Team Leader – SDA

Ave Maria is an NDIS registered organisation based in the Illawarra & Shoalhaven. With multiple SIL/SDA Accommodations, in-home care and Community Participation support. Ave Maria is committed to delivering specialist, quality and tailored disability services to the unique needs of each participant that allows them to experience choice and control over their life and ultimately, live their fullest life possible. Due to expansion and 2 brand new SDAs we have up to 2 Team Leader positions available working full-time Monday – Friday with a Rostered Day Off every 4 weeks.

We are looking for organised, passionate and professional applicants to provide direct support to participants as well as mentoring and coaching a team of Disability Support Workers. Working across 2+ NDIS Accommodations you will make a direct difference in ensuring the team is delivering high-quality support and care for people with a disability. If you are caring, motivated with strong organisation and computer literacy skills and have a strong desire to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by developing and coaching a dedicated team then we encourage you to apply.

NOTE: Applications MUST include a cover letter addressing the 3 selection criteria below. Applicants cannot be shortlisted without this.

Team Leaders will;

• Provide person-centred direct care and support to a small group of participants. Fostering skills development, independence and wellbeing. Creating a homely SIL/SDA environment where participants thrive and achieve their goals!
• Mentor and develop a team of Disability Support Workers to ensure high quality, consistent care, accountability, quality documentation and compliance.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation and reporting to audit level standards across homes, training and coaching Support Workers as needed.
• Liaise with Stakeholders including families, allied health professionals and other business departments
• We have a dedicated rostering team & Workforce Manager, you will provide staff feedback and assist in planning to ensure you have trained, knowledgeable and dedicated DSWs across your houses to provide cover at all times.

Your Experience and Skills:

• Certificate IV in Disability, Mental Health, Community Welfare or similar is preferred, support can also be provided in obtaining
• Previous experience in Disability Support Work including strong experience with complex medical needs, SDA settings complex care including PEG, Stoma care, Mealtime Management Plans and/or Palliative care
• Strong computer literacy, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft software and CRMs with the ability to interpret data, write professionally and support others in basic IT Set ups e.g emails, logging client data accurately, writing high-quality shift notes etc
• A demonstrated aptitude for leadership, mentoring and driving high-performance standards with a team of front-line care staff
• Sound understanding of person-centered practices, high behaviors, fostering skills development and implementing positive behavior support plans
• NDIS workers screening check, WWCC,1st Aid and CPR certification essential
• Valid Australia’s Drivers’ License & own insured vehicle & ability to travel locally as well as to the Head Office in Unanderra every 4 weeks is essential

Why Ave Maria:

• Join a dedicated team of Team Leaders working locally, with a nominated admin time and support from a broader office team of rostering, workforce, HR, Finance and Admin staff
• Head office in Unanderra, these roles are based at our new build Nowra Specialist Disability Accommodation sites
• Rostered day off – Full Time positions working a 40-hour week have an RDO every 4 weeks
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential wellbeing support
• Paid flu job, wellbeing programmes and training

If you are interested in Disability Support Work rather than a Team Leader role or these days and hours do not suit you can submit a CV via the expression of interest on our website.

To apply for the position please submit your up-to-date CV and Cover Letter addressing the 3 selection criteria below by 19th June 2026. We will be phone screening and shortlisting as applications are received.

Selection Criteria – This MUST be addressed in your application Cover Letter.

Recommended 150-300 words per question and 1000-word total. Although we appreciate the benefits of AI we want to hear answers directly from your experience. Please respond with personalised answers from your own experience.

1. Describe a time when you faced an ethical dilemma while supporting a person with a disability? How did you balance their right to choice and control with dignity of risk? What was the outcome?

2. Describe a situation where you used data to improve participant outcomes. What data did you use, how did you analyse it, and what impact did your actions have on outcomes?

3. Describe a time you have provided another staff member with feedback or guidance? What was the outcome? Would you do anything differently?