Cymorth Cymru – Working with providers, partners and policy makers to improve the lives of people who need support.
TRAINING PROGRAMME 2005/6
This training programme has been developed in partnership with Learning Curve to meet the needs of the supported housing sector and partner organisations. For more information on any of the courses listed here, or to discuss other training needs you may have please contact us on:
enquiries@cymorthcymru.org.uk or telephone 029 2049 1513
1. AN INTRODUCTION TO SUPPORTED HOUSING
Supported housing offers realistic living options to vulnerable people and is a recognisable component of a comprehensive community care package. However, the planning and management of supported housing is still unknown territory to many mainstream housing or social care practitioners.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is intended to benefit:
Those working in supported housing for the first time.
Employees of the statutory health and social services whose work brings them into contact with supported housing providers.
Housing practitioners who need to know more about the specifics of supported housing.
COURSE AIMS:
The main aim of this course is to equip participants with an understanding of the key elements of supported housing provision and management.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants should:
Be aware of the history and context of the development of supported housing.
Understand the legislative and statutory framework relating to supported housing.
Understand the funding framework of supported housing.
Understand the sequence of setting up a supported housing scheme.
Appreciate the roles and relationships between the parties involved.
Understand the key elements of Supporting People.
Be aware of the additional housing management, care and support services required in supported housing.
Understand the importance of service inspection and evaluation.
2. CONTRACTING FOR COMMUNITY CARE
Recent changes to community care legislation and the introduction of Supporting People have changed the nature of the contractual relationships between housing and support providers and the commissioners of housing with support. Housing associations and support providers have found that the roles they fulfil have been re-set in a new operational framework.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is designed to benefit senior staff of care agencies or supported housing providers who are either currently involved in or who are considering entering into contract arrangements for the delivery of community care services.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of the course is to equip participants with an understanding of the key elements of community care contracting.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants should:
Recognise the key components of care contracts.
Understand the importance of setting standards.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of all the parties involved.
Know what to do when things go wrong.
Be in a position to reach a rational decision about whether or not to enter into a contract for care.
Know what staffing levels are required.
Be introduced to the Care Standards Act 2000.
3. COMMUNITY CARE LEGISLATION
In 2000, the implementation of new legislation in the Care Standards Act fundamentally changed the way in which community care services are planned and delivered. The potential changes prompted by this legislation have had a significant impact on the work of supported housing providers.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is suitable for all staff:
who work in supported housing but who do not have social work experience or qualifications, or
who work with people who may need support from, or access to, social services legislation.
COURSE AIMS:
The course aims to introduce participants to essential elements of community care legislation and to provide them with an understanding of the principles of current legislation and regulations.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will have:
A better understanding Part 3 of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990.
Been give an outline of the principles and philosophy underpinning the Act.
Knowledge of the purchasing and provision of services.
Received an outline of the roles and responsibilities of Social Services departments.
An understanding of the key elements of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Care Standards Act 2000.
An understanding of the legislation protecting vulnerable adults (POVA).
An understanding of the role of CSIW and regulation compliance issues.
4. COMMUNICATION AND PERFORMANCE
The continuous improvement of a service is dependent on the ability of staff to be able to communicate effectively – both between themselves and with the clients they support.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is designed to benefit not only project staff who are working directly with service users but also line managers who are responsible for managing, supervising and supporting staff.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of the course is to encourage participants to recognise that good communication enhances service outcomes, and to equip them with the necessary skills to communicate effectively and to mediate responsively.
COURSE CONTENT:
What is communication? Why is it so important?
Examination of inter-personal relationships.
Aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication.
Being assertive without damaging channels of communication.
Barriers to effective communication and communication breakdown.
Creating positive working agreements.
Skills of mediation and negotiation.
5. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT CLIENTS
Staff increasingly face aggressive and potentially violent situations at work. Sometimes these situations are complicated by trigger factors such as alcohol and drugs. Whatever the situation, staff need to be confident in their ability to handle it in a way which effectively deals with the problem or client whilst maintaining their own safety.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is for staff in supported housing projects who work at the “front line”, whether this is in a support role, at reception or interviewing clients in an office or in their own homes.
COURSE AIMS:
This course will provide participants with an understanding of how difficult situations and behaviours occur, and will equip them with the skills and knowledge to deal with them safely.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will have been helped to:
Identify what constitutes difficult behaviour in clients.
Recognise the emotions generated when dealing with difficult clients.
Understand the “Attitude Loop” in dealing with situations.
