For registered NDIS providers operating in residential aged care (RAC) facilities, the identification of risk assessed roles is crucial in adhering to NDIS worker screening requirements. These roles play a pivotal role in safeguarding NDIS participants by preventing individuals who may pose potential risks from being involved in decision-making or close interactions.
In the context of registered RAC providers, risk assessed roles can be categorised as:
- Key Personnel: Individuals with authority over executive decisions of the registered RAC provider.
- Direct Service Delivery: Roles involving direct delivery of specified supports or services to NDIS participants.
- Likely Incidental Contact: Roles expected to involve more than incidental contact with NDIS participants.
The primary objective of identifying risk assessed roles is to minimise potential harm to NDIS participants. By accurately categorising roles based on their level of involvement and interaction with participants, registered RAC providers can establish more rigorous screening procedures for individuals holding such positions. This risk management approach aligns with the overarching goals of NDIS worker screening requirements.
Steps to Identify Risk Assessed Roles
To identify risk assessed roles within your organisation, follow these steps:
1. Review Roles
Examine the responsibilities and interactions of workers and personnel to determine their roles.
2. Simplified Identification
Identifying risk assessed roles often falls into two straightforward categories:
- Key Personnel: Those involved in executive decisions.
- Direct Support Roles: Those directly delivering specified supports or services to NDIS participants.
Complex Identification: Roles with More than Incidental Contact
Identifying roles involving more than incidental contact may be challenging. Registered RAC providers need to exercise their judgment. Consider the following questions:
Physical or Communication Contact: Does the role require physical or communication contact with an NDIS participant?
- If yes, it’s likely a risk assessed role.
- If no, it’s unlikely to be a risk assessed role.
Physical Touch: Does the role involve physical touching of an NDIS participant?
- If yes, it’s likely a risk assessed role.
- If no, it might not be a risk assessed role.
Building Rapport: Does the role involve building rapport with an NDIS participant as a significant duty?
- If yes, it’s likely a risk assessed role.
- If no, it might not be a risk assessed role.
Documentation and Considerations
Registered RAC providers should document the review process for all roles involving NDIS participants, not just risk assessed roles. This documentation serves as evidence of the decision-making process and provides transparency.
Remember:
- These considerations apply only to roles related to NDIS participants, not those serving non-NDIS residents.
- Registered NDIS providers employ individuals in both risk assessed and non-risk assessed roles.
By understanding and implementing these guidelines, new providers can navigate the complexities of identifying risk assessed roles within residential aged care settings. This proactive approach to NDIS worker screening demonstrates a commitment to the safety and well-being of NDIS participants while fulfilling the provider’s responsibilities.
