Job Description - Depute to the Day Care Manager

Accountability

The Deputy will be accountable to the Day Care Manager.

Role or Main Function

To assist the Day Care Manager in the management of the Unit, and to promote standards of care in accordance with approved policies and practices. The Deputy Manager will assume responsibility for the day to day functioning of the unit in relation to the immediate needs of staff and service users. As such the deputy will be the first line contact for staff requiring support and /or clarification on any matter.

Expectations

The expectations of the Deputy Day Care Manager are that they will organise the daily management of the unit. Ensuring the quality of the unit’s work retains the highest standards, by monitoring the situations surrounding the appropriate placing of staff in relation to the programmes of the day and at all times keeping the manager aware of any significant problems.

Health and Safety

The Deputy will work in conjunction with the Manager to ensure that the department functions smoothly within the standards set by the Health and Safety Executive.

Work with the Service Users (Clients)

• The Deputy will be required to deal with the service users in the course of the normal working day. The ranges of situations are many and varied but would be likely to include the following,

• To provide direct support to the service users giving guidance, assistance with communication and opportunities for discussing personal matters.

• To assist the service users to feel comfortable and safe within the unit.

• To attempt at all times to promote a professional attitude towards the service users and to encourage good relationships between them and staff.

• To intervene positively in situations where behavioural problems are evident or have been brought to the notice of the Deputy.

Responsibilities with Staff

• The Deputy will assist the Manager in the running of the day care unit on a day to day basis, and deputise as required, also,

• The Deputy shall endeavour to be an example of the best practice to staff in all areas of attendance, punctuality, appearance, diligence at work and friendliness in the course of each days work.

• To be supportive to the staff in all aspects of the work.

• To be involved in identifying and assessing the training needs of staff and participating in training programmes.

• To maintain the delivery of service by the appropriate redeployment of staff as and when the situation requires.

• To be involved in keeping up to date records of staff training, holidays, and sickness. etc.

• To carry out staff supervision and development on a regular basis and ensuring appropriate records are kept.

• To carry out staff appraisals on at least a yearly basis.

• To hold and chair a weekly meeting with the staff of the department.

Routines

• The Deputy will, in conjunction with the Manager, ensure that the routine business of the unit is carried out. This will include the following:

• Ensuring that the daily/weekly checks are carried out on the safety of the unit.

• The twice daily register of the unit is taken.

• To be familiar with the key security systems in the unit.

• Ensure that a note of the amenities records is kept on a monthly basis.

• To ensure that the personnel database is maintained recording all holidays, sickness etc.

• To ensure that relevant information is passed appropriately to the day care staff.

• Ensure that adequate steps are taken to keep the flow of communication alive between the residential department and day care department.

Security

The Deputy will be involved with the Manager in:

• Checking and monitoring the intruder and fire alarms systems at regular intervals to ensure their readiness for action.

• Carrying out regular checks on all fire doors and equipment, and reporting the findings.

• Ensure that the building is securely and safely closed down every night.

• To be aware and ready for calls-out from home to deal with intruder or fire alarms when they have been activated.

Administration

• To be aware of the importance of confidentiality when dealing with matters pertaining to the service users, ensuring that files and documents are kept appropriately.

• In conjunction with the manager ensure that all record keeping systems are maintained appropriately.

• To be familiar with all administrative routines and to be able to attend to such matters in the absence of the manager.

• To attend to the routines connected to the sending and receiving of information from the residential department.

• The deputy will work with the manager in maintaining the existing records and implementing new systems as may be required

Domestic

The Deputy will assume responsibility for the monitoring and direct supervision of the kitchen, the cook and the supply of meals in the unit. This will involve working closely with the cook on matters such as menus, ordering of supplies, and maintaining the standards set by the City Council Environmental Health agency.

General Duties

The Deputy will be involved in a number of other areas, such as those listed below:

• The Deputy will be involved in a public relations capacity in dealing with social workers, families and other visitors to the unit.

• To attend meetings, management, reviews, case conferences etc.

• To be involved in the promotion of the services of the unit.

• To be involved in the selection of staff and the whole process of advertising, selection and interviewing of the applicants.

Miscellaneous

Any other tasks as required by Hayfield, the Director or Board of Directors.

December, 2007