with a strong emphasis on supporting people to make good decisions; this may involve ensuring that service users receive medication or medical care as prescribed; keep timely and accurate records of progress, sickness, accidents and incidents.
  • Keep the ES Coordinator and the relevant House Leader informed of issues and support high standards of service delivery, through participating in effective handovers with staff on other shifts/roles.
  • Ensure daily effective communication with House Leader/staff at day beginning and end.
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  • Service targets are met
  • Service user input is reported
  • Task breakdowns and plans are in place
  • Contributes to IDP’s and reviews, gives feedback to ES Coordinator as required
  • Service users are respected, have choice and their welfare and needs are catered for to high quality levels
  • Support Workers are confident about what to do and how to contribute effectively
  • Evidence of understanding of Social Therapy principles, and putting them into daily practice
  • Knowledge and understanding of Privacy, Duty of Care and Best Practice
  • Evidence of awareness of risk management, behaviour support and therapy plans, which are put into practice
  • Nutrition plans are followed, as applicable
  • Evidence of effective communication with co-workers demonstrating that you observe, record, report, hand over and communicate any changes – resulting in a flow of information focused on the people being supported

Work with service users with a focus on their development / Weighting
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Key Accountabilities / Key Performance Indicators
  • Work with service users in a way that enables them to reach their greatest level of independence.
  • Contribute to the development of quality Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for service users, and work in accordance with implementation plans.
  • Support people to develop skills; to include contributing to and implementing programmes and plans for developing a range of skills in the following areas:
  • Physical environment
  • Physical body (including personal cares)
  • Feelings and emotions
  • Relationships and Communication
  • Individuality and Autonomy
  • Work
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  • Conversant with IDP goals of service users; works in accordance with implementation plans; keeps accurate records of progress towards goals as applicable; participate constructively in IDP meetings if required to do so
  • Evidence of an attitude towards and practice of enablement
  • Involvement in programmes to support service users to develop life skills
  • Accurate and appropriate communication when required

Service quality, compliance, continuous improvement / Weighting
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Key Accountabilities / Key Performance Indicators
  • Work at all times in accordance with Hohepa’s policies, procedures, standards and requirements; take responsibility for maintaining an awareness of requirements; seek advice from senior staff (ES Coordinator, Day Activities Coordinator, Cluster Leader, House Leader, On Call etc.) if unsure.
  • Work in a safe manner, conscious of the health and safety implications of different aspects of the work; liaise closely with the Farm H&S representative, and consistently comply with Health and Safety procedures; be proactive in identifying and effectively dealing with hazards and risks in all aspects of the work.
  • Report all incidents, accidents and near misses, and participate in investigations and follow-up actions to learn from incidents and achieve improvements.
  • Make suggestions for changes to improve service quality
  • Keep and maintain all necessary records and provide reports, in accordance with Hohepa guidelines and to meet required standards, formats and timeframes.
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  • Evidence of compliance with policies and requirements
  • Maintains accurate records; reports and progress notes provide meaningful and relevant information
  • Is aware of Health & Safety requirements; proactive in dealing with hazards, reports all incidents
  • Follows H&S protocols, guidance and operating instructions (eg in use of machinery, driving tractors and other vehicles, work at heights); trains others to work in the same way, and is a consistent role model of safe work practices
  • Participates in reviews of incidents, accidents, trial evacuations etc.; shares ideas for improvements, makes suggestions for positive change

An effective member of the Hohepa team
Ability to make a positive difference. / Weighting
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Key Accountabilities / Key Performance Indicators
  • Work in accordance with special character principles and practices – which includes recognising and respecting the rhythms of the day and seasons, aiming for the good, the true and the beautiful in life and work.
  • Act as a role model for all service users, volunteers, visitors and new staff, demonstrating conduct and behaviour expected from a trusted co-worker; this includes loyalty, confidentiality, collegiality and a commitment to working together as part of a team, in the best interest of service users.
  • Support the smooth running of the team by working within the agreed rosters and timetables, working flexibly with a willingness to take on other tasks, using initiative and accepting responsibility; where applicable work across different sites maintaining the same levels of professionalism, loyalty and teamwork.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings; engage in joint problem solving, put forward ideas and share experience.
  • Assist the ES Coordinator in supporting and educating new team members to build their understanding of Hohepa.
  • Take action to address any conflicts and disagreements in a proactive and constructive manner (privately and with facilitation – not in front of service users).
  • Contribute to Hohepa festivals and events.
  • Participate in and contribute to your own performance appraisal; identify training and development needs; attend and actively participate in training and development opportunities which can include compulsory training and personal development.
  • Ensure storage areas, lunch rooms, vans and other shared areas are kept tidy and in good condition.
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  • Demonstrates support for and embraces the impulse of Anthroposophical Social Therapy – through speech and actions
  • Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates collegiality and loyalty; free of spreading gossip or rumours, undermining Hohepa and colleagues
  • Evidence of reflecting on own performance and taking advantage of learning and development opportunities in order to improve performance
  • Is a reliable and constructive team member, maintaining consistency in different areas of work
  • Effectively carries out duties set out in the job description.
  • Has effective working relationships; supports co-workers, works flexibly
  • Shows initiative; identifies and completes tasks without instruction
  • Demonstrates commitment to own development; participates in training, transfers learning back into the workplace, learns about meaningful self-reflection
  • Participates in events and learning opportunities to increase understanding of Hohepa’s special character

