Disability Support Worker

About Support Studio

Support Studio is a different kind of organisation; a place where people, teamwork and fun are prioritised. We provide high-quality supports to people living with mental health and disability. Using a task-focused method of support, we help people turn their goals into outcomes. 

About the Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for casual mental health and disability support workers across South Eastern Melbourne – Berwick and Baxter.

About the role

You will support people living with mental health or disability to achieve their goals, using a method that is trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred.

This particular role involves supporting people with complex needs within their home and community. We provide 24/7 care to the participants, often with psychosocial disabilities and challenging behaviours. You will work with their team of allied health professionals and assist participants to improve their health and wellbeing, building their independent living skills, or simply doing more of the activities they enjoy. You will often be guided by a Behavioural Support Plan or Functional Behaviour Assessment.

Tasks

• Implement the strategies outlined in a Positive Behaviour Support Plan when one is present.
• Provide participants with assistance to complete personal tasks of daily life, and to develop their skills to live autonomously as possible. 
• Provide support to participants to engage in community, social and recreational activities. 
• Support participants towards achieving their goals. 
• Work as part of a team and ensure the participant is always at the centre of everything you do.
• Work collaboratively with the participant, their family and other supports. 
• Work in consultation with the participant’s allied health supports to increase their capacity. 
• Promote an environment that supports and empowers the participant to make choices, self-advocate and achieve the lifestyle they desire. 
• Utilise a holistic model that is task-focused and goal orientated. 
• Ensure that all tasks prioritise safety, privacy and respect for the participant. 
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, reflective practice, secondary consultation and debriefing. 
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the support we provide by identifying and implementing better ways of working. 
• Undertake case notes at the completion of each shift.
• Complete other administrative duties including but not limited to, email, timesheets, incident reports, updating support plans, billing information, and other requirements of our client management system.
• Other duties as specified.

Our values

We aim to put the people we support at the centre of everything we do; making sure their needs always come first. We also value teamwork and supporting one another. We believe having fun is important too, so you can count on us for a good time. 

Why work with us?

You will have access to high-quality supervision, training, reflective practice, secondary consultation and debriefing. We are an inclusive organisation with an environment that is fun, caring and social. We prioritise wellbeing and flexibility and provide a number of initiatives aimed at building resilience and improving health and wellbeing. 

You will be:

• Highly trained, skilled and experienced
• A team player
• Hard working, humble and good with people
• Know how to have fun
• Creative, flexible and adaptable
• Organised, reliable and punctual
• Passionate about making a difference in people’s lives

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Qualifications or studying in mental health, disability, community services or a relevant qualification. 
• Relevant experience working with people living with mental health and or disability, including people with complex behavioural needs.
• Current Driver’s License and appropriate car insurance
• Working with Children’s Check (Employee)
• Valid NDIS Screening Check
• Rights to work in Australia
• Satisfactory completion of:How to stay infection free moduleNDIS Worker Orientation Module
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Disability Act 2006 and other relevant legislation, policies and guidelines.
• An understanding of trauma informed care, strengths-based and person-centred practice. 

Workplace Health & Safety

Support Studio is committed to providing a working environment that is safe for both employees and participants. We prioritise safety, privacy and respect for all parties and are committed to our responsibilities under all local Occupational Health & Safety guidelines. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, people with a disability and other vulnerable people and are committed to actively contributing to a safe organisation in which they are protected from violence, abuse and neglect. 

As an employee, your occupational health and safety responsibilities are as follows:

• To work in accordance with all Support Studio policies and procedures.
• To take reasonable care of your own health and safety in addition to the health and safety of your colleagues and clients.
• To comply with the Child Safe Standards.
• If using your personal vehicle for work purposes, ensure that it is adequately insured and maintained.