Organisation Context:

The Brigidine Sisters were founded in Ireland in 1807 and arrived in Australia in 1883. Over time, the Sisters lived and worked across each Australian state, establishing and administering schools and colleges, and founded a presence in New Zealand in 1899.

As the Congregation evolved, its ministries diversified and expanded into a range of other fields of service. While the Community now comprises a majority of retired Sisters, it remains actively engaged in outreach and is strongly committed to social justice.

In September 2021, the Brigidine Sisters of Australia and New Zealand discerned and decided to form one unified Community, to be known as the Brigidine Southern Cross Community (BSCC), which formally came into being in July 2022. Guided by the motto ‘With strength and gentleness’, the Community embraces this new chapter as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and to share life and resources in service of those most in need. Visit – https://brigidine.org.au/

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•      Uphold the Catholic ethos and vision

•      Provide emotional and pastoral care and support and offer occasional recreational outings and/or visits to family members

•      Assist in the facilitation of Sisters’ move to residential care

•      Identify and describe the care needs of individual sisters within the scope of practice so that holistic care is provided, communicating these care needs to the Brigidine Sisters Leadership Team and Health Care Team

•      Visit sisters from St Brigid’s Community in hospital and assist with washing and incidentals if required

•      Meet regularly with the executive group of the Brigidine Health Care Team

•      Transport Sisters to allied health appointments as required and help rebook follow up appointments if appropriate

KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

In carrying out the role, the Wellbeing Coordinator is required to meet the following key accountabilities:

 1.0         Ethos and Mission

•      Uphold, through word and deed, the ethos and mission of the Congregation of St Brigid.

•      Ensure work activities are in accordance with the ethos and mission of the Brigidine Sisters.

•      Demonstrate a commitment to a deepening understanding of the spirit of the Congregation of the Brigidine Sisters.

•      Actively support the Congregation of St Brigid and their Mission.

•      Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with colleagues and Sisters in the Congregational Leadership, Health Care, Administration teams.

•      Contribute to a climate of hospitality and welcome.

2.0     Position Responsibilities

The duties of the Wellbeing Coordinator include but are not limited to:

2.1         Wellbeing Support:

•     Demonstrate the principles of person-centered approach to support of the elderly.

•     Demonstrate essential knowledge required regarding challenges faced by elderly persons e.g. different manifestations of dementia, physical decline.

•     Support each sister at each transition stage of joining, leaving St Brigid’s.

•     Identify and describe the care needs of individual sisters so that holistic care is provided e.g.  Identify behaviours of concern and potential triggers; describe actions to minimise the likelihood of and reduce the impact of behaviours on the person and others.

•     Visit sisters from St Brigid’s in hospital and assist with washing if required.

•     Provide emotional and pastoral care and support, offering occasional recreational outings and/or visits to family members.

•     Check that sisters’ living areas are clean and guarded against excess cluttering.

•     Meet regularly with the Health Care Team.

•     Offer hospitality to Community Carers and Service Providers who attend to individual sister’s needs.

•     Assist with IT as needed.

•     Transport Sisters to appointments/ Community Days as required.

•     Manage personal alarm systems.

•     Prepare and maintain Hospital Bags containing current personal Information forms (PoA/Medical Decision Maker/Advanced Care Plans).

•     Laundry – clothes and bedding?

2.2       Pastoral Care:

•      Demonstrate a strong commitment to Catholic ethos and faith tradition.

•      Ensure that each sister has the spiritual, emotional and psychological support she requests e.g. spiritual director/counsellor.

•      Spend quality time on a one-on-one basis with Sisters, providing emotional and pastoral support within the context of a faith-based community.

•      Plan relevant activities which enhance self-esteem and pleasure in the person’s life, and that minimise boredom for those who are housebound.

•      Facilitate access to sisters’ family members as required.

•      Arrange and accompany sisters on recreational outings and shopping as required/requested.

•      Check that visitors’ rooms are clean and prepared for visitors.

•      Assist with purchase of new clothes and shoes if required. Other shopping needs? e.g., medications, gifts, etc.

•      Encourage sisters’ participation in social and liturgical activities.

•      Assist with the preparation of light homemade meals when needed.

•      Ensure sisters receive all Congregational and Community correspondence e.g. News Updates, WEAVINGS and participation in BSCC virtual gatherings.

•      Organise and lead regular Community Meetings and celebrations.

3.0    Managerial Tasks

•      Management of Sister’s personal financial needs/allowance and household expenses.

•      Provide the Business Office with evidence of expenses incurred for reconciliation and audit purposes.

•      Manage all regular service needs including cleaners, gardeners, tradespersons, fire, security, etc.

•      Undertaking Banking and Postal tasks as required.

•      Manage Occupational Health and Safety requirements, troubleshooting and resolving any issues.

•      Organise external staff as required e.g. staff replacements, contractors.

•      Liaise with Community Cook re Community needs purchasing daily provisions and Sisters’ requests.

4.0       Values

•     Actively contribute to Leadership Meetings, Health Care Meetings as requested.

•     Contribute to effective communication within the Community.

•     Demonstrate loyalty to professional colleagues.

•     Maintain confidentiality of Congregational information in accordance with policy and employment contract obligations.

•     Actively demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Brigidine values.

5. 0  Quality Administration

•     In consultation with the BSCC Leadership Team.

•     Establish and maintain performance standards for relevant administrative functions.

•     Respond to sisters and Leadership Team feedback on improving processes and procedures.

•     Maintain administrative accuracy and due attention to detail.

6.0   Professional Development

•     Evaluate personal and professional performance and undertake personal and professional development activities.

•     Participate in the performance review/feedback process.

7.0     Work Health Safety (WHS)

•     Maintain duty of care of own health and safety and all others in the workplace.

•     Comply with workplace WHS policies, procedures and protocols.

•     Report workplace hazards and risks to employer.

•     Undertaking WHS training as required.

8.0   Other

Engage in other duties commensurate with skills and experience and within the scope of this role.

9.0 Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

•     Experience of pastoral care role in a faith-based community.

•     Certificate IV in Ageing Support or equivalent. Experience in working with elderly people is essential.

•     Effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

•     Good time management skills and ability to prioritize. A positive, caring and approachable attitude.

•     The ability to work independently and with initiative and flexibility.

•     An understanding of the principles of privacy and confidentiality.

•     A valid driver’s license.

•     Current First Aid and/or CPR training.

•     Food Handler’s Certificate.

•     Current Flu and COVID vaccinations.