17.1.3 Private paid work

Policy

Supported Lives Staff must not undertake additional paid work for a service user to whom they are delivering a service on behalf of Supported Lives without the express permission of the Operational Manager. Failure to comply with this policy could be regarded as a serious disciplinary matter which may result in dismissal.

Context

Clients often ask a Support Worker to undertake additional tasks not included in their care plan, either paid or on a voluntary basis. If the Support worker agrees to this, it raises a number of problems:

It may mask the need for a re-assessment of the Clients support needs.
The Client or their carers may be confused about the service they should be receiving from Supported Lives , and verification of time sheets and payment due may be difficult.
If the Support Worker is assisting the service user to manage their financial affairs, this could lead to them organising their own payment.

Purpose

This policy is intended to clarify Supported Lives position, and to describe the procedures to be followed in particular circumstances.

Response to a request for additional support

If a Support Worker is asked for additional assistance, s/he should report this to their Team Leader.

If appropriate, the Team Leader should make a referral to the appropriate Care Management team for the user to receive a review of their assessed needs.

Support Workers should be strongly discouraged from providing additional voluntary support.

Existing arrangements

If a Support Worker has an existing arrangement with someone who subsequently becomes a Client they should declare their interest immediately to the Team Leader.