Inverness care worker issued with warning for being verbally abusive and threatening towards vulnerable person in his care
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AN Inverness support worker with a care at home service has had a warning placed against his registration for two years for being verbally abusive and physically threatening towards a vulnerable young person in his care.
The action against Raymond Mackenzie was taken after an investigation by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) who found that because of his actions his fitness to practise was impaired.
Mr Mackenzie did not ask for a hearing, but the SSSC decided there was evidence that on or around October 10, 2020, while employed as a support practitioner by the Richmond Fellowship Scotland Ltd he placed place one of his arms in front of service user AA to prevent AA from leaving a corridor, shouted at the person and threatened to kick them while at the same time using swear words.
The SSSC found that by his actions Mr Mackenzie caused AA to become agitated and his fitness to practise is impaired because of his misconduct.
The SSSC found that factors in Mr Mackenzie's favour were that he had a good previous history with the SSSC and there was no pattern of concerning behaviour and it was an isolated incident.
The Richmond Fellowship said he no longer works for them.
The ruling stated: "Social care workers are expected to communicate in an open, appropriate, and straightforward way. They are expected to treat vulnerable people in their care with respect and dignity.
"They should not behave in a way which would bring their suitability to work in social care into question.
"While providing support to AA you placed your arm in front of AA to prevent AA from leaving a corridor. You verbally abused AA whilst repeatedly pointing your finger at AA. Your actions resulted in AA becoming further agitated.
"As a result of this behaviour, you breached the trust and confidence placed in you by AA, your employer, the public and the SSSC.
"You showed a lack of judgment and an inability to manage your emotions when faced with a challenging situation. Your behaviour fell below the standards expected of a registered social care worker."
The SSSC noted Mr Mackenzie had not provided them with his comments, adding that they "are
concerned that similar misconduct could be repeated."
The ruling added: "You did provide a response to your employer after the incident. However, we have not been able to conclude that your response showed any insight or regret."
The decision to place a warning on Mr Mackenzie's registration for two years was because the misconduct fell below the standards expected of a registered worker when his duty was to provide care and support to vulnerable people, and his behaviour caused the service user to become agitated.
The notice came into effect on September 9, 2022.
The Richmond Fellowship Scotland is a charity which supports around 2500 people across Scotland with a broad range of needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.
A spokesperson said: "We can advise that following an investigation and disciplinary process, this person is no longer employed by The Richmond Fellowship Scotland."
