Neerim Health (NH) is a regional provider of health services located in the Shire of Baw Baw, located approximately 100km east of Melbourne.  The NH has 25 Aged Care and 8 Hospital beds and provides a broad range of services including acute medical and surgical, aged care and community services. The primary catchment area is the Shire of Baw Baw, although patients also present from other Local Government Areas in Gippsland and outer Melbourne.

The Lifestyle Assistant is responsible for the implementation and evaluation of leisure and social opportunities as directed by the Lifestyle Coordinator.  This role is undertaken in conjunction with residents, families and other members of the healthcare team – and includes assisting with program and care plan development.

The Lifestyle Assistant will report to the Nurse Manager and collaborate with Lifestyle Coordinator.

The Lifestyle Assistant will be required to liaise with:

Externally:           Residents family, representatives, their visitors and volunteers, community organisations and other external key stakeholders as required.

Internally:           Lifestyle Coordinator, Residents, nursing staff, allied health practitioners, all Neerim Health staff members and Visiting Medical Officers.

• Salary and conditions are in accordance with your individual employment agreement and the NH
• Remuneration Packaging is available in accordance with current legislation.
• NH operates under an Equal Opportunity Policy and Occupational Health & Safety Policy in accordance with current
• Effective risk / quality management is a core competency expected of everybody involved at NH
• Advise NH of any pre- existing condition, which could be aggravated by the type of employment they are applying Failure to do so seriously jeopardises any entitlement the employee might have for a work-related aggravation of that non-disclosed pre-existing condition.
• Under the relevant State and Commonwealth legislation all applicants are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Statutory Declaration is required for any staff working in aged care

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaise, assist, and facilitate the implementation of the Lifestyle Program on a daily basis – this may include working autonomously or as a part of a group.
• Liaise, assist, and facilitate daily lifestyle programs that enable the social and emotional needs of each resident to be met – this may include group work and solo work tailored to each individual resident.
• Contributing to the development of programs which are tailored to the needs of residents with the view to improve the quality of life
• Contributing to the development of programs that are tailored to the physical and cognitive ability of residents
• Regularly inform residents, relatives and staff of proposed activities.
• Conduct programs in a manner that recognises the autonomy and independence of each resident
• Liaise with family members and assess the needs, preferences and capabilities of each resident to compile appropriate individual activity assessments and care plans.
• Explore options for and develop the use of available community facilities and resources
• Encourage residents towards a higher quality of life through participation of meaningful activities and act as an advocate for residents.
• Advise management of any changes in the residents emotional and physical conditions as well as any behaviour changes or problems.
• Understand the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Documentation and Administration:

• Ensure the optimal use of all resources within the unit to provide resident centred care.
• Adhere to relevant documentation systems and ensure high standard of completed documentation.
• Utilise information technology effectively
• Assess, develop and review care plans for residents’ activities and attend care review meetings as required.
• Documentation is accurate, timely and complies with legal requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of group and individual activities and attendance.
• Contribute to the formulation of a monthly newsletter, and activity planning calendar
• Ensure calendar activities are provided to residents, families and representatives prior to the commencement of the month.
• Assis with the preparation of the agenda for resident meetings in consultation with the Nurse Manager and Lifestyle Coordinator

Safe Practice and Environment:

• Use personal protective equipment Standard AS4187-2003, department policy and procedure and infection control manuals.
• Ensure activities function with a clear awareness of the organisations OHS policies and any risk or potential hazards to staff, residents and visitors are addressed immediately.
• Take reasonable care of your own health safety and the health and safety of others in the workplace.
• Compliance with relevant Neerim Health workplace policies, procedures and work instructions / requests.
• Report to the nurse in charge or manager any incident or unsafe conditions which come to your attention.

Confidentiality:

• Ensure that any personal, private, or sensitive information obtained regarding a staff member or resident remains confidential.
• Practice in accordance with the Neerim Health code of conduct and the Care Code of Conduct for Aged Care.

