Staffing

Elmwood OSCAR has the staffing capability and capacity to deliver services safely.

Staff and Volunteers

Staff

Elmwood OSCAR is staffed by paid employees who are onsite during programme hours and lead and supervise activities with children. Our staff includes both permanent and casual employees.

Volunteers

Elmwood OSCAR is managed by a committee of parent volunteers whose children attend Elmwood OSCAR. Committee members are unpaid volunteers who receive a discount on fees for their service.

Recruitment Process

Elmwood OSCAR programme provides quality care through fair and consistent recruitment procedures, and the supervision and training of all staff, including relievers and volunteers. All relevant legislation is adhered to. The Recruitment procedure is as follows:

Selection and appointment

• All employment applicants are to go through the same selection and appointment process:

  • Application with C.V. and the application form;

  • Interview;

  • Identity confirmation;

  • Reference check with at least two referees;

  • Police vetting, and

  • Risk assessment,

before an employment is offered.

• Human Resource Manager is responsible for the recruitment process, and, where appropriate, Coordinator is to be involved in selecting Carers.

• Decisions of appointment are to be made on the candidate’s characters, as well as knowledge and experiences that are best aligned with the according job description and person specification. All positions will be advertised, and a shortlist drawn up for interviewing.

Induction

• After appointment, Coordinator is to go through the information folder, containing service policies and procedures regarding Health and Safety, Premises and Facilities, Programme Planning with Carer, before Carer starts undertaking his or her tasks.

• Compulsory professional development training (either in-house or outsourced) is to be arranged with Carer at the induction.

• Carers are intensively supported by Coordinator on their first few days of operation.

• Coordinator is responsible for planning the induction for each new staff member.

Periodic checks

• All staff must complete periodic checks, using the Employment Risk Assessment, every three years.

• Human Resource Manager is responsible for completing periodic checks and keeping the completed Employment Risk Assessment on file.

Elmwood OSCAR abides by the Human Rights Act 1993 and does not discriminate based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. Applicants will be informed of the interviewing committee’s decision by telephone. Upon acceptance of the role, an individual employment agreement and other relevant documents will be sent to the successful applicant. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.

Identity Checks and Police Vetting

• Applicants must provide two forms of ID of which one must be photographic identification.

• Employment is subject to a clean record (excluding minor traffic convictions).

• Police Vetting is undertaken by an online submission to the Police Vetting Service, https://www.police.govt.nz/service/vetting.

Induction and Initial Training

Initial staff training is delivered by senior staff members (those that are over 20 years old and have been employed at Elmwood OSCAR for at least 6 months, and preferably over one year). The Committee Chairperson and other relevant committee members are also involved in the induction process. Other suitable providers may also provide training, e.g. training with Enrolmy providers, etc.

Induction training includes reading the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Staff Operations Manual. Newly employed staff members are directed to carefully read all aspects of the manuals, and especially sections related to the supervision, child protection, and emergency procedures. Staff members are required to sign the documents to show that they have read and understood them.

Ongoing Support and Training for Staff

All staff members receive training in the programme’s Policies and Procedures and are asked to sign that they have read and understand them. Printed copies of the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Staff Operations Manual are kept onsite at Elmwood OSCAR and digital copies are provided to staff by email.

Child Protection Training is held every two years (even years) and attendance is compulsory for all staff working with children. Training is provided by Oranga Tamariki or another recognised agency.

Paid staff meetings are held at least once per term with the following focuses:

• Updates and reminders of staff policies, procedures, and expectations

• Sharing of problems that have arised and discussion of possible solutions

• Staff training in areas such as behaviour management techniques, dealing with tricky situations or parents, child safety, etc

• Review of the previous holiday programme - what went well and what could be improved

• Planning of upcoming holiday programmes and events

First-Aid Training

Elmwood OSCAR requires all staff aged 20-years old and over to be first-aid trained. We encourage staff aged under 20-years old to be first-aid trained. Elmwood OSCAR will pay for a First Aid course once for each employee and for on-going refresher courses as required. Elmwood OSCAR may not pay for full courses where the employee has allowed their certificate to lapse following a Elmwood OSCAR-paid course.