Travel Safety
What are some weather related items to keep in your car when doing community based work?
A flashlight, blanket (winter), sand/cat litter (winter), water, sunscreen, bug spray.
What are some things to consider regarding attire for your session?
Dress appropriately for your session and avoid standing out by wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Don't wear hoop earrings, don't wear sandals, be mindful of how you wear your hair (hair down vs in a pony tail/bun)
What information is helpful about a neighborhood that you can obtain from a client before your session?
Type of home (single family, apartment), where to park, safety concerns in the area
How do you make your supervisor aware of where you are in the community?
Use your Carelogic schedule, if there is a particularly high risk situation let your supervisor know prior to going to the client's home and when you leave, make sure your supervisor's phone number is saved in your phone.
What should you do if you arrive to the home and your client is not there?
Contact your client, remain in the vehicle or in a open/ public area until they arrive.
What are some health safety items to keep in your car when doing home based work?
First aid kit, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, Narcan, mask
How can you set safe boundaries for yourself when visiting a home?
Request that visitors not be allowed during session, set the expectation at the start of services that sessions be respectful and without threatening language, use de-escalation techniques, leave the home if there is a threat
What local contact information should you be aware of?
Know emergency contact numbers, nearby hospitals, and police stations.
Why is it important to complete a Home-Based Safety Screening prior to session?
The Home Based Safety Screening assists in capturing risk factors in the home and community.
Where should you park when you arrive?
On the street, at the end of the driveway where you can't be blocked in, or in a nearby lot.
How do you become familiar with the community around your client's house?
Review Google maps to get familiar with the street, finding out more about where the local police stations are, asking your co-workers for tips/tricks/info about the area, know how the area is in different seasons (winter vs summer), allowing extra time for travel, knowing where the closest bathroom is.
What are the steps you should take if you are faced with an emergency or urgent situation like an accident or serious illness while on the job?
If it is a life threatening emergency, always call 911. Prioritize contacting the authorities, as well as your supervisor. If your supervisor is not available, contact your program director.
What should you do if you become stuck at a client home or in the community because of weather or other emergency?
Remain in your vehicle or in a public place, contact emergency assistance if needed, maintain communication with your supervisor for next steps on how to proceed.
What are some ways to assess client risk on an ongoing basis?
Using measures like the PHQ 9 regularly can help determine potential client risks. Having open dialogue and communication with your supervisor, as well as ongoing collaboration with other providers to keep updated on changes in clients emotional needs and challenges.
What are things to notice when you arrive to the client's house?
Is there anyone hanging around outside that doesn't look familiar? Do you know where the front door/entrance is into the home - can you see it from where you are? Are your doors locked? Do you have your phone with you?
What are some things to consider regarding parking?
Ask the client where to park, find a well lit area if you're there at night, make sure you're able to leave in case of emergency (park at the end of the driveway or on the street - don't get blocked in), make sure your car is locked, make sure you aren't leaving personal belongings in the vehicle where people can see inside.
You arrive at a session and believe your client is intoxicated. How should you address this?
The agency policy prohibits us from holding sessions if a client is under the influence of substances. Cancel your session and follow up with your supervisor to decide on next steps.
What do you do if a stranger is following you to a home or session?
If your on a busy street walk into a public store. If you see a police station go in there. Turn down a well lit street. Get your phone out and call 911.
How often do you need to complete the Home-Based Safety Screening?
Before your first session and for every new home you'll be visiting (including group homes, one time visits, moves, etc.)
How should you position yourself in session?
Be aware of surroundings ,and position yourself to see the exit. Pay attention to where the exits are located.
What are some things to consider when having a client in your vehicle?
Make sure they're safe to be in a vehicle with you, if they are a child make sure to have the caregiver put the correct booster seat/car seat in your car, make sure they are using a seat belt, consider having child locks on your car,
How can you prioritize your own mental health/ safety before and after sessions?
Getting enough sleep, eating well, taking breaks. Use supervision to discuss stressors related to work
What are some ways you can protect client privacy while in public?
Maintain client records - do not leave client information in your vehicle.
Avoid conversations about clients in public
Be mindful of people around you when having conversations with your clients in the community
What are some things you should put in your work bag when you go to session?
Paper consents (just in case), your work cell phone, a phone charger, water, a pen, possibly some worksheets/activities/books (depending on your role)
Starting sessions with a supportive tone can have an impact on how your sessions proceed. What can you do to prepare yourself to be in a mindset to provide support in your sessions?
Allow yourself space before your session to center yourself. Take a moment to reflect on your own feelings and stressors- If you aren't in a good space, speak with a colleague or supervisor to discuss ways to process it.