Improving Performance:

• Assist the Lifestyle Coordinator with contribution to Plan Continuous Improvement (PCI) activities.
• Contribute and participate in Accreditation activities/visits and participate in the implementation of the Aged Care Quality Standards as directed
• Work within a continuous improvement framework including Neerim Health processes for Plan of Continuous Improvementquality activities and policy development.
• Foster a culture which encourages residents, families, colleagues and members of the community to raise concerns, suggestions and complaints and see these as opportunities to improve the quality of our work and care of residents.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards and guidelines.
• Implement the standards of health and safety and comply with OH&S legislative employee requirements.
• Report workplace injuries to NM/Director of Clinical Services (DCS)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and work effectively with staff on return-to-work programs.
• Identify and report clinical risks via the NH Risk Management Framework
• Ensure NH policy and procedures are adhered.
• Comply with relevant legislative Acts and organisational policies and procedures, e.g., OH&S Act 2004, Aged Care Act 1997, and report concerns/breaches to NUM/DCS/CEO.
• Ensure staff compliance with Infection Prevention and Control requirements
• Ensure all incidents are accurately documented and investigated at the time of an incident and the DCS or delegate is informed.
• Responsible for the reporting of any malfunctioning equipment and/or facility to the appropriate line manager.
• Dispose of waste promptly and according to NH Waste Management Policy
• Adhere to Infection Control policies and procedures as identified in the NH Infection Control Manuals.
• Adhere to emergency procedures as detailed in the Emergency Procedure Manual.
• Ensure compliance with Safe Patient Handling program.

Specialist Knowledge:

• Ensure provision of contemporary care services that meet the individual needs of customers
• Ensure care meets the individual social, spiritual, cultural and physical needs of aged residents.
• Assist with completing assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation to maximise individual care for each resident.
• Promote and respect the rights of all residents.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of our residents and their families.
• Engage residents and encourage them to be part of their local community.
• Assisting with meaningful and enriching activities that provide choice to each person.

Teamwork:

• Function as a team member consistent with the NH policies and procedures.
• Contributes to the orientation and welcoming of new staff to the unit and the team.
• Contributes to the team through committee membership or supporting colleagues fulfilling committee membership.
• Ability to work and communicate with people of all ages and cognitive abilities to have a supportive and productive relation.

Professional/Personal Development:

• Commit to ongoing education and personal development.
• Negotiate learning objectives with the NM and Lifestyle Coordinator.
• Use resources when presented with unfamiliar situations
• Maintain current professional knowledge and skills relevant to the position
• Act to ensure Annual Leave and ADO liability comply with NH policy, if required.
• Act responsibly in relation to rostering practices
• Ensure all annual and biannual mandatory training requirements are maintained as per Neerim Health requirements.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and
• Uphold the organisation’s commitment to providing patient centred care in a culturally aware and respectful manner.
• Completion of applicable annual mandatory training requirements
• Ensure that effective lines of communication are maintained with key stakeholders.
• To participate in an annual performance appraisal every twelve (12) months.
• To practice Health Literacy principles in everyday practice.
• The employee is required to participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement strategies to encourage excellence of care.
• Maintain strict confidentiality with reference to all matters pertaining to residents, relatives, representatives, and staff members within the Health Service and externally.
• Actively participate in a working environment supporting quality human resource management practices including employment equity, anti-discrimination, workplace health and safety and ethical behaviour.
• Follow defined service quality standards, occupational health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken in order to ensure high quality, safe services and workplaces.
• Effectively engage with people and communities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Flexibility in participating in rostered shifts including day shift and night shift.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member
• Ability to follow policies and procedures and to prioritise activities in line with goals and preference of residents, considering the demands of the service.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practice.

• Well-developed communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to providing a customer focussed service
• Ability to use initiative.
• Capacity and willingness to be flexible and adaptable.
• Commitment to corporate vision, mission, values and agreed critical strategies.

Mandatory:

• Certificate IV in Lifestyle and Leisure
• Proficiency to work autonomously as well as within a team environment.
• Empathy and an ability to build strong connections with residents, their family and representatives.
• An approachable and caring demeanour
• A current Driver’s Licence
• Current first aid certificate or working towards
• Implementation of leisure and lifestyle programs

Desirable:

• Creativity and experience in coordinating and providing recreational and social programs in aged care facilities or a similar setting (highly regarded)
• Previous experience working with volunteers.

Employment subject to provision of a Working with Children Check.

• 6-month probationary period.
• Salary and conditions are in accordance with your individual employment agreement and the Neerim Health EBA.
• Remuneration packaging is available in accordance with current legislation.
• NH operates under an Equal Opportunity Policy and Occupational Health & Safety Policy in accordance with current legislation.
• Effective risk / quality management is a core competency expected of everybody involved at NH.
• Under the relevant State and Commonwealth Legislation all applicants are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Statutory Declaration is required for any staff working in aged care.

Position Description Lifestyle Assistant February 2023