Adhering to our job description is essential for fulfilling our duty of care towards clients and providing a professional service that aligns with organizational policies.
Policy is a collection of rules that are required to be adhered to.
In order to effectively perform their job and avoid causing harm to clients, workers in the Community Services Industry must adhere to agency policy and procedures. These specific methods are followed by organizations with the goal of achieving their desired outcomes.
Meeting the client’s duty of care requirements sufficiently.
The policy/procedure manual should contain specific sections that cover occupational health and safety, duty of care, communication, mandatory reporting for child abuse, and the procedure for case management.
The term “legislation” refers to laws that are passed by either the state or federal government.
Statutory requirements are laws that mandate specific actions or refraining from certain behaviors.
The Community Services Industry is governed by regulatory requirements, which are rules that define the functioning of services. This industry is influenced by various legislations with ‘Act’ in their titles, each serving a distinct purpose.
When obtaining personal information from a client, it is important to furnish them with precise details. In this scenario, you work as a family and community worker for an organization situated in a public housing estate. Your continuous support is directed towards a specific family consisting of Julie, a mother with four children ranging from 2 to 10 years old, who resides in the ‘Springtail’ public housing estate.
Julie’s involvement with her family started when she relocated to the estate after leaving Bill, the father of her kids, due to domestic violence. Julie received public housing as a single parent and currently receives Parenting Payment (Single) from Centerline. Julie was referred to your service to address feelings of isolation and parenting difficulties with her older children. The primary objective of your intervention has been to assist Julie in her parental role by linking her with community resources and aiding in the development of budgeting skills.
Julie has not been reported to the state child protection services for suspected abuse of her children. However, during recent visits, there has been a growing concern about Julie’s lifestyle. When arriving at Julie’s place in the morning, the flat appears very chaotic. The older kids are frequently running late for school and there is a cluttered environment with unwashed dishes and leftover food scattered around. The younger children are constantly watching TV, and there are indications of excessive drinking from the previous night. During the last visit, Julie mentioned that Bill would be moving in with her and the kids.
Despite Bill’s excessive alcohol consumption, Julie is experiencing feelings of loneliness and struggling to manage the children without assistance. She intends to conceal this information from Centerline and the state public housing department, fearing that she may lose her financial benefits and subsidized housing eligibility. Though you recognize Julie’s isolation, you are greatly concerned about the safety of the children if Bill were to return home. Consequently, you conclude that it is necessary to have a conversation with Julie regarding these recent developments. You are also aware that Bill harbors strong hostility towards community workers and his presence during your visit may result in a highly unfavorable reaction.
- He has a history of bullying and threatening behavior with community agencies that have assisted the family in the past. Answer the following questions based on the case study:
- How would you find out what your roles and responsibilities are as a family worker?
- In this case study what would be your roles and responsibilities as the worker?
- Consult the attached Job Description. From the job description state three (3) key responsibilities and discuss how you could apply each of the responsibilities to this family.
As the worker, you must identify and discuss two ethical dilemmas present in this case study. It is important to highlight the ethical dilemmas mentioned in the learning material and explain why they could pose a dilemma for you as a worker.
- What principles of ethical decision making would you need to be aware of when dealing with the ethical dilemmas you identified, and why?
- Identify the factors that contribute to risk of harm of the children in this case study.
- Identify and discuss your duty of care in relation to each family member?
- If you were unsure about how to proceed in working with this family, what would you do next?
Please continue reading the case study below and respond to the following questions: During your collaboration with Julie and her family, Julie expresses discontent regarding your work with her family. She strongly believes that you hold a personal grudge against Bill and that you have violated her confidentiality by sharing her situation with other services, such as Centerline. Furthermore, Julie accuses you of behaving unethically. Determine the rights that Julie possesses in this particular situation. Additionally, identify the legislation that offers support for client complaints within this industry. The legislation in question includes the word “Act” in its title.
- Discuss how you would deal with Julies complaint.
Task C Answer the Following Questions:
- From the learning material, identify a model for working through issues and dealing with ethical dilemmas.
- From the learning material, identify the significant ethical guidelines in the Community Services Industry.
- From the learning material, identify ways that we can ensure client rights are upheld.
- From the learning material, identify the basic organizational procedures that you will need to follow when managing a complaint. 5. At what point would you consider using an advocate or an advocacy service?
Define these terms: Abuse, Neglect, Risk, Job Description, Position: Family Support Worker
Location: Springtail Community Services (CSS)
Classification: Community Services Worker
Grade 3 Social and Community Services Employees (State) Award
Hours of Duty: Full time position – 38 hrs/week
Position Objectives: To support community, families and individuals as an advocate, point of referral and/or resource.
Within Organization Compliance with Springtail Community Service’s Code of Conduct, Goals and Objectives, Mission Statement and Policies and Procedures
Compliance with all relevant Legislation, Regulations and Awards
Compliance with relevant government funding requirements
Ensuring compliance with individual scope of practice, maintaining privacy and confidentiality of information within CSS, promoting a positive image of CSS, maintaining a commitment to Sac’s Corporate Plan, and liaising with community service providers to plan and engage in direct service provision. Additionally, maintaining effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as efficient and effective utilization of allocated resources for the position. The key responsibility is to provide direct services to families and individuals, in consultation with the client(s), by identifying issues/needs and implementing a mutually agreed plan of referral and/or resource acquisition.
Assist clients by referring them to the necessary specialized services when needed. Additionally, act as an advocate and support clients in accessing referral services and other agencies if requested. Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, codes of practice/conduct, and organizational policies and procedures. Keep accurate and unbiased client records, acknowledging adherence to the Privacy Act.
