Psychology Project Worker

About The Role

As we continue to expand to provide additional services to meet the needs of those we care for, we currently have an opportunity within our Orchard Community Care division, in Waterford for a full time, permanent Psychology Project Worker. 
  
 We are seeking applications from Psychology Support Workers with a passion for supporting individuals with Intellectual Disability and or Autism. As a direct support worker, you will provide supports for individuals who have complex support needs and who may have experienced complex trauma. The role holder is expected to support delivery of Orchard Care Groups mission, vision and values as part of their day-to-day work and positively promote Orchard Community Cares commitment to person-centred supports for individuals with disability.
Reporting directly to the Person in Charge, the successful candidate will work directly with supported individuals, person in charge, frontline support staff and other multi-disciplinary team members, to enable people we support to achieve their full potential and build a brighter future. 
 
Working on a shift rota which includes sleep over & Shifts, you will work collaboratively with colleagues in the evolution of service responses to facilitate people supported in having a good life of their choosing.

About you

• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to develop positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of a human rights-based approach to supporting people with disabilities
• Ability to develop positive relationships with people whose behaviour can challenge
• Proven record of Resilience, Positive Attitude & Openness to Change
• Demonstrates ability to plan, organise & prioritise own work.
• Establishes & maintains effective working relationships & fosters cooperation & team work.

Essential Requirements

A relevant third level qualification in psychology or related field
Demonstrated ability to support Adults with complex needs (mental health challenges and/or challenging behaviour) in community settings
Minimum one years’ experience in a support role, social care setting 
Must have a full clean driver’s license (with eligibility to drive in Ireland) and use of a car

Desirable Criteria:

• Good foundational understanding of psychological theories of stress, autism, trauma and attachment.
• Experience in supporting people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism/ Neurodevelopmental through an autism/trauma/informed approach.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing National Standards and Regulations such as HIQA.
• IT skills proficiency 
• Experience supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Experience working with social care IT systems, quality systems, high level planning and organisational skills. 

Main Responsibilities:

• provide support, training, supervision, and personal assistance to people with intellectual disabilities and autism. 
• work with the team in supporting  people with complex needs which may include challenging behaviour, mental health challenges or autism and under supervision and direction to provide direct supports for daily living and other activities, assisting team and others in assessment reports, guidelines and behaviour support plan implementation and stress management plans on behalf 
• To work with the person and alongside the team in implementing wellbeing plans.
• Ensure that a safe home environment is maintained, coming up with practical solutions to challenges which may arise here.
• Ensure that all supports are person centred and in line with the wishes of the person supported
• Maintain proper records of service provided in a manner compatible with GDPR &Freedom of Information Act. 
• Provide input into risk management and safeguarding plans as part of a whole team approach to managing challenging situations with persons supported.
• To ensure that people you support have socially valued roles in their community 
• Assist the PIC & Quality dept in operationalising and maintaining easy to use systems including Incident Management, Safeguarding and Risk Assessment and these are implemented locally to mitigate risk and support individuals in their life choices.
• Attend and participate in regular team and other meetings, both internal and external
• Working with multidisciplinary teams, clinicians and therapists
• Developing relationships and solidarity with families and the persons natural support system to provide consistent and predictable support approaches
• Undertake professional and clinical supervision regarding their practice

IND

Benefits To Working With Company

• Excellent training opportunities and clear focus on career progression
• Competitive salary and incremental pay scale
• Company Pension
• Income protection policy
• Orchard Values Champion Awards
• Excellent staffing ratio’s
• EAP Scheme
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Paid training once you commence working with the company
• Dedicated team and access to a knowledgeable Multidisciplinary team.