The document provides an induction manual for residential care workers. It outlines the mission of Response One to provide quality services. It discusses the roles and responsibilities of disability support workers, including providing advocacy, implementing behavior plans, and ensuring quality care. It emphasizes maintaining confidentiality, understanding different types of care needs, and following procedures. The document also covers prejudice in the workplace, legal responsibilities, and the importance of duty of care.

1. RESIDENTIAL CARE WORKER
INDUCTION MANUAL / PROGRAM
DAY I
“A community of caring”

2. Mission Statement –
Response One aims to provide quality
services to
attract, develop, motivate and
retain a diverse workforce within a
supportive work environment.
We do this with an emphasis on
customer service, based on
consultation and communication with

4. True/False
 An agency DSW’s role is different to a permanent DSW’s
role.y/n
 A DSW is responsible, for the delivery of the highest quality
of care and service provision that is possible.y/n
 An agency DSW’s role is only to clean and babysit.y/n
 An agency DSW should always take directives and
instructions from a permanent DSW.y/n
 It is an agency DSW’s responsibility to provide advocacy for
the a person living with a disability.
 It is OK for an DSW to take a client to their house for dinner.
 An agency DSW has no say in a person’s behaviour
management plan
 An agency DSW has a say in how a unit can be run
Understanding Your Role as a Residential Care Worker

5. Group Discussion
1. What is a Disability Support Worker?
2. What do you think their role is?
3. What attributes or skills do you think is
required to be a good DSW?
Understanding Your Role as a Residential Care Worker

6. What is a Disability Support Worker?
 To provide a high level of service for people accessing, disability services.
 The duties of the DSW can vary widely depending on where the individual works. A
DSW may assist people with daily living and hygiene tasks or assist people to access
the community etc.
 In a disability support setting the DSW provides, assistance with lifestyle and care
requirements of the individual, maximising the quality of life, for that person.
 The DSW is responsible for assisting in the promotion of best practise service
provision, in accordance with “Response Ones” quality assurance framework and
relevant government policy and procedure.
 A DSW is required implement and deliver all “Active Support Progams”that are in
place for all individuals utilising the service.
Understanding Your Role as a Disability Support Worker

7. Who are the people accessing disability services?
 Many people use various “specialist services” that cater to the needs of individuals who are living with
a disability.
 These services include : Residential accommodation , respite care , day services, therapeutic
, recreation , vocational .
 People usually undergo a range of formal assessments prior to approaching a service provider.This
happens so the individual and their family/carers can focus on prioritising the allocation of services
and associated funding.
 A person assessed as having an intellectual disability will access services with the assistance of
advocay, which usually takes the form of an appointed guardian, case manager , key-
representative(carer) or broker.
 There are various known forms of disabilities they may included: ABI (acquired brain
injury, intellectual disability , physical disability or a combination of various disabilities, sometimes
refered to as “dual” or “multi” disability.
Understanding Your Role as a Residential Care Worker

8. Importance of R1 Workers
 Show initiative and be responsible.
 Don’t hold back, as your experience and expertise is why you have been chosen!
 Show that you are a “Response One” representative that makes a difference in the way
that you carry yourself and exhibit your professional work ethic. Yet at the same
time, retain your own ability to assess and act as a valued individual team member . Be a
positive and informed role-model.
 At all times remember and stay within the boundaries of the client and primary service
providers , quality framework. You are their to assist in choice and lifestyle, not to make
that choice on someone elses behalf or to influence their lifestyle.
 “Response One” staff are to make themselves available to perform all tasks that would
normally be required of the person they are replacing.At the same time remember your
limitations and communicate this to the client or service provider.It could be an
opportunity to learn new skills!
 “Response One” staff are team players and therefore are required to respect all workplace
colleagues .This does not mean that you lay down your own ethics and morals, rather it
helps to indicate your professional standing.
Understanding Your Role as a Disability Support Worker

10. PREJUDICE [‘predjudis]
 An opinion formed beforehand, especially an
unfavourable one based on inadequate facts.
 The act or condition of holding such opinions
 Intolerance of, or dislike for people of a specific sex,
race, religion,physical/intellectual capacity etc.
Prejudice on the Job

11. Your Turn!
Group Discussion
How have people shown prejudice towards you growing
up, and in the community?
In what ways can an DSW show prejudice in the work
place?
How can a prejudice attitude affect your role as an DSW?
Prejudice on the Job

12. Qualities necessary to be a good DSW
Patience Integrity Understanding Inclusive
Being non-
Tolerance Empathy
judgemental
Prejudice on the Job

13. MORNING TEA
Break Time
15 minutes

14. The Importance of Confidentiality
 The Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to protecting
privacy of personal information.
 DHS endorses fair information handling practices in compliance with the
Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) and Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).
 Personal information is only used for purposes intended and where the
intention includes confidentiality, information will be treated as such
unless otherwise required by law.
 Be EXTREMELY careful with the use of personal cameras and social
networking sites. When working in a service/facility, watch how and when
you are able to talk about people and what you are allowed to disclose. If
you are unable to talk about a person without giving descriptions that may
lead to the person being easily identifiable, it is best not to say anything
unless there is risk involved.