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The following skills, attributes and qualities are required for this role:

Experience/aptitude

  • A strong background and interest in farming/horticulture, ideally in bio-dynamic agriculture; knowledgeable and skilful in the technical requirements of farm-based tasks
  • Has relevant experience (ideally including hands-on work with people with disabilities) or clear aptitude for the role;positive about working alongside, giving support and instructions to people with intellectual disabilities
  • Able to follow plans consistently and accurately, follow instructions and guidelines, and make positive and constructive suggestions for improvement

Qualifications and Training

  • Has relevant practical farm work experience, including the care of plants, site maintenance and use of associated machinery, tractor use
  • Is well organised and pro-active
  • Holds a current full Drivers Licence; isable and willing to drive a variety of Hohepa vehicles (manual and automatic; farm truck; van; car) and transport service users.
  • Holds a current First Aid Certificate and Hohepa medication administration competency, or willing/able to complete training and gain certification
  • Willingness to develop self and undertake further training relevant to the role

Communication

  • Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately with service users, co-workers and others, through body language and verbally, adjusting style to suit needs
  • Able to provide training, guidance and support - includes giving clear instructions, showing patience, and giving praise and feedback
  • Able to use effective human behaviour and communication strategies when working with people with disabilities
  • Literate and numerate, able to keep records and make progress notes

Team Work

  • A proven team player, willing to work flexibly and supportively in co-operation with people holding different responsibilities and who are members of other teams
  • Commitment to working in a safe and healthy manner, and willing to take responsibility for the safety of others including intellectually disabled service users
  • Resolves differences by seeking mutually agreeable solutions

Ethical

  • Conducts all work with integrity and in compliance with legal and policy requirements; trustworthy in using confidential or sensitive information
  • Treats others with respect; demonstrates high standards of behaviour and integrity; is a role model for both co-workers and service users

Personal qualities

  • Interest in the community way of life, and the principles indicated by Rudolf Steiner on which the work at Hohepa is based; this includes willingness to participate in community events and activities
  • In good health, active and fit, and able to meet the physical demands of the role: this includes manual work on the land; providing support for service users(e.g. helping them with personal cares, dressing); lifting (of people and objects)
  • Able to work in all outdoor climes and conditions
  • Must be able to demonstrate reliability and ability to attend work consistently
  • Willingness to declare any existing criminal or psychiatric record, driving convictions, any medications etc: also willing to disclose any further issues during employment

General Conditions of Employment

Your ongoing employment is subject to a satisfactory Police Clearance. Hohepa takes up a police vetting report on all employees at the start of employment and then every two years. If you are convicted of an offence whilst you are employed by Hohepa it is important that you declare this promptly; if an undeclared conviction shows up on a future police report, this could be regarded as a breach of trust and may lead to disciplinary action including potential dismissal.

You confirm that you have the right to work in New Zealand, and will work in accordance with any visa requirements or restrictions (if applicable).

Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol:

Hohepa is a fully non-smoking environment, and you guarantee that you will not smoke (even during break times) during work hours.

This is a safety-sensitive role. You must agree to attend work free of any adverse effects of alcohol or drugs (including illegal drugs and similar substances); the way this is assessed is that a drug test would be negative. You must consent to random testing if requested to do so.

Days/hours of work:

Full time work is 37½ hours per week, Monday – Friday; normally work is between the hours of 8.30 am and 5.00 pm, although some unsocial hours and weekend working may be required at times.

Rest Breaks: Two 10-minute paid rest breaks each shift, plus a lunch break; you will normally be required to remain on the premises with service users during the meal break and so this is a paid break.

Review of job description:

As with all Hohepa job descriptions, the contents of this JD will be kept under review and will be subject to change, in the light of experience. Any substantial changes will be discussed with you before being implemented; however you are required to work flexibly and accept that any JD is an indicator only – you agree to any reasonable duties that are asked of you.

I confirm that I have read, understand and agree to the job description and conditions of employment set out in this document:

EMPLOYEE:

Name:……………………………………………………………

Signature:……………………………………………………………

Date:……………………………………………………………

Page | 1January 2017