Learn some techniques to manage their own anxieties and anger.
Understand and practise the skills required to manage difficult clients.
6. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic Violence is an issue that affects every aspect of community & societal structures. There are many myths that still exist despite the rise in awareness of this social phenomenon. For many, domestic violence is something that is not their responsibility; it is still a hidden private aspect of relationships, yet domestic violence affects everyone.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is aimed at anyone who works with vulnerable women in supported housing.
COURSE AIMS:
The main aim is to provide an understanding of domestic violence, its effects & consequences. This is in terms of the ways in which partnerships can work to ensure a holistic service provision to survivors of domestic violence.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Understand the nature of Domestic Violence.
Identify the effects & consequences of domestic violence.
Become aware of the different agencies that need to be involved.
Recognise the importance of working in partnership.
Understand the need for holistic service provision.
7. EVALUATING SUPPORTED HOUSING
All supported housing schemes will have set clear aims and objectives. However, unless the service delivered is effectively monitored and the outcomes systematically evaluated, it is not possible to determine whether those aims and objectives are being met. Supporting People regulations now make the monitoring of service outcomes a necessity.
TARGET GROUP:
This course has been specifically designed to benefit senior staff of registered social landlords, managing partners and the statutory agencies that are responsible for the planning and delivery of support services.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of the course is to encourage participants to understand the value of effective service evaluation.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Understand the need for planned service evaluation.
Identify the key areas that need to be evaluated.
Recognise the importance of defining service criteria and objectives.
Design and use effective service evaluation techniques.
Recognise the key process stakeholders.
Understand and apply service evaluation techniques.
Apply Best Value criteria to supported housing.
Apply criteria of the new inspection regime.
8. FAST TRACK INDUCTION (3 DAY)
The industry of supported housing is complex and at first view strange to staff entering it for the first time. Much of knowledge staff will need to equip themselves with will be gained from experience. It is, nevertheless, valuable to give new staff a start by introducing them some fundamental concepts.
TARGET GROUP:
Designed as an intensive induction course for newly appointed staff, this training is targeted at people working in supported housing for the first time.
COURSE AIMS:
Although the subject area is extensive, this “fast-track” introduction is intended to enable new personnel to come to terms with the broad range of skills and knowledge required in supported housing. The course is run over three days and covers a range of topics:
DAY ONE - AN INTRODUCTION TO SUPPORTED HOUSING
The aim of this day is to equip participants with an understanding of the key elements of supported housing provision and management. By the end of the day, participants should:
Understand the legislative and regulatory framework relating to supported housing
Understand the funding framework for supported housing
Appreciate the roles and relationships between the parties involved
Understand the nature of the environment within which supported housing is designed and delivered
Understand the importance of service evaluation
DAY TWO - INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT PLANNING PROCESS
Day two will concentrate on training staff to understand the importance of individual support planning. The course will equip participants with the skill, knowledge and confidence to prepare and manage effective Individual Support Plans. By the end of the day, participants will:
Appreciate the value of relating support planning to initial assessment
Understand the purpose of ISPs
Know how to construct and manage an ISP
Be able to develop effective review and recording practices
Know how to set targets and measure individual development
DAY THREE - ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN SUPPORTED HOUSING
This day covers the difficult areas of relationships between worker and client, and between workers themselves. It encourages participants to recognise personal and professional boundaries, and seeks to focus attention on many of the emotional challenges faced by support workers.
By the end of the course, participants will:
Be aware of their own personal and professional capabilities, and understand why people behave in the way they do.
Recognise the dangers inherent in the creation of personal relationships, and be able to separate workplace and personal feelings.
Understand the role of the support worker in relation to the client.
Understand the role of the support worker in relation to their colleagues, and understand how they react with other staff.
Understand what makes people react in the way they do.
9. HOUSING AND MENTAL ILLNESS
There persists a general misunderstanding about mental illness and its effect in society. Where tenants adopt chaotic life styles as a consequence of their mental health problems, solutions to the problems are not always obvious.
TARGET GROUP:
The course is aimed at supported housing project staff and general housing practitioners who, through their work, are likely to engage on a regular basis with people who have enduring mental health problems.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of this course is to provide participants with an overview of the various aspects of mental illness; with particular emphasis on setting mental ill health in a housing context.
COURSE CONTENT:
It is anticipated that participants will:
Gain an understanding of the different forms of mental illness.
Gain an appreciation of the impact of mental ill health on society.
