Introduction

This document outlines the information required, and the expectations of a Hireup Support Worker when providing support with allergies.  

The provision of support can vary greatly from client to client, with different medical management strategies depending on the allergen and the severity of the reaction. 

The management method that is most suited to the client is to be determined by a registered health care professional, such as a doctor. This is to be documented in an allergy action plan, and reviewed every 12 months or as otherwise stated by the treating doctor. 

An allergy action plan may not be needed where the client has an allergy that is not related to the support provided, such as an antibiotic. This will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Client Operations Team. In the case that a plan is not required, the allergen will be recorded on the person’s Hireup support plan for safety reasons. 

Definitions

Support worker: a person that provides support to the Client, typically in a paid capacity.

Allergy: a condition in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a substance.

Anaphylaxis: a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Allergy Action Plan: a document that outlines for a client:

• What they are allergic to
• Signs and symptoms of a reaction
• Medical management
• Emergency management

Guidelines

Service Provider 

As a service provider, Hireup will: 

• Work with the client to determine their support needs and obtain an appropriate plan
• Ensure the worker has the appropriate training to respond to an allergy emergency

• Regularly review the plan to ensure the information provided is the most up to date and appropriate
• Ensure support workers have access to plans and ensure these plans are only updated by a health care practitioner
• Identify areas of education and training for Support Workers
• Provide support workers with appropriate training and assessment to ensure the safe provision of allergy support
• Provide support workers with access to personal hygiene guidelines 

Support Worker

A support worker MAY: 

• Perform any task that is listen on the plan. If concerned, or unsure about these tasks, the Support Worker should first talk to the person they support or their Account Manager (where appropriate), and contact Hireup for support.

A support worker MUST: 

• Complete appropriate training and online training modules, provided by Hireup within the allocated time frame, unless otherwise specified by Hireup.
• Report any changes or issues to the person, their account manager (where appropriate) and/or Hireup for further guidance
• Escalate any concerns to the person, their account manager and/or the medical practitioner immediately, followed by an incident report to Hireup once safe to do so
• Identify and report any gaps in their ability to provide this support to the person, their account manager (where appropriate) and/or Hireup
• NOT change or deviate from the plan in anyway
• Call emergency services when recommended on the plan or when the situation is beyond what the support worker is able to manage
• Identify any gaps in knowledge and report these to Hireup for further advice.

Client

A client MUST:

• Provide Hireup with an honest and accurate account of their support needs
• Provide a support plan to Hireup that outlines the specific support requirements, completed by an appropriate registered health care practitioner.
• Have the plan reviewed by an appropriate registered health care practitioner when changes occur. At a minimum, the plan should be reviewed every 12 months unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
• Advise Hireup of any changes to support needs, requirements or the care plan.