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Click here to download "Facilitation as a Staff Role" PDF
What do we mean by Facilitation?
Facilitation is the process of service providers “making it easier” for individuals to achieve their aspirations and goals. It involves drawing people out, involving all the appropriate parties, and making things happen.
Key Points:
- natural supports/networks are acknowledged and strengthened
- community resources are able to be effectively accessed by all citizens
- resources are co-ordinated
- individuals and family/whanau have maximum control of supports and services
- supports and services are driven by the preferences and aspirations of individuals and family/whanau
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How might Facilitation be achieved?
1. Having good communication Skills
- Creating safe environments
- Open questions - have I found out what the person wants?
- Perception Checking - are we understanding each other?
- Positive Reframing - can I assist the individual to see possibilities not problems?
2. Conflict Management:
- Win/win concepts and practices
3. Networking:
- Comprehensive local knowledge - developing trusting and mutual connections
- Developing relationships i.e family/whanau, community resources and allied social services
4. Strategic Planning:
- Environmental analysis - obtaining a clear picture of local contacts and resources
- Task Analysis - breaking things down into achievable steps so that the individual will experience success
- Asset development
5. Matchmaking:
- Developing connections - linking individuals and thoughtfully withdrawing paid support when relationships are formed
- Checking in - when paid support is withdrawn it is still important to follow-up to ensure that everything is running smoothly
6. Cultural Competency:
- Informed and respectful ways of working
7. Optimism:
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Key Questions for a Facilitator
Facilitation – Key Behaviours
- Paying attention – looking for clues and opportunities
- Structuring success
- Getting “out of the way”
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What might Facilitation look like?
For the individual:
- I am asked what I want and how this can be achieved.
- Supporters know me and my strengths, preferences and aspirations.
- I am encouraged to do things one step at a time.
- Supporters don’t “take over”.
For family/whanau:
- Our “culture” and preferences are respected.
- If appropriate, we can be a part of the process.
For the service provider:
- Clarity regarding the different intent and skills associated with different staff roles e.g. provider, educator, facilitator.
- Training is provided so staff develop the core skills associated with facilitation
- Flexibility is enabled and encouraged.
- There is time allocated to develop community contacts and maintain good relationships.
For the community:
- Mutual relationships are developed.
- The community is enhanced by active contribution from a greater diversity of people.
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Resources and Links
Training
Facilitation Courses
SAMS run regular Facilitation Courses, supported by the VASS administered Training and Workforce Development Fund. Dates and venues can be found on both the VASS and SAMS websites.
www.sams.org.nz
www.nzvass.org.nz
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