Recognise symptoms of psychotic and neurotic illnesses.
Understand the issues surrounding mental illness.
Understand the interaction between tenancy responsibilities and health related behaviour.
Have a basic knowledge of the psychiatric support services.
Have an understanding of the key sections of relevant mental health legislation.
Be prepared for any forthcoming changes in mental health legislation.
10. HOUSING MANAGEMENT FOR SUPPORT PROVIDERS
The introduction of Supporting People – and in particular, the regulatory framework within which it operates – has resulted in managing partners who had traditionally provided a care and support service, having to come to terms with the function and responsibilities of housing management.
TARGET GROUP:
Supported housing staff who have responsibilities for any of the housing management functions.
COURSE AIMS:
It is intended that this course will provide participants with a basic understanding of the key housing management issues in a supported housing setting.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course will introduce participants a wide range of housing management issues including, but not necessarily restricted to:
Occupancy agreements – licenses and tenancies
Rent and housing benefits.
The Tenants’ Guarantee.
Support Charters.
Breaches of tenancy.
Neighbour disputes.
Terminating the tenancy.
Tenant participation.
11. INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT PLANNING (ISP)
The position of the service user in supported housing is paramount. To what extent the provision of support can assist service users towards independent living can only be measured through an effective individual support planning mechanism.
TARGET GROUP:
This course will be of value to housing project staff who are either responsible for the design and maintenance of ISPs or who are involved in interactive work with tenants.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of this course is to equip participants with the skill, knowledge and confidence to prepare and manage effective ISPs.
COURSE CONTENT:
Through discussion and exercises, it is anticipated that participants will:
Appreciate the value of relating support planning to the assessment process.
Understand the purpose of the Individual Support Planning process.
Know how to construct a productive ISP.
Appreciate the role of the tenant in the ISP process.
Know how to set targets and how to measure outcomes.
Understand the value of regular reviews.
12. INTRODUCTION TO DISABILITY AND INDEPENDENT LIVING
The reality of independent living is that people with disabilities are often excluded from accessing community facilities in their daily lives. This course will provide participants with an introduction to disability by exploring limitations for clients in today’s society.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is suitable all those who are working with, or who are likely to work with vulnerable people in the community, which may include those with mental health problems, learning difficulties or physical disabilities.
COURSE AIMS:
The course aims to raise awareness of society’s attitude towards disability. It questions the way services are currently provided and enables participants to more effectively support their clients.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course programme will:
Consider the definition of disability.
Explore the barriers to independence.
Examine clients’ rights.
Challenge attitudes and consider expectations of society.
Consider the benefits of supporting and empowering clients in their daily lives.
examine quality of life issues.
13. INTRODUCTION TO SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Substance misuse is not confined to any one group of people, nor is it confined to illegal substances, and the misuse of chemical substances is an increasing concern within supported housing.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is intended to benefit:
All those working directly with the service users in supported housing.
Managers of supported housing projects.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of this course is to equip participants with a basic understanding of substance misuse and the pertinent issues.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the Course it is anticipated participants should:
Be aware of the history and context of substance misuse.
Understand the definition of substance misuse and the variety of situations this includes.
Understand the principal legal framework relating to substance misuse.
Be aware of the two major theories underpinning work with those who misuse and their implications.
Appreciate why people may start using and misusing substances.
Recognise the most commonly misused substances and their effects.
14. MANAGING STRESS
Stress at work can potentially cause damage to our physical and mental health whilst doing nothing to improve our performance or our relationships with colleagues and family.
It is important to identify the root causes of stress for individuals, changing these where possible or, if not, helping staff to cope with the reality of working life positively and productively.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is intended for all staff who need to balance and control the demands made on them to avoid the negative effects of stress.
COURSE AIMS:
The course aims to provide participants with an understanding of how stress occurs, and will equip them with the strategies for preventing or controlling it.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will have been helped to:
Identify what constitutes stress.
Recognise the signs of stress in themselves and others.
Identify the causes of stress.
Change the causes of and attitudes towards stress.
Learn and practise some simple relaxation techniques.
15. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
Not only is it considered good practice, but it is also a requirement of the regulatory authorities that partnerships in the delivery of supported housing should be secured by sound management agreements.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is suitable for supported housing project managers who have responsibilities for establishing and monitoring service agreements in supported housing.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of this course is to encourage participants to consider the nature of the formal agreements between housing associations and their managing agents.
COURSE CONTENT:
Participants will:
Go through the range of management agreements that apply to different models of housing and support arrangements.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
Outline the main functions of the Agreement.