15. DIFFERENT TYPES OF CARE
 High physical support
 Medical support
 Continence and bowel management
 Behaviours of Concern and restrictive environments
 Mental health
 Forensic
 Assisted independent lifestyle programs
 Employment and Pre-Vocational assistance
 Adult and Childrens respite

17. RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, TASKS
 Participating in the working rotation and sleep-over duties on a
regular basis
 Providing the personal needs of people in co-operation with
other team members
 Liaising with relatives, and other significant people
 Forming pro-active partnerships with the people using the
service which will inturn, facilitate the care and inclusion
process and encourage service users to participate fully in the
opportunities offered by the facility
 Participating in the “client centered approach” process,
providing verbal and written contributions to reports and
programs
Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

18.  Being aware of developments in best practice outcomes
and requirements
 Being familiar with departmental policies and procedures
 Attending and taking an active part in team meetings
 Participate in staff development and training as directed by
management
 Being aware of ethnic, cultural and religious issues and
anti-oppressive practice
 Actively promoting the role of home.
Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

19. General Duties
 To maintain personal and professional development to meet the
changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training
activities and encourage and support staff in their development
and training.
 To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as
may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the
general level of responsibility of this job.
 To promote Health and Safety that align with the facilities
Health and Safety Policy .
 Accurate and concise report writing
 Thorough handover to next staff coming on shift.
Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

20. Understanding and Following Procedures
As a valued employee of Response One we ask that
you display good work practice and follow
procedures set out by each Residential Unit when
on shift.
IMPORTANT: if ever unsure, call R1 support
0426 973 885
or
1300 759 207
Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

22. Duty of Care
 DHS policy provides information regarding staff
obligations in the work place.
 The children with whom we work with have had
difficult and often damaging experiences making it a
challenge to care for and can place themselves or
others at risk.
 Recognising vulnerable children requires extra
attention for decision making.
Legal Responsibilities

23. Legislation
Children, Youth and Families Act (CYF Act)
 Law of Negligence
 Duty of Care
 Breach of Duty of Care
 Injury
Legal Responsibilities

24. Summary - CYF Act
1. RCW’s must take reasonable care to avoid causing
injury to:
 clients
 families and carers of clients
 any other person who is likely to be affected by the
department’s actions
2. RCW’s must consider a range of factors by using their
professional experience and judgement to make a
final decision for the most appropriate course of
action.
Legal Responsibilities

25. Summary – CYF Act continued
Factors for RCW’s to consider:
• The risk of harm and the likelihood of harm occurring
• The sort of injuries that could occur and the potential seriousness
of those injuries
• What precautions could be taken
• Whether the staff member is authorised to take or permit the
action
• The usefulness of the particular activity which involves risk
• Any statutory requirements or specific directions
• Current professional standards in relation to the issue
No single factor can be relied upon by itself to justify acting
in one way or another. A judgement must be made that takes
all these aspects into account.
Legal Responsibilities

26. Considerations for Good Practice
 Caring for young people in out of home care means that approval
from appropriate authority i.e. unit supervisor is required for a
range of activities.
 Duty of care responsibilities requiring approval includes:
- medical treatment
- interstate and overseas travel
- school camps and outings where young person will be in
the care of another person
- high risk activities including leisure and sports
 RCW’s and any professional working with the young person
should consider the child’s age and stage of development in
casework and planning decisions.
Legal Responsibilities

27. Contact for Further Procedural Advice
 Supervisor
 Unit Managers
 Child Protection Workers
 Case Worker/Managers
Legal Responsibilities

28. Also included in Responsibilities
 Absconding
 Restraining (use of restraint procedures differ with
each organisation)
 Contraband items by clients and staff
 Transporting clients
 Supervising clients outside of the home
Legal Responsibilities

29. LUNCH
45 min

31. Risk Assessment
 EVERYTHING IS CONFIDENTIAL EXCEPT:
- the young person is at risk to themselves
- the young person is at risk to others
- someone else is at risk
 Questions to ask the young person:
- What? How much? How often? With whom?
How do you access it?
- Do you harm yourself?
- Do you have suicidal tendencies?
 Physical appearance – any ‘abnormal’ behaviour, physical
signs/smells (red eyes, self care, hygiene, foaming around the
mouth, marks around the face), any marks on the skin, shaking etc.
Alcohol and Other Drugs

32. Most Common Drugs Used
 Alcohol – legal drug
 Pharmaceutical drugs for leisure purposes
 Speed / Ice / Methamphetamine / Shard
 Marijuana (lowest form of cannabis)
 Chroming – inhalants usually regular household items
that are inhaled.
Alcohol and Other Drugs

