In today’s blog, we would like to introduce to you Rob, our Behaviour, Support and Training Lead. Rob previously worked as a Regional Clinical Lead but has transitioned to his new role as the skills and experience he has, allow him to provide specialist training sessions to our nurses and support workers.
What is your responsibility as a behaviour, support and training lead?
As a behaviour, support and training lead, I am responsible for supporting staff nationally by developing their skills and knowledge of caring for children and adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues.
I deliver training to support healthcare professionals in developing their confidence and competence in their role. This enables them to empower the people they support by promoting positive attitudes and values that are consistent with ‘social inclusion’ and Positive Behavioural Support Principles (PBSP).
This provides workers with the support and reassurance required to protect themselves safely and appropriately in the workplace. They are encouraged to evaluate challenging situations with consideration to ethical and legal frameworks. The training I provide places a strong emphasis on behavioural theory and the principles of ‘proactive support’, ‘least restrictive/last resort’ strategies.
This then leads to improved outcomes for individuals by demonstrating a reduction in behaviours of concern and a reduction in restrictive practices in the service.
I am also responsible for supporting workers when they learn about positive behaviour support philosophy and working from the TCS values (professionalism, integrity, passion, expertise and respect) produced by the learning disability, autism and mental health service to promote skills and strategies for independence. I promote positive and proactive risk management so that individuals are enabled to live active and rewarding lives that aren't limited by a restrictive risk prevention approach.
I also champion positive behaviour support to develop and share expertise with the regional clinical leads. I offer them guidance and support when they join me in training sessions. It allows them to discuss their clients and get additional advice if necessary.
What does a typical working day look like?
I have a calendar that outlines my schedule for each working day. For example, my morning will start by welcoming workers to the training session, and I will explain the expectations and what they will need to complete in the session. Before the training, I will begin with some warm-up exercises to get them in the correct mindset and ensure they are ready to learn the personal safety techniques. I make sure to split up the training sessions with coffee and lunch breaks to ensure workers have time to rest and feel refreshed and focused throughout the day.
How does your role impact our workers and/or clients?
The most important thing about the role is passing on knowledge and watching the workers demonstrate it in packages of care whilst ensuring the client's safety is at the forefront of their minds. If there are any errors within the techniques used, then the safety of all those involved is at risk.
What is your favourite part about your role?
Without a doubt, my favourite part of my role is witnessing workers confidence improve considerably throughout the training course. Many of them may not have needed to use de-escalation or safe holding techniques previously, but to see them develop and put these skills into practice is incredibly rewarding.
If you are interested in joining the team at Thornbury Community Services and want to make a difference in our clients' lives whilst empowering them to be as independent as possible, register with us here. Or contact our team on 0333 323 3762.