Discuss the areas that give rise to particular concerns.
Consider ways of resolving disagreements.
Explore the potential for other kinds of service level agreements, particularly between departments within the same organisation.
16. PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE
The nature of supported housing provision has changed over the years and in April 2003, the respective responsibilities of the agencies involved became more clearly defined. If the service user is to gain real benefits from the provision, effective multi-agency working is essential.
TARGET GROUP:
It is expected that this course will benefit:
Those working in supported housing - particularly in the delivery of community based services.
Employees of the voluntary and statutory health and social services who work closely with supported housing providers.
Housing practitioners who are now dealing with an increasing number of clients with additional support needs.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of this course is to encourage participants to consider the interaction between housing practitioners and care and support providers.
COURSE CONTENT:
At the end of the course, it is anticipated that participants will:
Have a clear understanding of which agencies are responsible for housing management, care and support functions.
Recognise the boundaries between housing management, care and support, and understand where the lines legitimately overlap.
Understand the funding arrangements for each of the services.
Be aware of the principal problems encountered by housing managers and support providers and know how to overcome barriers to effective interagency working.
Understand what each party requires from clients in relation to their obligations.
Understand the legal and ethical rights of the individual in multi-agency supported housing.
17. PROTECTING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
The Care Standards Act 2000 is a major new piece of legislation that is being implemented at the same time as Supporting People. This course makes the important links between inspection and audit processes and the implications for protecting the rights of vulnerable people.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is designed to benefit all those responsible for planning and managing accommodation and support services.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of the course is to identify good practice, as well as encourage participants to recognise gaps in the regulation of service provision for those requiring supported housing.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with:
Services covered by the Care Standards Act 2000.
The links between the Care Standards Act and supported housing.
Auditing and inspection processes in supported housing in the light of Supporting People.
The need for monitoring processes within these new regulatory frameworks.
18. ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
In the management of human services, the relationship between client and support worker remains a contentious issue. For much of the time, individual staff are expected to deal with the interaction without assistance and often in isolation. The tension this situation creates can lead to confusion, conflict and, occasionally, periods of absence from the workplace.
TARGET GROUP:
Support workers who have regular and close contact with clients.
Line managers who have a responsibility for supervising project support staff.
Human resource management staff who wish to improve their understanding of the difficulties support workers encounter when dealing with client focused relationships.
COURSE AIMS:
The principal aim of this course is to equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to manage the difficult client/worker relationship.
COURSE CONTENT:
It is hoped that, by the end of the course, participants will:
Recognise the dangers inherent in the creation of personal relationships.
Understand the role of the support worker in relation to the client.
Be fully aware of the extent of the responsibility project workers have towards their clients.
Be aware of the value of continuous situational risk assessment.
Be able to separate workplace and personal feelings.
Acknowledge the potential danger of becoming emotionally involved with clients’ problems.
19. RISK ASSESSMENT AND LONE WORKING
Although there is no general legal constraints on employers to protect staff who work with clients who are potentially dangerous, or who may themselves be threatened, the broad duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 apply. Establishing a safe working environment for staff working with vulnerable people and the people they support is no different from managing the safety of any other employees.
TARGET GROUP:
This course has been designed to satisfy the particular needs of support staff who work with vulnerable people; sometimes in isolation for long periods of the day.
COURSE AIMS:
The principle aim of the course is to encourage participants to understand the importance of effective risk management for lone workers and those working in potentially threatening situations, and for the people they support.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, it is anticipated that participants will:
understand the importance of effective risk management
understand the legislative and regulatory necessity of risk management
understand the significance of Service Aim One
appreciate the role of the worker in the risk management process
appreciate the role of the client in the risk management process
be inclined to work towards establishing and maintaining an effective risk assessment and management plan
20. STAFF SUPERVISION
Staff working in the human services - not least in supported housing - are subjected to a variety of personal, emotional and organisational pressures. The role of the supervisor in helping to insulate staff from these pressures should not be under estimated.
TARGET GROUP:
This course will be of benefit to anybody who has a responsibility for managing and supervising staff in a supported housing organisation.
COURSE AIMS:
Through discussion, group work and role play, the course will introduce participants to the essential elements of staff supervision and individual personal appraisal.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants should:
Recognise the differences between supervision and appraisal.
Understand the purposes of supervision and appraisal.
Know how to plan and conduct an appraisal interview.
Know who should lead the interview process.
