Role Description: Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Relevant Persons Representative (RPR)
- Are you passionate about ensuring people are treated fairly and with respect?
- Could you help improve the life of a person in a care home by listening to their feelings, thoughts and wishes?
- Would you like to gain experience in the health and social care sector?
About the Role: Following training as a Volunteer RPR for ASIST you will provide regular visits, usually bi-monthly, to individuals in a care environment. You will build a relationship with the person, speak to staff, and consider if the person is happy in their placement. You will consider what impact any restrictions are having on the individual.
An RPR would usually support someone for up to 12 months. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. Previous convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet your Advocate Partner in their place of care, usually bi-monthly.
- Actively engage with the person and listen to their feelings, thoughts and wishes about where they live and their care.
- Talk to staff about the person’s care.
- Look at what restrictions the person is subject to and how these impact on their life.
- Attend training, supervision and support sessions as required.
- Maintain accurate records of visits and report any concerns or issues to a manager in a timely manner.
- Contribute to the report required at the end of the deprivation.
- Represent ASIST positively at all times and maintain confidentiality and professionalism in your role.
- Act in accordance with the ASIST policies and procedures and adhere to all relevant safeguarding and child protection legislation.
- Being a driver and having business insurance would be useful, however the use of public transport can be considered.
Skills and Experience:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships.
- Being able to adapt communication to meet the needs of the person.
- Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage your time effectively and keep accurate records.
- Ability to understand legislation relevant to the person’s care.
- A commitment to the welfare and protection of vulnerable people, and a willingness to undergo appropriate training and supervision.
- Previous experience of working with vulnerable adults is desirable, but not essential.
- A good standard of written English is essential.
Benefits:
- The opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a vulnerable person.
- The chance to develop your skills and gain experience working with vulnerable adults in the care sector.
- Training, (safeguarding, GDPR and Data Protection, Suicide Prevention, Prevent, Watching Brief, Legislative training) shadowing opportunities, support and supervision from the ASIST staff team.
- Depending on your commitment, volunteers may be offered the opportunity to undertake the National Advocacy Qualification.
- ASIST will provide a reference after 6 months.
- Opportunities to apply for paid employment at ASIST with the guarantee of an interview as an internal applicant.
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred as part of the role.