33. Risky Behaviours
 Riding in cars with drivers substance affected
 Risky sexual behaviours and increased risk of sexual bullying
 Violence
 Use of illicit drugs
 Self harm
 Youth offending e.g. Assault, rape, theft
 Unwanted pregnancies
 Death
Alcohol and Other Drugs

34. FACTS AND EFFECTS – The 4 L’s
Liver –
Law – legal
physiologic
requirements
al effects on
of AOD
the body
Love Livelihood
Alcohol and Other Drugs

35. Physiological Effects - Alcohol
 Safe drinking = one standard drink/hour
 Short term harms =
hangovers, headaches, nausea, shakiness, vomiting, m
emory loss, alcohol poisoning, hangovers
 Long term harms = weight gain, physical /psychological
dependence, liver damage, brain damage
Alcohol and Other Drugs

36. Physiological Effects - Drugs
Marijuana
 Slows down central nervous system (brain/spinal cord)
 Slows messages going to and from the brain affecting
memory making it harder for users to recall events.
 The initial feeling is happiness and relaxation, loss of
co-ordination, sleepiness, increased appetite, heart rate
increase, decrease in blood pressure
Alcohol and Other Drugs

37. Physiological Effects - Drugs continued
Ice, Methamphetamine, Speed, Shard:
Effects: feelings of euphoria and excitement, increased alertness, increased
confidence, increased libido, more energy, talkative, restlessness, hand
tremors, speeding up of bodily functions, increased breathing, increased blood
pressure, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, reduced
appetite, dilated pupils, dry mouth, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, blurred
vision, severe
headaches, nervousness, anxiety, aggression, hostility, hallucinations, paranoia, ‘a
mphetamine psychosis’; coming down from ice can cause
tension, depression, mood swings, violence and exhaustion.
Dependence: developing a tolerance requires greater doses to achieve desired
effects, psychological dependent on ice becomes a priority over other
activities, drug cravings makes it difficult to stop, physical dependence means
body adapts to functioning only when the drug is present, extreme withdrawal
symptoms if suddenly stop use
Withdrawal: symptoms include disorientation, hunger, extreme fatigue and
exhaustion, decreased energy, anxiety, irritability, depression, cravings
Alcohol and Other Drugs

38. Physiological Effects - Drugs continued
Inhalants / Chroming:
Symptoms: bad breath from strong smell of product, flu-
like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, glazed eyes and
runny nose, drowsiness, nosebleeds, bloodshot eyes, sores
around mouth and nose
Effects: disorientation, lack of co- ordination, excitement
and euphoria, hangovers and headaches last for more than
a day
Long Term Effects: psychological dependence and
tolerances
Alcohol and Other Drugs

39. Laws???
 Alcohol – because it is legal, it is the highest used
drug. Under 18 years old, can ONLY be supplied by
parent or legal guardian. If supplied by anyone else,
police are able to confiscate. Also alcohol bans and
liquor licensed premises.
 Drugs – unless prescribed by doctor, but all other
street drugs are illegal.
Alcohol and Other Drugs

40. Livelihood
 Effects on work, school, sports
 Many go into debt
 Alcohol – problems can be caused by the way it affects your
behaviour. This includes the risk of falls, assaults, car
accidents, unplanned pregnancies, shame, embarrassment
about your behaviour, loss of valuable items, damaged car
or lost phone, financial losses through reckless spending,
loss of income through loss of work
 Extreme or dangerous behaviour – you’re more like to do
something stupid or dangerous after using inhalants or
during use of ice including accidents, injury to self or
others, unwanted sex, fights
Alcohol and Other Drugs

41. Love / Relationships
 Effects on family
 Abuse
 Financial, legal, work, school, personal problems
Alcohol and Other Drugs

42. Resiliency
 Set a good example
 Keep busy
 Be aware of their company
 Be aware of exactly where they are going and what they will
be doing
 Strengths based model
 Identify key supports for the young person
Alcohol and Other Drugs

43. Mental Health
 AOD can cause/contribute to developing of mental
health and social problems
 Anxiety – refers to the normal feelings people
experience when they feel stressed or threatened.
- Symptoms:
breathlessness, palpitations, sweating, trembling, dizzi
ness, nausea, restlessness, irritability, moodiness, fatig
ue, insomnia, muscle tension
- Coping: strengths-based, supports, maintain healthy
lifestyle, no alcohol or drugs, plan your
week, recognise triggers, keep busy
Alcohol and Other Drugs

44. Self Harm / Suicide
 Be aware of any self harm of suicidal ideations
 If a YP tells you that they are self harming or you can see
any physical signs of harm, inform your unit supervisors
immediately
 Do not be afraid to ask if a young person has thoughts of
suicide – they have already thought about it even if they say
no.
 If yes, ask if they have a means and equipment to follow it
through.
Alcohol and Other Drugs

45. Q&A