Know how to benefit from the process outcomes.
21. SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND STAFF WELFARE
In both residential or shared housing and day care settings it is increasingly likely that staff will face issues related to substance misuse. The “Winter Comfort” case in Cambridge made it clear that all agencies have legal responsibilities but there are also issues related to the health and safety of staff.
TARGET GROUP:
It is expected that this course will benefit managers, supervisors or project workers within residential, shared housing or day care settings.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of this course is to identify the major legal, health and safety issues relating to substance misuse and encourage participants to develop relevant policies and procedures.
COURSE CONTENT:
At the end of the Course it is anticipated that participants will:
Be aware of the duties and responsibilities inherent in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1992.
Be aware of the potential health risks to staff of working with misusers.
Recognise the potential dangers to staff safety.
Understand the ways in which issues of safety and danger can be managed.
Be aware of the legal points that arose from the “Winter Comfort” case.
Recognise the need for specific policies and procedures.
Understand the importance of needle safety and disposal regulations.
22. TEAM WORKING
It is an accepted principle that people work more productively within team structures; that the quality of the service is enhanced and that staff attain higher levels of job satisfaction.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is designed for anybody who is required to work with others.
COURSE AIMS:
The primary aim of the course is to equip participants with the necessary skills to enable them to communicate more effectively and to work productively through the principles of team-working towards shared goals and outcomes.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, it is expected that participants will:
Recognise the team’s strengths as a valuable resource.
Acknowledge the benefits of working as a team.
Recognise communication differences.
Understand the dimensions of the team working process.
Understand the values of the roles of individual team members.
Be able to plan and implement problem solving solutions.
Feel confident in developing effective operating agreements.
23. TIME MANAGEMENT
It is a popular misconception that the principles of time management apply only to senior executives. The way in which support staff plan and manage their time is key to effective service delivery and to minimising stress in the workplace.
TARGET GROUP:
This course is designed for those who have responsibility for managing staff and for any individuals who want to make better use of their time.
COURSE AIMS:
There are three key aims to this course:
to identify time wasting.
to understand the benefits of time management.
to plan the effective use of time.
COURSE CONTENT:
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
Recognise time as a resource.
Self-assess time usage.
Eliminate time wasters.
Prioritise time.
Prepare and use time planning aids.
24. UNDERSTANDING SUPPORTING PEOPLE
The introduction of the Supporting People funding regime in April 2003 has resulted in significant changes for the supported housing sector. An understanding of the regime and what it means for managers through to front line staff is crucial if service delivery is to be effective within the boundaries the funding regime establishes.
TARGET GROUP:
It is expected that this course will benefit:
Those working in supported housing for the first time, especially those in management, policy or strategy roles.
Employees of the statutory health and social services whose work brings them into contact with supported housing providers.
Senior staff of registered social landlords, managing partners and the statutory agencies that are responsible for the planning and delivery of support services.
Elected members and financial decision makers working in the statutory sector.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of this course is to provide participants with a basic understanding of what Supporting People is, its history, objectives, current issues and parameters within which providers work.
COURSE CONTENT:
At the end of the Course it is anticipated that participants will understand:
where Supporting People came from;
its objectives;
how it influences the management of schemes and staff, and front line service delivery and monitoring;
what funding can and can’t be used for; and
The constraints it places on relationships and services.
25. WORKING WITH DRUG USERS
The extent of substance misuse is either increasing or becoming more evident. Workers within supported housing projects are increasingly likely to have to work with clients who require this additional support.
TARGET GROUP:
It is expected that this course will benefit:
Those working in supported housing, particularly in the delivery of community based services.
Employees of the voluntary and statutory health and social services who work with supported housing providers.
COURSE AIMS:
The aim of this Course is to assist practitioners in identifying misuse and working with the clients to develop an agreed work plan or joint care.
COURSE CONTENT:
At the end of the Course it is anticipated that participants will:
Appreciate that we live in a drug using culture.
Recognise the importance of individual drug cultures and their influence on behaviour.
Understand the importance of honesty and language in working with users or misusers.
Gain an understanding of why people start and how they might stop misusing substances.
Understand the concepts of use; misuse; abuse; tolerance; dependency and addiction.
Recognise the importance of defining the user’s situation as a prelude to work.
Appreciate the importance of negotiating a work plan/joint care.
Address: Cymorth Cymru, Norbury House, Norbury Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3AS
Telephone: 029 2055 3687
Fax: 029 2056 4165
Email: info@cymorthcymru.org.uk