Elder Abuse Response Case Worker

Position: Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) Case Worker

Reports to: Age Concern Manager

Location: Age Concern Wairarapa Office

Directs Reports: 0

ACW The Organisation

Age Concern Wairarapa (ACW) is an incorporated society and registered charity dedicated to people aged 65 and over. The purpose of ACW is to promote, support and enhance the quality of life, dignity, health , wellbeing and interests of older people in Wairarapa. ACW is affiliated to the national organisation, Age Concern New Zealand, with whom we work closely.

The Vision of Age Concern Wairarapa is to be recognised as a leading contributor to the wellbeing of older persons/kaumātua in our Wairarapa communities.

We work with funders, public services, community organisations and individuals to achieve this.

Over recent years, the population of older people in Wairarapa has grown to nearly a quarter of the total Wairarapa population.  Accordingly, the challenge has also grown to achieve our Mission:  Helping, connecting and empowering older persons in Wairarapa. Our Guiding Principles are that our services are accessible, appropriate and affordable, inclusive, culturally appropriate and equally available to all.

Age Concern Wairarapa is committed to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, particularly those of partnership, participation and pro-active protection, and recognises Tikanga Māori values as being the key to Māori outcomes that are appropriate, accessible and affordable. There is an expectation that the principles will be applied in a measured and reasonable manner

The work of Age Concern Wairarapa has special reference to older people, koroua and kuia and is based on the values of being responsive, respecting all, caring, and being committed to wellbeing.

Role Purpose

Working together toward the best possible quality of life for older people in the Wairarapa through prevention and reduction in vulnerability and harm.

Key working relationships:

Internal: ACW Manager; ACW Staff & Volunteers; ACW Board Members

External: Older people, their family/whānau; Māori and Pacific Island agencies; Police, Victim Support and Family Court; Regional Local Authorities, Health NZ, NASC Service (FOCUS), General Practices

KEY TASKS:

Outcomes

To evaluate the older person's needs and provide advice, advocacy, assistance and/or referral monitoring as indicated to ensure the optimum outcome for the person.

• Work closely with the older person and as necessary with their family/whānau and/or other agencies or providers to plan and organise assistance in the community to meet their needs.
• Complete a comprehensive risk analysis prior to all interactions.
• Assess health and welfare needs and provide intervention and/or referral to appropriate health or service provider as indicated.
• Decide intervention and/or action through interview and discussion to agree goals. The case worker will work collaboratively with involved agencies and family/whānau and friends.
• Keep accurate individualised notes up to date in the secure database.
• Receive and respond to referrals promptly as appropriate and in accordance with the older person's needs.
• Document new and return referrals.
• Communicate effectively with Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) colleagues, Age Concern Wairarapa team and other service or health care providers.

To respond as indicated and in accordance with contractual requirements to all incidents or suspected incidents of elder abuse.

• Provide information, advice and support to older people, and where appropriate, their carers, to make decisions which enhance their safety and quality of life.
• Promote a model of service delivery that incorporates sensitivity, empathy, trust and where partnership is valued.
• Act as a resource for other services to provide efficient, culturally safe, holistic care of older people and their families/whanau.
• Provide effective older person/ family/whānau advice and advocacy using a consultative approach that includes other professionals.
• Undertake regular assessment of the older person and family/whanau, planning and delivering interventions based on those assessments.
• Maintain accurate documentation of contacts and associated actions including referrals, planning and monitoring.

To be an information and education resource for older people, their families, health care facilities, community groups and health professionals.

• Older people, their families/whānau and communities are informed, empowered and, if necessary, assisted to access rights, services or entitlements.
• Older people and their families'/whānau levels of understanding are assessed and information/education adjusted and delivered to maximise their understanding and awareness.
• Ensure that older people as well as service providers understand the Elder Abuse Response Service functions and how to access these.
• Maintain and update your own knowledge-base related to elder abuse and neglect, which includes attending or taking part in relevant educational opportunities and conferences.
• Access research findings and use these as a basis for best practice.
• Represent Age Concern Wairarapa on relevant committees and advisory groups.

To provide advocacy and support for older people and their families/whānau

• Contact with new referrals within 2 working days, as appropriate.
• Assist with problem solving e.g. accessing services, Senior Services, benefit entitlements, residential care, equipment etc.
• Facilitate and supports older people/families/whānau to access and utilise primary care or other services (where appropriate).
• Be available as an advocate/support person as an older person consults with other agencies/professionals.

To assist with review and evaluation of the Elder Abuse Response Services and maintains professional development.

• Comply with all standards for the provision of Elder Abuse Response Services Contract.
• Participate in monthly supervision, and peer review and performance appraisal or work practice.
• Monitor outcomes and organise alternative interventions as necessary.
• Participate in Ministry of Social Development audit every two years.

Carry out such other work-related tasks that are within the competency of the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) Case Worker as may be required by the Manager from time to time.

• Carry out all duties in a cost-effective and competent manner.
• Comply with all health and safety requirements and bring to the attention of the Manager any concerns.
• Work as a cooperative team player with the immediate team and others employed by Age Concern Wairarapa.

Health and Safety

Capture and maintain all H&S related records, comply with all health and safety requirements as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

• Demonstrate good Health and Safety behaviour at all times
• Hazards are identified and reported to the Manager
• All accident and near miss accident reports are completed and provided in a timely manner

NOTE: The above accountabilities may evolve with organisational change and there may be additional duties, relevant to this position that will be required to be performed from time to time.

Person Specification

Qualifications / experience

• Tertiary qualifications and background in community development, social work, health promotion and/or similar related experience.
• Experience in facilitating and working within multi-agency networks in a community or health services environment.

Knowledge

• Recognition of the needs of all people, including Māori, Pasifika, and migrant communities, to have services provided in a way that is consistent with their social, economic, political, cultural and spiritual values

Skills

• Pro-active, competent, innovative and creative in facilitating care.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interact with multiple constituencies, both in person and via remote work platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build effective relationships across agencies with key stakeholders in cultural, governmental, and partnership contexts.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated organisational skills and excellent time management skills.

Compliance

• Have a current Drivers Licence with a clean record.
• Clean Police Record - Pass a Police Vetting check every three years.

Personal Attributes

● Genuine passion for enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of older people.

● Results-oriented and committed to achieving challenging objectives and delivering excellence.

● Experienced in working as part of a team as well as independently.

● Commitment to providing superior customer service.

● Drive and motivation to make a positive difference within the community.

● Welcomes and values diversity.

Desirable

• Knowledge of elder abuse and aging; familiarity with New Zealand's elder abuse, ageing and adult protective service systems.
• Understanding of older people's lived experiences, who they are, the information they need from us and the ways they like to receive information.
• Detailed knowledge of government aged care policies and the aged care service system, including specific elder-abuse-related policies, networks and services in New Zealand.
• Community and/or professional networks relevant to our work with older people experiencing elder abuse.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, Treaty of Waitangi obligations and its impact on, and application to older people's health and wellbeing.
• Registered Nurse, allied health professional or Social Worker with clinical experience.